Traveling and hotels – a lot of planning and preparation go into selecting the ideal accommodation for your travels. You have to set your budget, think about the location and check internet reviews among others.
The starting point is usually a vague or precise idea of where you want to go, based on recommendations, movies and TV, a childhood dream or a bucket list. Some people are happy with a cheap and cheerful hotel, while others are willing to pay for luxury and comfort.
There are many different rates to choose from when selecting a hotel, and the lowest price is often available for bookings made 21 days in advance. Some hotels offer special discounts to their loyalty program members, who are rewarded with points for every stay. Airline and hotel loyalty programs may also offer low or discounted airfares to specific destinations during certain times of the year.
Another factor to consider is the hotel’s amenities, which may include:
Bathroom amenities such as towels and toiletries (soap, shower gel, shampoo, body/hand lotion), bathrobes and slippers; sometimes a hair dryer and beautician services such as massage/therapy rooms and salons. Other hotel facilities may include:
Dining options including breakfast, half board or full board (aka pension, demi-pension or modified American plan), with a limited list of drinks included in the room rate; typically only soft beverages and no branded alcoholic beverages are included. If you are traveling with children, you should check if the hotel offers family-friendly facilities such as cribs, hypoallergenic beddings, play areas and child discounts.