How to Choose a Hotel in 2024

Traveling is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in a different culture, meet new people, and see for yourself the places that you have only seen in the movies or on the internet and read about in books. However, aside from planning your itinerary and trying to fit all the places you want to see in the limited number of days you’ll be staying in a particular place, another thing that can be overwhelming and time-consuming is choosing the right accommodation. With all the options available to you, you are left with the question: How do you choose a hotel in 2024?

First, you need to determine what you consider the most important.

What are your non-negotiables? Define your priorities and start from there. After you have decided what you really need and cannot do without, then you can start thinking of what you want.

How to Choose a Hotel in 2024

Location 

Where do you need to be close to? Do you need a place near the airport, near the financial district, or near the tourist attractions? Or perhaps you want to be close to the train station or bus stations so that it will be easier for you to navigate the city.

Some travelers want to be close to supermarkets, malls, dining options, or interesting nightlife. Whatever kind of traveler you are, there’s always a good hotel that will satisfy your requirements.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel reviews can be very helpful, especially when there are more than just a handful of guest reviews. However, you also have to take into consideration that some reviews may be biased. Look at the reviews and try to see if the same issue comes up again and again for the same hotel. You might also want to check the dates the reviews were written. Look for reviews that were written within the past 365 calendar days. The more recent the review is, the better. What was true for a hotel years ago may no longer be true today.

Hotel Amenities 

Do you plan on using hotel facilities like the pool, gym, salon or spa? If you are, better reach out to the hotel before you make your booking and make sure that these facilities will be available on your planned visit.  

Budget

Budget is very important for a lot of travelers. But some do not concern themselves too much with it. Whether you are a budget traveler or not, Costa Mesa can give you great hotel options.

Hotel Reputation

You would want to know what the hotel is known for. If you would like to have some peace and quiet during your stay, or if you plan to use the pool without the company of small children, it would be wise to look for a hotel that’s not frequented by families.  

Hotels that cater to business travelers are good options if you are looking for a quiet place.

Hotel Room

Consider the size of the hotel room. Even if you are traveling for business, you are not expected to stay in your room for longer than necessary. You will just need a room to sleep in. After all, you would be out exploring the city, getting to know its people, and trying out new food. However, some rooms can be too small to be comfortable, and there are times when closed or small spaces can make people feel claustrophobic. 

Hotels outside the city center can offer guests a much larger room for the same price as a small hotel room in the city center. If you find such a listing and accessibility is not a problem, that can be a good option. Again, it all depends on your priorities.

Room Amenities

What do you want to have in your room? Do you want to be able to take a warm bubble bath after a long day? Then a bathtub would be a must.

Are you a vlogger or a business traveler? You will need strong and stable wifi access inside your room.

Make sure to check what the room offers. Iron, hair dryer, desk, safe, etc. 

Hotel Size

Who would have thought that this would matter? Unfortunately, some travelers learn this the hard way. Some hotels are just too large; it would take a good amount of walking from your room to the hotel exit. You would be tired even before starting your day. If you plan on doing a lot of walking or city exploration from morning until evening or late afternoon, your feet will be killing you by late afternoon, and burdening them with more than just a few extra steps to get to your room will surely make them take their revenge on you the next day, preventing you from enjoying everything you have planned.

Breakfast

A buffet breakfast that’s already included in the cost of your room is a big deal. The buffet will give you plenty of options, especially if you are not familiar with the cuisine of the country you are traveling to. It will also provide you with the energy you need for an exciting and adventure-filled day. The buffet breakfast, especially if not eaten too early, can also help you save money that you would otherwise spend for lunch.

Take note, however, that sometimes the room just comes with a simple plated breakfast. You need to be sure of what you’re getting before you make the final booking.

Fine Print

Make sure to read the fine print before you book your hotel. Check if the amenities you are planning on using have an extra cost. If you intend to rent a car, ensure that you won’t be charged an arm and a leg for parking. 

In conclusion, aside from your overall budget, the way you choose your hotel will depend on the kind of traveler you are, the things you plan to do, and the places you want to visit. Check the hotel website for general information and pictures, but remember to check different booking sites, too. Booking sites can offer better deals, and prices vary on different booking sites as well. To get the most out of your money, start by checking Costa Mesa hotels.