Hotels

Choosing a hotel can seem a daunting task at first; however as you work through your list of needs and match them with what a hotel offers, you can short-list hotels based on your requirements.

Where to Start your Search

Hotel websites, general travel sites, destination guides, and online hotel directories are all good places to start to get an overview of the hotel, its room rates, the location and its position on a map of the area (with nearby tourist destinations marked). However, often official sites don't tell the whole story, and to get a real picture of the hotel, you could also scout independent review sites where real travelers post real pictures and offer candid reviews. Use a mix of both, official and unofficial sources to form a clearer picture of a hotel.

How to Shortlist a Hotel

Hotel accommodations are commonly categorized according to ratings (1-5 stars), purpose (e.g. business hotel) and function (e.g. family-friendly hotel). Within these categories, travelers typically choose hotels based on the following criteria.

1. Price: A hotel's official room rate (called the rack rate) is not its final rate so travelers should research to find the best deals. You can search online via travel search engines and compare hotels by price. You can also go to the hotel's site and ask them to match the lowest internet rate you found - most hotels will oblige. Also you could use bidding sites that offer 'mystery' hotels based simply on price - the downside is you don't know which hotel you've "won" until your credit card is charged!
2. Location: Study the map of the area you intend to travel to and find hotels on the map, looking to see which ones are the closest to the destinations and attractions you wish to see. Try choosing centrally located hotels to eliminate transport costs from one destination to another. Hotels with a view typically cost more, but not always, since hotels may have different rates for rooms with a view versus rooms facing a brick wall! You can also consult travel guides which list hotels by neighborhoods, types and price to find a location that's desirable for you.
3. Ambiance: If you're looking for alternative hotels with local flavor and cultural ambiance, scout through Start Local's comprehensive list of resorts, guest houses and B&Bs. However, if you prefer the ambiance to be standard, and in line with your expectations, then a chain hotel might be your best option.
4. Amenities: Match your personal list of amenities with what a hotel's advertised facilities are. Online bookings usually allow for simple checkboxes in front of a large list of amenities, so you can choose those that are an absolute must and search for hotels offering them. The kind of amenities you require depend on the kind of traveler you are. Business travelers will typically search for business communication services such as internet, laptop connectivity, fax, etc, while a family traveler may search for kid-friendly services such as baby sitting, kiddie pool, cribs and such. Also remember to narrow your search according to room type.
5. Discount Programs: Hotels often offer loyalty points to its regular clientele so if you're planning to travel a lot, you might want to check this option out. Not only can loyalty points be redeemed for future hotels stays, they can also be tied in to cool stuff like frequent flyer miles, entertainment options, rental services and more! Check your hotel's website for loyalty programs and how to enroll in one.

Before booking a hotel room, check out some of our tips on how to get the maximum value from a hotel reservation.