Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, finding the right hotel is key to having a great trip. The perfect accommodation can make all the difference in the world when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, enjoying amenities like pools as well as gyms, in addition to simply feeling comfortable away from home. Follow these 10 tips to make sure you choose the best hotel like JW Marriott Chandigarh for your next vacation or work excursion.
1. Define Your Priorities
Before beginning your search, clearly outline your must-haves, nice-to-haves, and deal-breakers when picking accommodations. Pinpoint any amenities or services that are essential and differentiate wishes versus necessities. For example, if travelling with kids, onsite amenities like water slides, games rooms as well as a supervised children’s activities might be mandatory features, while an adults-only bar could be desirable but not critical.
Alternatively, business travellers may require 24/7 access to services like dry cleaning, printing, or conference rooms with A/V equipment as baseline needs, with an onsite restaurant as less vital. Also decide in advance if factors like cost, location convenience or luxury rating trump all other considerations – if staying beachfront or skiing in/out is imperative, make that priority #1 regardless of room size or other attributes. Carefully determining these standards beforehand lets you filter options effectively to hotels matching your particular preferences for the trip. Outline must-haves by order to streamline decision-making when comparing accommodation choices.
2. Set Your Budget
Setting a clear budget is key to narrowing the myriad hotel options to affordable, quality choices that meet your travel needs. Research average nightly rates in your destination across different seasons to determine price fluctuations based on the time of year. Factor in higher rates for popular seasons like ski season or summer at beach locales. Also, consider that higher star ratings and abundant amenities like multiple onsite restaurants and room service typically inflate rates.
Weigh splurging for extras against practical priorities, maybe a 4-star hotel without a spa but with free breakfast and Wi-Fi is a better value than a pricier 5-star. If you’ll never use certain amenities, don’t overpay for perks you don’t need. Similarly, beware of extremely budget rates at lesser hotels that translate to dingy decor or bad locations. Find the midpoint sweet spot balancing desired features and rates that won’t break the bank. Build in wiggle room for unexpected costs like parking, resort fees, or pricy minibar refreshments.
3. Read Recent Reviews
One of the best ways to gauge hotel quality is by reading recent guest reviews on trusted sites or individual hotel/brand websites. Pay attention to the most common compliments and complaints to get an accurate picture of factors like cleanliness, customer service, location convenience, noise, bed comfort, and value for money. Reviews with photos are also helpful for assessing the look and condition of rooms and public areas.
4. Check the Fine Print
Before booking, carefully read the hotel’s full policy information on things like check-in/check-out times, payment and cancellation policies, availability of services like parking and Wi-Fi, plus add-on fees you may incur. Some hotels charge “resort fees” that don’t appear until final checkout, so know exactly what’s included in the nightly rate. Clarify any questions with the hotel directly before making your reservation.
5. Look at the Room Size + Layout
A cramped, poorly laid out hotel room can ruin your whole travel experience, no matter how nice the rest of the property is. When researching rooms, look closely at the advertised square footage and layout to make sure options will comfortably accommodate you and anyone travelling with you. If space or specific features are important – like adjoining rooms for families – call the hotel before booking to check availability and answer questions not addressed online.
6. Compare Location Convenience
A dream hotel isn’t a dream if it’s located far from key attractions, entertainment, dining and transportation options you want access to. Use maps to gauge distances from hotels you’re considering to key destinations. Evaluate public transportation options in the area and read reviews to check walkability for travellers on foot. If scenic views are on your wish list, check room photos to see if the location promises beautiful vistas.
7. Consider Loyalty + Reward Rates
If you frequently travel for business or pleasure, joining a hotel loyalty program can score you perks like discounted room rates, room upgrades, late checkout, complimentary Wi-Fi and other extras. Likewise, using a travel rewards credit card to pay for your hotel stay may qualify you for the lowest rates when redeeming points. Stack loyalty discounts on top of reward rates for the best hotel bargain.
8. Book Direct for Best Rates + Benefits
While travel agencies and sites offer convenience for hotel bookings, rates available there or via third parties are virtually never the lowest. When available, book directly through the hotel site or call their reservations line for unpublished rates and benefits like complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, resort credits, early check-in/late checkout and more.
9. Look Beyond the Stars
Don’t make the mistake of judging a hotel’s quality strictly by its star rating, which varies significantly by destination in terms of measuring amenities, decor and service marks. For instance, Westgate Palace Resort offers a great mix of amenities and atmosphere that you might not expect from a typical 4-star hotel. Read reviews rather than simply relying on stars.
10. Trust Your Intuition
Once you’ve made a shortlist of top hotels contenders, it’s time to go with your gut in making a final booking choice. Which property’s photos and amenity descriptions resonate most? Where can you envision yourself happily lodging for this trip? Close your eyes and picture yourself at each hotel option. The spot that elicits the strongest happy emotions is likely the best fit your travel needs and preferences.
Conclusion
Finding the “best hotel” option like staying at the best-in-class JW Marriott Chandigarh is highly subjective based on your personal priorities, preferences and budget for any given trip. By first defining what factors matter most, then researching options, policies, locations and reviews thoroughly before you book, you’re virtually guaranteed to select great lodging. Use these handy tips as a checklist guide and intuition barometer for happy hotel stays every time you travel.