Choosing the right hotel is not an easy task. With the growing number of hotels, and the different deals, promotions and programs each hotel offers out there, how do you pick one? It can definitely be a bit overwhelming. In the past, hotel star ratings were considered to be very important however nowadays, it does not really mean that much anymore. Most hotels today even have websites which are full of slick promotional pictures and tantalizing views however, most of these pictures tend to be unrealistic and does not really live up to the hype it created. So if you cannot rely on the promotions from the hotel administration itself, and if you cannot simply trust magazines or websites, how do you choose the best hotel for you?
How to Choose A Hotel For Your Trip
As mentioned, hotel star ratings are not really reliable anymore. Even promotional shots shown in websites or magazines are not exactly dependable either. So what can you do? Here are some tips to help you choose a hotel when you are on your trip:
- Decide what matters most to you. In choosing a hotel, you have to consider what matters most to you and what is within your budget. Ask yourself the following: Are you restricted to hotels that only cost $150 per night? Does location trump price – meaning, are you ready to spend some serious cash as long as the location and view is amazing? Do you want to stay at a big hotel with a fitness center and a spa? Or would you rather choose to stay at a small, cozy property that is oozing with local charm? Once you have answered these questions, you may then start a more targeted search for a hotel to book.
- Read actual guest reviews. Reading guests reviews written by actual people who have stayed in that particular hotel is extremely helpful. You can get a first-hand detailed description of that hotel’s amenities, services, atmosphere and etc. You can also glean a lot from their personal experiences – whether they were satisfied with that hotel or not. Using these reviews, you can decide whether or not you would like to continue booking a room in that hotel. Hotel guest reviews are also easy to find – you can find them in guidebooks or magazines or you can even look for them online. You can even choose to ask around first.
- Ask the hotel to show pictures. You can call the hotel you are thinking of booking at beforehand and ask them to show you pictures. Ask nicely, and request that you should be shown the exact room you want to reserve – not any other room. This is a form of ocular inspection – even if it is just through pictures. Or you can ask around first for different opinions about the hotel you are thinking of staying at.
- Loyalty programs. If you are a constant traveler or if you are a part of a frequent flier program, it could be beneficial for you to join a hotel loyalty program. With a loyalty program, you will be able to earn and accumulate points towards a future free hotel stay. You can even use your accumulated points as airline flier miles – however, this depends if the hotel loyalty program you joined is a partner of your frequent flier program. Some other loyalty programs even permits you to redeem points for various other purchases such as car rentals, entertainment or cruises. Make sure to ask around first and join a hotel loyalty program which you think best suits you.