Many people enjoy going on holidays at least once a year. A well-planned vacation allows people the chance to relax and let someone else do all the work. Time away from home is a fantastic way to see a new place or experience a different culture. Long before having such great experiences, there is the yearly ritual of choosing a destination, booking flights and finding a hotel. So, what should you look for in a hotel?
Location
You might forgive a few shortcomings in a hotel if it happens to be superbly located. It’s great to walk out of the front door and be within easy reach of local attractions and amenities. Catching a taxi, taking a bus or jumping on a train to reach your hotel can easily become an inconvenience.
If you happen to be driving to your destination, parking costs at the hotel should be considered. You’ll often pay extra for hotel parking, but it’s usually more convenient and cheaper than a nearby public car park.
Choose hotels carefully because many oversell their convenient location. Some of the worst hotels you’ll find are situated smack in the middle of a city. The reason is that they’re virtually guaranteed to pick up customers and don’t need to try so hard.
Hotels and Health
If you have any health issues that might need attention when travelling, it’s a good idea to check in with a doctor before going on holiday. You can achieve this without even leaving the house by going online to where you can connect to a GP via video
Think about what you want from a hotel room, including any medical needs you might have. Some people are allergic to feather pillows or need a hotel with a lift because of mobility problems. Special dietary needs are also something that hotels restaurants may cater for.
Online Reviews
To avoid being disappointed in your hotel accommodation, look online for reviews. Always be sure to read negative reviews and don’t dismiss them unless they are just a few. A hotel that strives to
treat its guests well is unlikely to attract much bad press.
Peer reviews are most useful when they appear in large numbers. If you choose a hotel based on just a couple of reviews, you’ll be taking a risk. Take note of review dates because out-of-date reviews may not reflect the service provided.
Stars
Hotels in Europe are rated with stars. A five-star hotel always offers a high standard of comfort and service. At the opposite end of the scale, one- or two-star hotels appeal to budget-conscious travellers. Low star hotels are unlikely to offer much more than a basic standard of accommodation but you might pick up a bargain if you do your research thoroughly.
Hotels with three stars or more are subject to random, anonymous spot-checks for quality by members of the European Hotel Stars Union. A minimum three-star hotel is a safer bet if you value comfort and a well-run hotel.
