With business trips largely being canceled during the coronavirus pandemic and people generally staying closer to home for fear of traveling, hotels have suffered. Some have even shut down completely. With so many fewer guests, choosing the right hotel for your next trip becomes all the more important. The smallest details can make all the difference when it comes to finding a comfortable, clean and safe place to stay.
It’s easy to find hotels online, and they often feature photos and reviews from previous visitors, but there are so many options that it can be overwhelming. It helps to have an idea of what you want before you start searching. Choosing a hotel that meets your needs will save you time as well as ensure that you don’t waste any money.
Consider the location – is it close to any attractions or activities you plan on doing during your vacation? Is the hotel near public transportation? If you’re traveling with kids, does it have an on-site child care facility or babysitting services? Does the hotel offer in-room dining? If you have dietary restrictions, does the hotel serve vegetarian or vegan meals? Does the hotel have a gym?
You may also want to consider a boutique hotel. These are hotels that tend to be quite trendy and are often themed around a particular aspect of travel or culture. For example, a boutique hotel in Paris might be designed to look like a traditional French village or a modern art gallery.
If you’re on a budget, hostels are a popular choice for travelers who are looking for cheap accommodation. They are typically a mix of private and shared rooms, and they often include basic kitchen and bathroom facilities.
Other types of accommodations that are becoming more common are homestays and Airbnb properties. Homestays are essentially private rooms that are offered by homeowners who are willing to share their homes with tourists or travelers. Often, these arrangements are cheaper than staying in a traditional hotel and can be a great option for families or groups of friends traveling together.
Aside from offering a home away from home, some hotels provide a variety of other amenities for their guests. For example, some have beauty products such as hairspray and deodorant that they will lend to their guests, and other amenities such as yoga mats, phone and laptop chargers and tea kettles.
It’s important to know the cancellation policy of a hotel before you book. This will allow you to be flexible in case something unexpected happens and you need to cancel your reservation. Most hotels will outline their cancellation policies clearly during the booking process and you can always ask for more flexibility. It’s also a good idea to check out local restaurants and attractions for tips on what’s worth doing in the area. Some hotels have a concierge service that can help you with this. In addition, most major tourist attractions and cities will have their own websites with tips on things to see and do.
