When you’re planning a trip, it’s essential to consider the destination and the lodging. Your decision about where to stay can enormously affect how much fun your vacation turns out to be. Choosing a hotel or resort is as important as picking the right place for dinner or deciding what to see during the day. We’ve put together this handy guide to help you find the best possible accommodations for your needs and budget. Here are 14 points to consider when booking your vacation lodging.
Table of Contents
1. Location- Vacation Lodging
This is usually more important than anything else. The closer you are to things like shops, restaurants, attractions, and public transport, the better off you’ll be. You may want to go online ahead of time and look up any places that interest you so that you know what’s available in your area.
2. Price- Vacation Lodging
Of course, price matters too. If you can afford to spend a little extra for comfort and convenience, then it’s worth considering. But if you can’t justify the expense, it might make sense to save money by booking somewhere cheap and nearby rather than wasting it on a distant location. It’s always a good idea to compare prices online before making a final decision, even though some hotels will try to offer cheaper rates over the phone.
3. Pet-Friendly- Vacation Lodging
If you have pets with you may want to find a place that allows them. It’s best to do research beforehand, according to where you’re going for your vacation. For example, if you plan to enjoy the best of nature in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, search pet friendly cabins in Pigeon Forge online and book the most suitable place for your family members, including the furry ones.
4. Parking
Parking isn’t usually a problem at most hotels and resorts. They tend to have plenty of parking spaces available for guests, and they often charge an hourly fee for those who need to leave their vehicle parked overnight. However, it’s still wise to check ahead of time. If you’re going to rent a car, you may want to arrange for parking separately rather than relying on the hotel.
5. Amenities
Most hotels and resorts offer a variety of amenities for their guests. These include fitness centers, pools, spas, saunas, bars, restaurants, and laundry facilities. If you’re looking for something specific, it pays to do a bit of research first. For instance, if you plan to spend a lot of time in the gym, it’s probably better to choose a place with more excellent facilities than one that doesn’t. On the other hand, if you’re not planning to use the gym often, it shouldn’t matter too much.
6. Internet Access
You can’t expect to stay connected while traveling without access to Wi-Fi. Most major hotels and resorts offer free Wi-Fi, but you may want to confirm this before signing up for a room. Keep in mind that you may need to pay for access to specific websites. This applies particularly to streaming services like Netflix and Spotify.
7. Food
Hotels and resorts often provide essential food items and snacks for their guests, but these aren’t always included in the price. It may make sense to book somewhere that offers meals on the house, even if it costs more. After all, you won’t have to worry about cooking and cleaning up after yourself if you take this route.
8. Room Service
Some people prefer to eat in their rooms because they feel more comfortable that way. Others enjoy having the option. Most hotels offer room service, but it’s not usually part of the standard rate. You may need to pay extra for the privilege. Again, it’s always wise to check ahead of time, so you aren’t caught off guard.
9. Concierge Services
Concierges can be extremely valuable when you’re trying to get the most out of your vacation. They can give you recommendations based on your preferences and interests, and they can help you navigate unfamiliar territory. Many hotels and resorts offer concierge services, though you’ll probably have to pay extra for them.
10. Travel Guide
Many hotels and resorts put together travel guides full of information about the area. If you’re interested in sightseeing, this is a great resource. You can browse through the guide and learn about all the local highlights, attractions, and points of interest. Then you can focus on seeing those things without worrying about getting lost or missing anything important.
11. Room Size
Every hotel and resort has different sized rooms and suites, and you should always check the details before committing to a particular place. You may find that a suite is perfect for your needs, or you may decide that a smaller room would suit you better.
12. Bathroom Amenities
There are few things worse than arriving at a hotel and discovering that there’s nowhere to wash your hands. That’s why you should always check ahead of time to see what bathroom amenities come with each room. Some have soap, shampoo, and conditioner, while others feature toothbrushes and dental floss. You may also want to ask if any extras are available.
13. Laundry Facilities
Not every hotel and resort has coin-operated washers and dryers available for guests. If you’re planning to do laundry during your trip, it’s wise to check this ahead of time. You never know how long you may need to wait until the machines are free, and it’s easier to avoid this hassle altogether.
14. Room Service Prices
Room service can be expensive, especially if you order a lot of food. That means it’s essential that you understand the prices before you commit to anything. Ask about delivery fees, minimum purchases, and any other charges that might apply. Some places are pretty reasonable, while others can charge surprisingly high rates.
Finding the right place to stay is one of the trickiest parts of a vacation. Fortunately, this list will make sure you don’t overlook any essentials. From room size to food options, you’ll be able to find everything you need to know by reading this article.
