Selecting and booking your hotels accommodation can be difficult and time-consuming, especially if you are not familiar with the destination that you are visiting. There are often so many hotels to choose from that you may not know which one best suits your needs and is the most value for money.

Choosing the right accommodation that meets your expectations is very important. A good hotel not only provides you with a good night’s rest, it can also complement your purpose of visit in many ways. With the improving standards of cheaper hotels, you may not need to always go for the high-end hotels to enjoy good service. Hence it is important to do your research and make an informed choice for your ideal hotel using the following criteria.

Deciding on a budget

Deciding on your budget for your trip and how much of it to set aside for accommodation is an important first step in determining which types of accommodation you should go for. This way, you can easily narrow down your search to a particular class of hotels, such as budget, mid-ranged or luxury hotels, thereby making your search much easier.

An important consideration to take note, however, is the cost of the related extras, especially if they are not included in your room rate. These can include the cost of meals, usage of certain amenities, parking fees, Internet use and in-house movies.

Considering a suitable location

Considering the location of your hotel is an important next step in narrowing down your hotel search. If you are in town primarily to visit some major attractions or attend a business meeting, you would want to ensure that your hotel has easy accessibility to these places. By doing so, you can save money on costly transport fees. However, if travelling by public transport is essential to your trip, do ensure that your hotel is located near bus and train stations.

A decent hotel should provide with a good night’s sleep. Hence, if this is important to you, or if you prefer quieter surroundings, you may be advised to choose a location that is slightly further away from main traffic or bustling nightlife districts.

Choosing hotels with the right amenities

Before choosing your hotel, ask yourself what kind of amenities you must have and which ones you can live without. This will help you make a more informed decision that will make your stay more convenient with the right amenities.

For example, if you tend to get hungry at night and do not want to buy many snacks, a hotel with 24 hour room service is recommended. Shuttle services to downtown or the airport are also important considerations if you do not wish to take a cab or public transport to these places.

Do check the list of on-site facilities such as spas, gyms and business centres that will help you relax, keep fit or catch up with work respectively. If your children are coming along, you might want to check if there is a day care centre, children’s pool or other family-friendly amenities.