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How to pick the perfect hotel for your vacation
One of the most important parts of a trip is having somewhere to stay. So how do you know that you can trust the reviews you read or the pictures you see on a website? It may be tempting to go with the more expensive hotel choices because it feels secure, but here are some things I have learned about booking that make every trip an adventure.
1. Location, location, location…
The first thing to look at is where the ‘center’ of what you want to do and see will be. I am purposefully not telling you to look for the center of a city. It is quite possible that you want to go hiking for a few days, in which case it will be easier for you to get in and out to where you want to go.
2. Don’t book a hotel just because it is close to the airport!
This may actually be exactly what you don’t want. It is good to remember that just because you see an airport hotel, you may not actually be booking a hotel close to anything you want to see. Especially in Europe (because the cities are so old), airports tend to be a good distance from the center of the city. This is also important to remember when you are booking flight times (cue 2AM wakeup for an hour long train ride), but we will cover that another time.
Looking at the map below you would think the airport is close to the city, but it is a solid 40 minute train ride from the airport to the center of Milan. This was especially important information when I booked a flight landing in Milan and expected to catch a train to Rome 3 hours after landing. Luckily I was able to change the train ticket once I figured this out.
3. How will you get to/from the hotel?
The worst thing I can recommend is getting a car when planning to stay in a small, old, European city. You don’t want to deal with the parking pricetag or traffic headache that comes with a car. I an also say that I have yet to find a country in South America that gives you any desire to be behind the wheel. Basically what I have learned is that if you’re not on a road trip, don’t get a car.
So because you aren’t getting a car, you need another way to get around. Luckily Europe has wonderful public transportation whether it’s busses or trains. It will be in your best interest to be close to a train station or bus station to make getting around easier. Remember you may be coming home when it’s dark out, or trying to escape a torrential downpour, closer is definitely better.
4. How much should you really spend?
I have found great deals and I have settled for awful deals. The first time I visited Prague alone I stayed in a hostel, female dorm, and paid approximately $7 per night. This was wonderful, exactly what I wanted it to be. I was 23, travelling alone, and on a budget. I got free breakfast at the hotel and had a warm bed, hot shower, and pleasant roommates. The hostel even had tours each day and good suggestions of what to do. It was located relatively close to the train station, but a bit of a walk from city center.
The next time I was in Prague was much different. Luke and I went together for New Year’s to ring in 2020. We found a large apartment through Expedia close to the main square. We paid approximately $130 per night, including staying New Year’s eve. It was warm, comfortable, had a secure entrance, and was private. Again, it was exactly what we wanted it to be.
Typically I will not spend over $100 for a night in a hotel or apartment for 2 people. Luke and I prefer to spend our money outside of hotels and food (like on wine). I will break this rule on holiday’s or for other special occasions where a hotel is an integral part of the trip we are taking.
5. Getting Rewards points and using them
The best thing I have learned over the years is that if you are going to sign up for a loyalty program, you have to be loyal for it to be worth anything. I made the mistake early on of signing up for every website’s program, and all the airline programs too. After multiple trips in one year I had barely a few dollars I could use for each program.
Since then I have spent a lot of time figuring out which rewards programs work best for me. I have tried Priceline, HostelWorld, Hotels.com, and Expedia. I have personally settled on Expedia. I like the options they have for booking, especially their bundle deals. Whichever site you choose to go with, just stick with it! It’s all up to what you like the best.
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Going along with your insights on driving in South America, you can probably rule out most of Africa as well. Happily they have the boda-boda so who would want to drive? =)
Agreed! I can’t think of many places in the world driving is a good idea. There’s always the “local way” to drive and there’s something they know that I will never figure out!