When you go on vacation, the two biggest purchases are usually your flights and accommodation. That’s why it’s important that you take your time when choosing these. Hotels can be especially tricky to decide on, because there are often so many available that all look amazing! Plus of course, there’s the fear that picking the wrong one could ruin your trip. Don’t worry though, because thanks to the internet it’s easier than ever to find fantastic accommodation no matter where you’re traveling to. To help you narrow down your choices, here are 4 of the main factors to consider when choosing your vacation resort.
1. Budget
It’s generally a good idea to start by figuring out a rough budget for your accommodation. This will not only help you to immediately rule out a lot of places, it also makes it less likely that you’ll fall in love with a resort that’s drastically out of your price range. As part of this step, don’t forget to look out for special offers or discount codes that you might be able to use to get a cheaper price. Lastly, traveling during the off-season for your destination can be a great way to stay at a high-end hotel for a lower rate.
2. Location
There are lots of issues to think about when it comes to the location of your hotel. For instance, you will want to check how easy it is to get there from the airport or train station, as well as how close it is to local public transport. Depending on the type of place you’re visiting, you might also want to look at how near the resort is to the beach, key sightseeing attractions, shops, bars and restaurants. Alternatively, if your aim is to get away from it all, the question might be whether the hotel is isolated enough for you!
3. Rooms
Your room is of course a key factor to think about, as you might be spending quite a lot of time there. Some of the features you want to look at include the size of the rooms, whether or not there’s a balcony, and what amenities are provided. If you’re searching for a luxurious Kona resort or hotel in another island destination, it might be important to choose one that has rooms with a sea view. Meanwhile if you’re going on a business trip, check if there’s a desk that you can work at.
4. Facilities
In addition to the room itself, there are lots of other facilities a hotel can offer that will make your vacation more enjoyable. Some of the ones you might want to insist on having include:
- A gym or fitness center where you can exercise
- A spa or health club for massages and other treatments
- Childcare or kids’ activity clubs to keep little ones entertained
- Restaurants (check the menus to see if they cater to your dietary requirements)
- Bars where you can relax with a drink
- A business center if you’re on a business trip or ‘workation’
- A service that will help you to book tours, activities, and other cultural experiences
- Entertainment for the evenings