Half of the joy of travelling lies in you having a comfortable experience. This entails that the flights, transportation, and accommodation will all be comfortable and enjoyable. It is even more essential that your accommodation be very comfortable as this is where you'll be sleeping, thus spending most of your time ( unless you're planning on partying the whole trip). It is, however, very difficult to measure the standards of accommodation when you aren't physically there. Here are some signs and cues that will help you know whether your prospective accommodation is up to standard or not.
Check Amenities
One of the first steps in determining if a hotel is up to standard is to check the amenities it offers. Amenities can make or break your stay at an accommodation. Are you looking for a gym to keep up with your fitness routine, or maybe just a pool for a hot summer’s day? Then consider checking for these features during accommodation hunting. Features like complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, or hot water jugs can significantly enhance your accommodation experience. By knowing what's available before you book, you can thus ensure your accommodation aligns with your expectations.
Visit The Website
Don’t underestimate the power of looking at the accommodation’s website to get a view of the standards of the place. A well-designed website can be a good indicator of the hotel’s professionalism and attention to detail. Browsing through a hotel’s website can give insight into what other people think about it through ratings and comments that may have been left there. By taking a look at the website, you save yourself from ending up staying at a substandard accommodation.
Ask Direct Questions To The Manager
Never shy away when it comes to reaching out to the hotel’s management with any questions you may have. Asking direct questions can help clarify any doubts you may have about any in-house issues and give you a sense of the staff's behaviour towards visitors. Whatever you may want to know about the standards of the accommodation can be straightened out through a quick email or phone call. So the next time you're in doubt about the standards of accommodation, be direct about it and talk to the management staff directly to get clarity.
Research On Cancellation Policy
Understanding the hotel’s cancellation policy is crucial when you are considering booking accommodation. It will give you insight into the hotel's values, hospitality as well as reliability. Given that life is unpredictable, and plans can change in an instant, it's important to know what your options are if you need to adjust your travel plans. A flexible cancellation policy can save you from losing money and give you peace of mind as you prepare for your trip. After all, you don't want to be on edge while you travel, do you? Therefore, by researching this, you’ll feel more secure in your booking, knowing you have wiggle room if push comes to shovel. Some accommodations might even offer better terms than others, showcasing how their standards are more aligned towards people-centric values.
Look For Trusted Recommendations
When it comes to finding a quality hotel, trusted recommendations can be a game-changer. Whether you’re consulting friends who have travelled to the same destination or browsing through travel platforms, hearing about others’ experiences can provide valuable insights. Recommendations often highlight specific aspects of an accommodation that you might not find on a website, such as customer service quality, room cleanliness, or even the overall vibe of the place. This firsthand information can give you a better sense of what to expect and help you see the unfiltered standards of the accommodation.
Research On Location And Neighbourhood
Don’t forget to dig into the hotel’s location and the surrounding neighbourhood. A fantastic hotel in a less desirable area can dampen your experience. Check out safety ratings to ensure you’ll be comfortable exploring the area. Researching the neighbourhood can provide a better understanding of the overall experience you can expect, making it a vital part of your accommodation selection process based on standards.
Trust Your Instincts
Sometimes, your gut feeling can be your best guide. If something feels off about an accommodation don’t ignore those instincts. Trusting your intuition can lead you to make better choices that align with your comfort and safety needs. If a property looks perfect on paper but gives you an uneasy feeling, it might be worth exploring other options. Your comfort should always be a top priority, and listening to your instincts can help ensure a pleasant travel experience.
Closely Inspect Pictures
Closely inspecting pictures can provide a clearer picture of what to expect if you book a particular accommodation (and we aren't talking about the professionally filtered pictures that make everything look dreamy). You can look at pictures on review sites or social media to see if the accommodation is truly what it says it is. Pay attention to details like cleanliness, maintenance, and the general vibe of the rooms from these pictures and then gauge whether the hotel meets your expectations. Who knows, maybe you'll notice that you were being tricked into booking incompetent accommodation all this while.
Always Have A Backup Option
It’s always wise to have a backup option when booking accommodations as this may be essential when it comes to making comparisons of the accommodations. Sometimes, despite your best research efforts, a hotel might not meet your expectations upon arrival. Therefore, having another option lined up adds an extra layer of security to your travel plans, reducing stress if things don’t go as anticipated. Knowing you have a reliable alternative can help you enjoy your trip more, allowing you to focus on making memories rather than worrying about where you’ll stay.