Planning a trip has more to it than just booking a flight and landing mat at your destination. It requires detailed planning on where to stay, places to go, what to wear, etc. Especially if it’s not a solo trip and you are traveling with friends and family.
One of your top priorities while going on a trip should be your accommodation. Most times, where you stay contributes to whether you have a fun trip or not. If you book a problematic hotel, you are just going to get frustrated throughout your trip and end up having a terrible experience. Accommodation can make or break your trip. Just like places to visit in the UK, there are strategies and tips on how to book a hotel. There are some important things you should know and we will be discussing them in this article.
Here are 6 important things to check before booking a hotel.
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Make research on hotels within the place you are going to
Making research on the hotels around the vicinity you will be in will give you insight into what to expect and how good their services are before opting for a hotel.
Make sure you don’t book a hotel because of how good the building looks, Check out the reviews and ratings and see what the guests have to say about their experience in the hotel. Find out about the neighborhood or environment the hotel is situated in. The hotel might have good facilities and services but might be in an area with a high rate of crime. That’s why it is important to do your research before going on your trip.
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Make sure it’s in a good location
When booking a hotel, make sure to find one that is at the heart of the city. Do not opt for a hotel in a lonely place, go for one that is surrounded by interesting views, like an overview of the city, a beach, etc. Try to avoid hotels that are miles away from the commercial area of the city. Hence, when you want to get something outside the hotel, you can just walk there.
Look for one that is close to an airport, train station, or bus stop, that will make it easy for you to catch a plane, bus, or train whenever you need to without stress. Also, let it be close to a mall so you can go shopping, a restaurant so you can get food if the hotel’s meal is not to your taste, a club so you can have fun, etc. Location is a very important thing to look into before booking a hotel.
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Find out about their service quality and hotel value
Just like you would want to find quality and value in places to visit in the UK, you need to know what a hotel standard is before booking it. You need to know how good their services are, if they offer quality services like changing the bed sheets, cleaning the rooms at least once a day, washing the toilet and bathroom, laundry service, and how quick they are at attending to your needs.
Check out their amenities like 24/7 Wi-Fi services, gym, swimming pool, bar, club, spa, yoga classes, golf courses, etc that can help you out with stress and keep you entertained. Know the type and size of the room and how well arranged it is before booking a hotel.
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How much does it cost and is it worth your money?
The cost of things sometimes might not be a problem for us, but is what I want to exchange my money for worth the price? This is one of the questions most of us ask when paying for something and in this case, it is no different. You need to know if you are getting good value for your money. If the price of booking a hotel is high and you know it is worth it, then by all means pay for it as long as you can afford it. Always make sure that the hotel is worth what you are paying for. Do not pay for a crappie hotel at a high rate.
But if you are on a budget, try to stick to it. Do not spend above your means. You will find a hotel with good service, quality, and reputation that can offer you their services for the amount of money or even less than you have budgeted for.
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Find out if they offer any transportation services
Instead of renting a car and driving yourself, especially in a strange city, it’s easier to use the hotel’s shuttle services or private drivers who are available for you. That’s why choosing a hotel that offers transportation services should be one of your things to look out for when booking a hostel.
This comes in handy when you do not know how to navigate around the city or when you are out at night. You do not have to get worried about losing your way or having to deal with the road routine of a new town.
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Security
Make use you are booking a secure hotel. Your safety and that of your personal belongings should be one of your priorities when booking a hotel. Look out for security guards, checkpoints, and security cameras.
Booking a hotel, especially for a vacation, is not as easy as it looks. Apply these tips and see how easy it becomes for you.
