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How to Find the Right Hotel for Your Trip By Kim Sabshin  |
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Summer is a great time for getaways and relaxation, and you’ve made plans to go on a vacation with your family. However, you could run into problems if you don’t know which hotel to book or, worse still, if you pick the wrong one and everyone winds up tired, cramped, or angry. While finding the right hotel can be a challenge, it can be easier than you think – hotel shopping doesn’t need to be a necessary evil if you follow these easy tips.
Call the hotel ahead of time. This might seem like a no-brainer, but it can save a lot of trouble and unpleasant surprises when you check in. Also, instead of just calling the phone number for the hotel chain, make sure you find the number of the specific hotel and speak to an actual person. Problems can arise whenever you speak to an automated service since it may not be able to check up on things at the hotel and verify your questions.
Make any necessary accommodations for children. Since a lot of hotels either don’t have cribs or keep old ones that may not be safe anymore, ask ahead of time. Also, think about how much time you will want to spend alone with your partner versus as a family. Some hotels have kids’ activities or babysitting services for parents who want more alone time, while others offer package deals for family activities in the area. Finally, think about whether older children would prefer to stay in adjoining rooms, or if you want a deck or an adjoining room to stay in after you put your baby or young child to bed.
Check the size and layout of the room. If you’re a mom traveling with four kids or a college student traveling with five or six friends, you won’t want a single room with two twin beds. Some hotels specifically cater to large groups or travelers staying for an extended period of time. Look for suites and multiple adjoining rooms, built-in kitchens, and other features that you might be interested in. Not all of these will be unnecessarily expensive, and you can find some deals as long as you pay particular attention to the tip below this one.
Location, location, location. This cliché doesn’t just apply to real estate. It can make all of the difference between a 5-star hotel and a 2-star hotel, and also between getting home safe and being stuck in the middle of nowhere if an emergency arises. Before you book that great deal on a hotel, make sure that you are within reasonable distance of any restaurants, drugstores, and hospitals, as well as your destination.
Also, every city has good and bad neighborhoods. Generally, if the hotel has gotten good reviews or if all of the negative comments have been about very minor issues, you should be safe. If people have commented on broken windows and garbage in the hotel’s immediate area, infestations, or dirty living conditions, look elsewhere.
While traveling is often fun and unforgettable, you don’t have to be burned by a bad hotel or an otherwise bad experience. Make sure that your vacation is great from start to finish, with a minimum level of stress, by finding the right hotel for your trip.
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