Find the Right Hotel For Your Stay
Finding the right hotel for your vacation can be a very stressful and daunting task. Taking it one step at a time and doing your research ahead of time can alleviate the stress and turn it into an easy task.
Unless you're going on safari your hotel will be the one place you're sure to spend time each day, even if it is only for a place to sleep. Because of this it's important to be thoughtful as to what type of hotel fits your needs. Let's continue by hitting some key points to consider when choosing the right hotel for you.
First decide what you want to do while on vacation. If you play golf or tennis, do you want the ability to play at your hotel onsite or would you consider commuting to a local course? If you are looking for a relaxing vacation, would you insist on having extensive spa facilities onsite at your hotel or would you consider limited services? These are all questions you will need to ask yourself to ensure you pick the right property.
Make a list of everything you and your family must have at the hotel or resort. Then make a list of all the things you would like to have but are not necessarily a deal breaker.
You might have to have free wireless internet service and a full daily breakfast but would give up an afternoon reception or a swimming pool. Then decide upon your hotel budget. How much are you willing to spend to get the things you want while you are away?
Next, map out all the places you want to see while on vacation. This will help you narrow down the search area. If, for example, you are planning a trip to Orlando, Florida and you will only spend time at the Walt Disney Parks, you would not want a hotel that is located onsite at Universal Studios or next to Sea World.
When comparing hotels, Inn’s, motels, and resorts you will notice that some are considered business properties and some are geared toward the vacation traveler. A business property, will offer a business center, internet access (either free or for a fee), daily newspaper, and local business shuttles. Most business hotels do offer nice health clubs and some even have indoor pools. They know that the business travel will have limited time to spend at the hotel so they do not have elaborate outdoor areas or pools.
If you are not planning on spending much time at the hotel, then a business hotel might be right for your vacation. On the other hand, if you plan to relax and enjoy the facilities you will want to be sure they offer amenities that you and your family will enjoy. Be sure to ask about packages and specials too.
If you will be away for an extended period of time, then you might want to consider an extended stay property. These usually offer studio rooms, up to multi bedroom suites. They usually have a full or mini kitchen in the room as well as a sitting area. This type of accommodation is perfect for families and business people alike. You can save money by eating some of your meals in the suite and can relax and watch TV without having to sit on the beds. These properties might offer pools, but usually they are not very elaborate.
Going back to our example of planning a trip to Orlando, Florida, you might want to consider a theme hotel. These properties are based on popular venues like the Nickelodeon Hotel in Orlando or any of the Disney Properties. If you stay in the Wilderness Lodge at Disney you will be amazed at the detail they put into making you feel like you are staying at a real mountain lodge. Be prepared, however, to pay more for a theme hotel.
The least expensive option for lodging would be staying in a Hostel. These properties usually have shared rooms and shared bathrooms, though some do offer private rooms. They are very popular with students and people traveling on a tight budget.