As you prepare for your next getaway, the excitement of exploration is often accompanied by the anticipation of booking the perfect accommodation.
Picture: Unsplash/Vojtech Bruzek
A hotel stay can either make or break your overall travel experience. As such, intentionality and careful consideration are essential when deciding where you will rest your head.
Here are a few essential tips to consider for your next hotel stay:
Prioritize research and compare
Ensure that you have conducted thorough research on your accommodation before finalizing your booking. Gather as much information as possible about the hotel, and do not neglect reviews.
Additionally, while it is often said that comparison is the thief of joy, comparing different accommodation options can be a game-changer. Make sure that you compare prices and different offerings in order to get the best rates and deals.
Amenities and possible additional charges
It is essential to have full information on the hotel’s amenities. That way, you will be able to ascertain whether booking a particular hotel is worth it, and whether you will be getting value for money.
Find out if the hotel offers wifi access, as well as whether it is free. Inquire about breakfast options as booking a hotel stay with a complimentary breakfast can be quite convenient.
Make sure that you are in the know about any other additional charges. For example, will you have to pay for parking during your stay?
Knowing about the additional charges that come with your stay will help you to avoid disappointment and unpleasant surprises.
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Children, pets and special requests
Your hotel stay has to complement the kind of getaway you have in mind. If you will be travelling with children, inquire about whether the hotel is child-friendly. It also helps to find whether there are any activities which your children would be able to enjoy in and around the hotel.
If you would like to travel with your furry friends, find out if the hotel is pet-friendly. Additionally, do your due diligence regarding the hotel’s pet policies. This will place you in a better position to find a hotel that is suitable for your desired stay.
Moreover, if you have any special requests, make it a point to ask about the hotel’s ability to cater to them.
For example, will they be able to fulfill your room and sleep preferences? Do they provide any complementary perks for a special occasion you will be celebrating?
Check-in and check-out times
Being unaware of your hotel’s check-in and check-out times can very quickly misalign some of your travel plans.
Familiarize yourself with your hotel’s check-in and checkout times. By doing so, you will also be able to avoid extra charges.
It also helps to find out about the possibility of early check-ins and late check-outs as that can be quite useful for your travel arrangements.
Read the cancellation policy
Understanding the cancellation beforehand is important. Read the fine print in order to not miss any additional charges associated with cancellations or booking changes.
If possible, opt for hotels that offer flexible cancellation policies. This will come in handy should your travel plans change.
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