Selecting a lodging option for an upcoming trip can be daunting. As a frequent traveler, I’ve found that using specific, repeatable criteria can quickly and easily help me determine the best place to stay. Here’s how you can make the process more approachable whether you’re traveling to a new resort, island, city, state, or country.
DETERMINE YOUR TOP REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS TRIP
Begin with points that will make this stay the best it can be. Need a location near cultural sites or public transportation? Want a resort away from it all, with great food, or lots of activities? Starting with things that make the most sense for this trip gives you a great foundation. Let’s say you need a great hotel near the honky-tonk bars of Nashville. Perhaps start by looking at the Hyatt Centric Nashville—situated just two blocks from Broadway where the bars are fired up and waiting for you.
WEED OUT LESSER REQUIREMENTS
Don’t let things you won’t use cloud your choice. A venue with free parking but you won’t have a car? You don’t need that. A hotel that’s pet-friendly but Fido’s at home? Not a value for you this time. Should a lodging option meet your needs and ALSO offer bonus items, that’s icing on the cake. A recent stay at The Beach and Cabanas Hotels in Tulum met my top needs, but also offered direct private beach access, stunning views, a private patio and jacuzzi, inclusive breakfast, free on-site yoga classes, free parking, an on-site spa, bicycle rentals, and a short commute into town, making it a fantastic pick with extra value.
CHECK LOCATION BUT DON’T NEGATE FARTHER-OUT OPTIONS
You don’t always need to stay in the center of things to get good value. Say you’re heading to Charleston SC for a few days, but also want to feel like you’re escaping town for a bit. Try a place further out such as The Beach Club in Mt. Pleasant. While just a short water-taxi ride into Charleston, the hotel makes you feel like you’ve gotten away from it all. It’s a viable choice for most itineraries and can even deliver MORE than what you were originally looking for, so don’t always negate lodging options that are a bit outside your destination.
READ REVIEWS BUT QUALIFY THEM
Taking hotel ratings at face value can be deceiving. Be sure any point brought up was directly related to their stay. What’s being complimented (and lamented) and will those things apply to you? Has the resort since addressed those issues? Give preference to the most recent reviews, as those are more relevant to your stay. On the flip side, if you stayed at a hotel and appreciated their personalized service or noticed an improvement, hop on and note that for others.
NOTE WHAT AMENITIES AND SERVICES ARE INCLUDED
Sometimes you don’t need every amenity. Other times, you can benefit from add-ons you wouldn’t get with a neighboring hotel. For instance, staying at Savoy Palace in Madeira Portugal, allows you to walk to the neighboring hotels in their portfolio for dining, beach, and pool use or to enjoy a better rooftop view at no extra charge (they also have three other resorts on the island you may dine at as well). This expands your options verses another hotel with no such extras. By the same token, a stay at an all-suites property could allow for a longer, more comfortable stay for families, as it allows everyone to be together and utilize things like a kitchenette and fridge to add extra savings.
LOOK INTO LOYALTY PROGRAMS
If you’re are able to capitalize on points or a loyalty program, then this could also be a deciding factor on where to stay. Perhaps your points total allows you to qualify for a larger or better room, or you can bank them to use on a future vacation.
By beginning with these tips, you’ll make that search for the perfect lodging option much easier—and set yourself up for success (and a better stay) in the future.
