Booking any vacation or trip can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Finding an affordable flight and reserving a fabulous hotel room within your budget are your two major concerns. You found a flight, so now what? You need to find a place to stay that offers benefits and fits your budget. Finding a perfect hotel is tricky, so you’ll need to comparison shop before you reserve your spot.
- First, consider where you’re going, and where you need to stay. Are you traveling to see one specific area that you’d like your hotel to be close to, or you need to stay in a certain town or city? Proximity is helpful when you’re sightseeing and you don’t want to be too far away from tourist attractions, or if you’re attending a special event like a wedding. If you’re traveling to the United Kingdom, check StarStay for affordable in a variety of hotels in amazing locations like England and Wales. For overseas trips, consider a few things before you commit to a hotel: first, is it a chain hotel? Sometimes, chains offer a better discount on rooms and provide amenities like free breakfast.
- Secondly, are you traveling for business or pleasure? If you’re on a business trip, chances are you won’t have much time to sightsee, so you can stay somewhere that’s outside the city proper. This will definitely save you money, and if you won’t be spending a lot of time in your accommodations, it should work out well for sleeping purposes. If you’re traveling for pleasure, consider what features appeal to you. Do you want an all-inclusive package that comes with drinks, meals, and activities? Are you splurging for a luxury suite or are you keeping to a budget? When are you reserving your room and how far in advance of your trip? Reserving a room as soon as possible will save you money.
- Thirdly, think outside the box. Are you traveling to a place that is known for delightful bed and breakfasts? Sometimes these places, as well as inns, provide comfortable, charming places to stay for a lower price than larger hotels with more amenities. Staying at a unique spot can add something to your trip. If you do decide to go first class, opt for a suite at a hotel. Even though the room may be pricier than average, these hotels typically offer benefits that make it worth it, like free mini bar service, concierge service, and dry cleaning, among other things.
If you’re not sure where to start, consider looking at reviews of the hotels you’re considering. Honest reviews from past patrons offer a glimpse into what you may encounter when you visit the hotel. When you are comparing hotels, write down a list of things you would like in your hotel. Things to put down on your list include factors like location, features, any special things you may need such as a large suite or handicapped access, and your final budget for reserving a room. Many sites allow you to choose a hotel based on your specific requirements, which can speed up the process and ensure you find what you are looking for.