How To Pick The Right Hotel For You
Staying at a hotel is an experience that often varies widely from place to place. In choosing a hotel, though, there are some things you can do to improve your chances of finding the right match for your needs. Let's check out three ways you can accomplish that.
Outline Your Requirements
A room should serve a specific purpose. If you're going to spend a lot of time in one during a trip, such as handling a business in the space, then you'll likely want to place a higher value on amenities and service. Folks who just need a room as a place to put their stuff, on the other hand, might benefit from focusing on finding a minimum option that's cost-effective and clean. If you're visiting New York City, for example, the hotel should not be the most memorable part of your trip.
Location Matters Greatly
How a building is situated relative to the things you need to access is critical. If you're going to be using public transportation, you don't want to have to walk five blocks just to hop on a train or bus. The closer stations and depots are to your building, the better.
Similarly, you should consider how the place sits relative to the other spots you'll be visiting. If you're going to be at a particular conference center, for example, it might be better to be situated nearby. This is especially the case for business travelers who plan to do breakout sessions, conduct meetings, or catch dinners after events are over.
Even tourists will benefit from being closer to the places they care about. If you plan to spend several days checking out your favorite museum, for example, it's not worth getting a lower price if you have to spend an hour each day taking the subway or riding in the back of an Uber to get back and forth. Location is at a premium for a reason, and sometimes it's just better to pay up.
Read Reviews Very Closely
Hotel reviews are a tricky business. Disgruntled customers often have louder voices, and it's wise to compare multiple reviews rather than be shocked by one very compelling angry review. In particular, watch for common threads, such as reviewers noting specific staff members who were helpful or individual rooms that have amazing views. Use these themes to get a sense of what your stay would be like.