When you’re planning a vacation, selecting the right hotel is the most important decision you’ll make. Get it wrong and you may end up staying in a sub-standard location, overspending on food, feeling hard done by, or regretting your vacation entirely.
However,
- The Location
Picking the right location for your vacation can be the difference between it being an all-around success or an absolute disaster. Before you book, think about whether you want to stay in the middle of the city or whether you’d rather be nearer the beach, for example.
Transportation is another hugely important aspect, too. If you want to save as much money as possible, it’s a good idea to look for hotels that are central to the local attractions or are close to public transport links. Hilton Head Island is one such place where you easily get bike rentals from Pelican Cruiser and other similar companies. It’s worth getting in touch with your hotel in advance to see if they offer any shuttle services, too.
- The Dining Options
Another huge factor in your hotel stay is the food on offer, especially if you’re going to be eating there regularly. You might also want to consider accommodation with kitchen facilities in your room, especially if you’re traveling with small children or want to have a few homemade meals to keep the costs down. Equally, we all have a guilty pleasure when it comes to ordering room service, so see if this is an added perk you can expect.
- The Décor
The vacation experience can be added to by the décor and theme of the hotel. Even if your budget’s tight you want to make sure you’re sleeping somewhere inviting, comfortable, and clean. But if you’re looking for something that truly stands out from the crowd, a hotel that boasts modern interior design and state-of-the-art facilities is a must. (That’s why we love the Fire and Ice Hotel Marriott in Cape Town!)
- The Childcare Options
If you want to indulge yourself in some adults-only time while you’re on your vacation, investigating what childcare options are available at the hotel is important. A lot of resorts and hotels offer kids’ clubs, but these can sometimes come with a hefty price tag. No services available? Don’t worry – there may be babysitting facilities nearby, or the hotel may have preferred childcare agencies that they work with.
- The Price
Finally, it probably goes without saying that you’ll want to find a hotel that’s in keeping with your overall vacation budget. However, regardless of your budget, you’ll need to weigh up the pros and cons to each of the aspects on your wish list, establishing what added extras are worth paying a little bit more for. Sometimes, you might just want to splurge on an all-singing-all-dancing resort, but don’t forget to allow for any added costs that you may face, including childcare, meals, transfers, and facilities.
Booking a hotel that suits your individual needs doesn’t have to be difficult. All it takes is some consideration as to what you want from your vacation along with a little extra planning and you’re sure to find the best hotel for you and your family.