6 Important Things to Consider When Choosing a Hotel

There’s nothing wrong with being too discerning when it comes to choosing a hotel. Being choosy with your accommodation guarantees a comfortable, hassle-free stay and ensures value for your money. Doing so will also help you make the most of your time. The question is: What should one look for when choosing a hotel? Here are a few factors to look into when booking a hotel. What should one look for when choosing a hotel? Here are 6 important things to consider when choosing a hotel.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Hotel

Location

Ideally, you would want to check in at a hotel that is strategically located relative to the purpose of your trip. Suppose you are going on a business trip in Pasty City, then securing a hotel booking in Pasay should be a major factor when choosing accommodations. In the same manner, you must look for hotels in and around the City of Manila if you are planning to explore the Philippine capital. Planning to visit the Golden Gate City? Exploring beautiful San Francisco hotels and finding the one that suits all of your needs is a must.

By considering a hotel’s location, you increase the likelihood that all your potential needs, like transport, shopping malls, food establishments, and tourist destinations (in case you are on vacation), will be in close proximity to where you are staying. Taking a hotel’s location into account will also help you find accommodations in a safe and secure area. 

Amenities

You must also consider the hotel’s amenities. Three things to look out for are air-conditioning to help you sleep comfortably, Wi-Fi for you to stay connected online, and a complimentary breakfast to allow you to start your day with a good meal. Other basic amenities that a reputable hotel ought to offer include room service, 24/7 reception, and a concierge. 

That said, focus on the amenities that matter to you the most. If you are okay with only the bare minimum, like a room with a bed and an electric fan, then narrow your search accordingly. If you are commuting rather than driving your own car, then parking will not be an issue for you. The takeaway is that you can find your ideal hotel by focusing on what you want from an establishment. 

Safety and Security

The hotel you will stay in will be your home for the duration of your trip. So, it makes perfect sense for you to want a safe and secure home away from home. This is why you must also consider a hotel’s safety and security record, along with the measures they are implementing to ensure both. 

Most reputable hotels today offer technologically advanced safety features, like the use of electronic key cards as well as the option of using safety deposit boxes for your valuables. Location is a factor here, too, as some hotels are located in populated areas that may not have a prominent police presence, while others are in upscale communities that are relatively peaceful and crime-free.  

Reviews

Choosing a hotel nowadays is more convenient thanks to online booking sites. Aside from letting you make reservations online, these sites also have hotel reviews written by people who actually stayed in the listed hotels. Reading these reviews will give you a better sense of the quality of a hotel’s service and amenities and help you make the right choice. 

Just make sure that you are reading recently written reviews—within the last 6–12 months, ideally—since those written years ago may no longer be giving an accurate description of the hotel. Remember, hotels can also get better over time by getting upgrades and addressing problem areas, so there is a possibility that a poorly reviewed hotel five years ago might have improved now. 

Pricing

While the amount you are going to pay for accommodations depends entirely on your budget, it is still important to crunch the numbers first. The idea is to find a hotel that not only suits your budget, but also offers the best value for your money. You can do this by checking out the amenities of different hotels, reading their reviews, and then cross-checking rates across three or four reputable booking sites.  

Once you have a shortlist of hotels that you like, double-check with each one by either giving the hotel a call or communicating with them directly on their website. Ask for rates and room availability, as well as check-in and check-out procedures. You can also ask about the hotel’s amenities, location, safety and security measures, and services. 

Cancellation Policy

You must also factor in a hotel’s cancellation policy before choosing one. The reality is that emergencies and unforeseen circumstances can crop up, and these might leave you no choice but to cancel your reservation. 

In that case, a cancellation policy will prove helpful and allow you to recover a portion of your money if you have paid a deposit already. So, do check with the hotel if they have a cancellation policy and how it works, just in case you need to exercise it. 

Final Thoughts

If you know what to look for and do your due diligence, you will more often than not find the right hotel for your needs and budget. So, make sure you consider the important things outlined above in every one of your hotel searches in the future.