Are you planning a trip but are unsure which hotel to book? The hotel you choose is one of the most critical decisions to make with little room for compromise, especially now we are living a "new normal" after Coronavirus lockdown. For your health, you want to ensure your hotel is Covid-compliant.
Being proactive in your choice, carrying out research, and doing a comparative analysis will ensure you pick the right room for you. You may want a standard room with no TV, or a suite with fridge and seating options. Perhaps internet connectivity, complimentary breakfast or airport pick up is important.
When choosing your hotel, there are many things to take into consideration such as your travel budget, location, style, or personal needs. A hotel which initially offers a lower price may end up costing you more than a higher rated hotel which offers complimentary amenities.
To help you minimise your inconvenience, Feet Do Travel have provided practical advice with ten tips to help you booking the right hotel.
Being proactive in your choice, carrying out research, and doing a comparative analysis will ensure you pick the right room for you. You may want a standard room with no TV, or a suite with fridge and seating options. Perhaps internet connectivity, complimentary breakfast or airport pick up is important.
When choosing your hotel, there are many things to take into consideration such as your travel budget, location, style, or personal needs. A hotel which initially offers a lower price may end up costing you more than a higher rated hotel which offers complimentary amenities.
To help you minimise your inconvenience, Feet Do Travel have provided practical advice with ten tips to help you booking the right hotel.
Make sure you check the location prior to booking to ensure it meets your requirements
1. Check the Hotel Location
It is essential to know the exact location of your hotel before booking it. You don’t want to book the hotel of your dreams, to discover a busy road surrounding it when you arrive.
To prevent this situation, look at the hotel’s map view feature which will give you a clear idea of its location, or check out Bing's Bird's Eye View or Google Street View.
For example, http://westgateresorts.com/hotels/clean/ have affordable rates, are clean and hygienic and have excellent locations.
2. Read guest reviews
We never book a hotel without checking reviews. If using a hotel booking service such as Traveloka, Booking.Com or Agoda, always read guest reviews, and we also check Trip Advisor to compare. Make sure you read more than one or two for a fair assessment.
Reading reviews will give you a clear view of the hotel amenities, quality of service, whether staff are helpful and cooperative, condition of the rooms, any added features, and much more. Some reviews will provide more details such as are there shops nearby, is there a recommended street food hawker or restaurant, what else is there to do in the area, is it a safe location, how far is the hotel from amenities and is it easy to get around?
Prepare a list of questions, because reading through reviews will usually answer these for you.
It is essential to know the exact location of your hotel before booking it. You don’t want to book the hotel of your dreams, to discover a busy road surrounding it when you arrive.
To prevent this situation, look at the hotel’s map view feature which will give you a clear idea of its location, or check out Bing's Bird's Eye View or Google Street View.
For example, http://westgateresorts.com/hotels/clean/ have affordable rates, are clean and hygienic and have excellent locations.
2. Read guest reviews
We never book a hotel without checking reviews. If using a hotel booking service such as Traveloka, Booking.Com or Agoda, always read guest reviews, and we also check Trip Advisor to compare. Make sure you read more than one or two for a fair assessment.
Reading reviews will give you a clear view of the hotel amenities, quality of service, whether staff are helpful and cooperative, condition of the rooms, any added features, and much more. Some reviews will provide more details such as are there shops nearby, is there a recommended street food hawker or restaurant, what else is there to do in the area, is it a safe location, how far is the hotel from amenities and is it easy to get around?
Prepare a list of questions, because reading through reviews will usually answer these for you.
For some people, decent wifi is important, so check reviews for the hotel's internet connection
3. Internet Connection
If you are a digital nomad or having decent internet is important to you when choosing a hotel, check out whether they have Wifi and if it’s free. Some hotels may charge a nominal amount, and some may only have access in certain areas or limited to specific devices.
If the hotel offers one Wifi code for one device, this may be sufficient for your needs if you are a solo traveller, but if you need to access multiple devices or are travelling with others, this may not be suitable.
If you are a digital nomad or having decent internet is important to you when choosing a hotel, check out whether they have Wifi and if it’s free. Some hotels may charge a nominal amount, and some may only have access in certain areas or limited to specific devices.
If the hotel offers one Wifi code for one device, this may be sufficient for your needs if you are a solo traveller, but if you need to access multiple devices or are travelling with others, this may not be suitable.
Do you want breakfast included, or do you prefer to eat at local restaurants?
4. Complimentary breakfast
Complimentary breakfast is another important factor to consider. You may be someone who wakes up, enjoyed a cup of coffee and breakfast before you even think about your day, so a hotel which has breakfast included is imperative.
Maybe you are a budget, and you plan to eat a large breakfast setting you up for the day. You can then skip lunch and save money, or this will free you up to go on a day trip without having to rely on finding somewhere to eat.
Many people travel to experience local food and culture, and prefer giving their money directly to a small café or restaurant where there is the opportunity to get to know locals. A hotel which has a self-catering or room only basis will be more suitable for this type of traveller.
Complimentary breakfast is another important factor to consider. You may be someone who wakes up, enjoyed a cup of coffee and breakfast before you even think about your day, so a hotel which has breakfast included is imperative.
Maybe you are a budget, and you plan to eat a large breakfast setting you up for the day. You can then skip lunch and save money, or this will free you up to go on a day trip without having to rely on finding somewhere to eat.
Many people travel to experience local food and culture, and prefer giving their money directly to a small café or restaurant where there is the opportunity to get to know locals. A hotel which has a self-catering or room only basis will be more suitable for this type of traveller.
Do you want a swimming pool, spa, hairdryer or trouser press? Don't forget to check the hotel facilities
5. Hotel facilities and toiletries
Maybe a hairdryer is important to you, or a trouser press, maybe you want a morning swim or to go for a spa. If hotel amenities are not listed or mentioned in guest reviews, contact the hotel before you book.
Details which may seem minor to the hotel could be essential for you, especially if you are going away for a special occasion like a wedding or big birthday.
6. The type of hotel you want
The type of hotel you stay in is very important. If you are a couple you may not want to stay in a family-friendly hotel, if you are a family then an adult-only hotel is out of the question, and a group of friends may prefer an apartment or all-inclusive.
For travellers who care about the environment, and wish to minimise the impact on the country they are visiting, look out for eco-friendly options such as Moalboal Eco Lodge in the Philippines. Eco-friendly accommodation can help you travel plastic free, they may have Eco Shops selling environmentally friendly products, and can provide suggestions how you can help the local economy.
Maybe a hairdryer is important to you, or a trouser press, maybe you want a morning swim or to go for a spa. If hotel amenities are not listed or mentioned in guest reviews, contact the hotel before you book.
Details which may seem minor to the hotel could be essential for you, especially if you are going away for a special occasion like a wedding or big birthday.
6. The type of hotel you want
The type of hotel you stay in is very important. If you are a couple you may not want to stay in a family-friendly hotel, if you are a family then an adult-only hotel is out of the question, and a group of friends may prefer an apartment or all-inclusive.
For travellers who care about the environment, and wish to minimise the impact on the country they are visiting, look out for eco-friendly options such as Moalboal Eco Lodge in the Philippines. Eco-friendly accommodation can help you travel plastic free, they may have Eco Shops selling environmentally friendly products, and can provide suggestions how you can help the local economy.
The size of the hotel room and room type are essential to your holiday - make sure you get it right!
6. Size of the hotel room
The size of your hotel room is usually the biggest cause for traveller complaints, whether they have chosen budget-friendly or a five-star hotel.
Make sure you choose a room that suits your needs. If you don’t intend to spend long in your room, you may be happy with a smaller size which has a large bed and a decent shower. However, if you have lots of luggage and plan to spend more time at your chosen accommodation, a bigger room will suit you more comfortably.
7. Room Type
Twin beds or double bed? Is there a terrace or a place to smoke? Is there a separate bedroom and living room? Choosing whether you want a single room, standard room, Deluxe room or suite will make or break your holiday.
The size of your hotel room is usually the biggest cause for traveller complaints, whether they have chosen budget-friendly or a five-star hotel.
Make sure you choose a room that suits your needs. If you don’t intend to spend long in your room, you may be happy with a smaller size which has a large bed and a decent shower. However, if you have lots of luggage and plan to spend more time at your chosen accommodation, a bigger room will suit you more comfortably.
7. Room Type
Twin beds or double bed? Is there a terrace or a place to smoke? Is there a separate bedroom and living room? Choosing whether you want a single room, standard room, Deluxe room or suite will make or break your holiday.
Have special needs? Want a lift or a pet-friendly hotel? Check with your accommodation before you book
8. Special needs
Do you have any special needs? For example, will you be travelling with a pet you will be looking for a pet-friendly hotel. For people with physical disability, you will want a hotel with a lift or a room that offers elevated toilet seats. Maybe you have special dietary requirements; vegan, gluten free, nut allergy or halal.
9. Discounts and offers
Who wouldn't want to book a hotel offering discounts? If you can save some cash on your hotel, you can allocate this towards day trips or other activities such as scuba diving.
Some hotels offer a loyalty card which have various rewards such as free dinner or free airport pick and drop off.
10. Conclusion
With so many different possibilities when booking your holiday accommodation, you will undoubtedly find something that is suitable for you.
If you follow these hotel booking tips, you will be sure to have a most memorable holiday!
Do you have any special needs? For example, will you be travelling with a pet you will be looking for a pet-friendly hotel. For people with physical disability, you will want a hotel with a lift or a room that offers elevated toilet seats. Maybe you have special dietary requirements; vegan, gluten free, nut allergy or halal.
9. Discounts and offers
Who wouldn't want to book a hotel offering discounts? If you can save some cash on your hotel, you can allocate this towards day trips or other activities such as scuba diving.
Some hotels offer a loyalty card which have various rewards such as free dinner or free airport pick and drop off.
10. Conclusion
With so many different possibilities when booking your holiday accommodation, you will undoubtedly find something that is suitable for you.
If you follow these hotel booking tips, you will be sure to have a most memorable holiday!
