9 Things To Look For When Booking Accommodations

Today’s traveler has a wealth of choices when it comes to booking accommodations for a trip.

From traditional hotels to Airbnb properties and everything in between, there has been an explosion of options for where to stay during your travels. Some places are a destination and an attraction in itself.

With the advent of peer to peer economy and dealing with non-traditional businesses and lodging, there is a greater need to make sure that the place you are booking to stay at has what you need.

Regardless of whether you choose to go with a 5 star hotel chain, a hostel, a castle, or a treehouse, you need to make sure that it has what you consider as necessary features for an enjoyable visit. These will vary according to your specific needs and travel style.

Here are 9 things to look for when booking accommodations:

1. Total Cost
Check for the price per night and how it comes out to for your total stay. Be mindful of seasonal rates, extra fees (service charge, cleaning fees) and taxes.

 

2.  Reviews
Get a general sense of what past guests are saying about their stay. There are some who can be overly effusive with their compliments, while there are others who will always find fault in anything. Read several reviews to get a balance opinion, looking for those that give specific details for better insight.

 

3. Location
The ideal location for your accommodation depends largely on your travel plans and itinerary.

If you’re looking for a relaxing, quiet retreat, then you may want a room or hotel far away from the crowded or tourist districts. If you’re looking to explore the area, you’ll want to be closer to the city center or at least close to reliable public transportation for easy accessibility. Use Googlemaps to locate your desired property and study its proximity to the attractions, restaurants and nearest train or bus stations.

Being close to the popular destinations and commercial districts may also mean higher noise levels.

Safety and security should also be major considerations. Generally, the tourist zones have more police presence and crimes tend to be opportunistic like pickpocketing.
If you are looking to stay in a more remote location, do a quick search of the crime rate.

4. Cleanliness and Comfort
Customer reviews are your first place to check about the cleanliness of a place. Photos provided by the property are always going to look great and impeccable. Customer photos, when available like on TripAdvisor will give you a more realistic view.

 

Once you get to your room, do a quick sweep and see if you’re satisfied with the cleanliness and comfort of the place, including linens, towels, heat/A/C. If you have any issues, make sure to tell the front desk, manager or owner and let them fix the issues. Don’t hesitate to ask to ask for a room change if you find the room unacceptable. They may not have anything else to offer, but ask anyway if it bothers you that much.

 

5. Facilities and Amenities
Before booking, ask about the amenities that you need. Most hotels come standard with the typical amenities, but check for things that you know can make or break a trip for you, like:
• Refrigerator, Coffee/Tea Kettle, Microwave
• Ironing board, iron , Hair dryer
• Elevator – Definitely something to ask if you have big, heavy luggage to haul up and down
• Parking – This can rack up a substantial amount per day if you have to pay for it. Check for safety as well
• Fitness Center, Pool, Spa
• Baggage Storage – If you’re looking to explore the area a bit more ask about dropping off your luggage before check in or after check out to maximize your time and minimize hassle.

 

6. Complimentary Breakfast
Having free breakfast is a big money-saver, especially for bigger groups. If offered snacks to go, take them for the road.  It’s also a great time to socialize with your host and other guests.

 

7. Wi-Fi/Internet Station
Get a straight answer if there will be Wi-Fi in your room. Many places will advertise free Wi-Fi, only to have it available just in the lobby or certain areas. If you need to get work done, check important email or do more research on your travel activities, make sure you are good access.

 

8. Airport transfers, shuttles
Saving on airport transfers and taxi fare is a good reason to stay at a place that offers them for free.

9. Specific Needs
Ask about your specific needs and make sure the property is aware of your particular situation, so that they can serve you properly. These could include:
a. Family – needing a cot or Pack and Play; see if the property is family friendly or child-safe or child-proof (gates around pools)
b. Wheelchair – ramps and door width to enter rooms and bathrooms
c. Pets – if allowed; also if the property has or allows pets, reconsider if you have pet allergies
d. Special Needs – for both children and adults, considering their specific needs for health and wellbeing (raised toilet seats, grab bars in bathroom, shower chair)

 

You won’t always get everything you need or want. If you do, it will usually come at a premium price. Prioritize which features are most important to you for your particular trip and rank your options from there.

Check the things on this list that you need and tell us what other items or features do you ask and look for when looking for an accommodation.

If you want to try Airbnb for your next trip, click here for a $25 credit to go towards your stay!