Sep/090
The Savvy Way To Compare Hotels
When you're planning your next trip for business or pleasure, do some research and compare hotels before you book. The world is in a hurry to get everything done and travel arrangements are typically made on the fly. Find a few minutes for yourself and do some comparison shopping. You'll be much happier when you know you will be staying in a quality establishment that saves you money!
Many components go into a solid hotel comparison. Forget about the big name hotel commercials you see on TV and hear on the radio. Their gimmicks may not be as sound as your own judgment. Big name hotels are great, but they're not always the winner. Be open to looking into smaller, lesser known hotels as well as the brand name establishments.
Your first consideration should be the location of the hotel. Proximity to the spot you'll be spending most of your time is very important. Typically, travelers want to stay as close to their destination as possible. It's easy to find distance from your hotel to the place you'll be visiting and compare.
You also want to consider the actual location of the hotel, not in comparison to your destination but related to safety. Is the hotel in a good part of town or is on the shadier side where you may not feel so safe? Is there decent lighting in the parking lot? Does the hotel have a security guard on duty at all hours?
Decide what you want and need out of your hotel experience. Will you just be crashing there in between trips to theme parks or will you be doing some work in your room, also? Find out what amenities are offered and don't be afraid to call and ask if you don't see what you're looking for on the list. Find out about swimming pools, exercise rooms and in room amenities, as well.
Regardless of where you're doing your research, make sure you get to find out what others have to say about the hotel. Hotels like to use big words and fancy names and star ratings to get business. They aren't always exactly forthright with details. They may say they're a 5 star hotel but when you get there, you're wondering where the 1. In front of that 5 is. Don't be left out in the cold. Visit other sites or blogs to get actual reports from other travelers.
While price isn't everything, you don't want to end up over paying or under staying. Big named chains offer discounts sometimes but they're really not doing you any favors. Rack rates should only be charged when the hotel is at capacity. If a price seems way too low, investigate further. It may be that the service or conditions are so poor; no one is staying at the hotel. You'll pay more for bigger names, just keep that in mind.
There are all kinds of ways to compare hotels online. Figure out what you're looking for and what you're willing to pay for it. Then, don't budge on either. Odds are you will find a great place at a great price. Sign up for the hotel's reward program, too. You can get great deals on future stays but only if you're a member!
Compare Hotels and find out all the best travel sites at one go. Get your travel tips for bargain accommodation, discount accommodation and the best accommodation deals at Search Your Hotel.