Finding the Best Place to Stay When on Holiday

When it comes to going on holiday, the place you stay can be make or break. Have you ever gone on a trip but stayed in a dodgy hotel with bugs and strangely smelling sheets? That’s likely what you remember from the holiday, not the beach you went to or the castle you visited.

Ensuring you’ve got a good place to stay is key. Knowing you’ve got somewhere nice to go back and rest means you will be able to enjoy your daytime activities so much more.

But how can you know you’ve found somewhere good when you can’t check it out yourself until you arrive?

Here’s a handy list of things to consider when booking a place to stay when going on holiday.

Look at customer reviews

You have to look at customer reviews.

Most accommodation providers will have a website where previous customers can leave reviews. If the reviews are mostly negative: run. If they’re positive, you know you’ve found somewhere good.

If the reviews are a mix of both, look at the aspects previous customers consider negative. If one thing is repeatedly brought up, it’s likely this is a problem but didn’t bother the positive reviewers. Consider whether this aspect is something important to you, or if you don’t mind if, say, the food is a bit bland.

Consider what comes with the stay

Some accommodation providers will simply provide you with a roof over your head and a bed. Others may come with extras, like an inclusive breakfast or a swimming pool.

Compare these additions with what you need from your trip. If you have kids who would benefit from a pool’s entertainment, make sure to look out for hotels that provide this when booking.

Location, location, location

It can be difficult when booking a place to stay abroad to know whether it’s in a good location. However, that bit of extra time spent on research will really pay off.

Look at maps online to ascertain whether or not you will be near the essentials – food shops, hospitals – plus the attractions you want to visit.

If you are a bit out of the way, it’s also important to check what the transport links around the place you choose are like. If you aren’t walking distance from the sites and haven’t hired a car, are you near a train station?

Figuring these things out beforehand will make all the difference.

Local ambiance

Face the facts: if you find a good location in the center of the city, you’re going to be dealing with late-night noise.

Especially for those going on holiday with families of young children, you want somewhere that will not disrupt their sleep.

You can look for places with good noise cancellation – maybe with thick windows – but you can never know this for sure before booking.

Instead, consider whether it pays off to book somewhere a bit further out from where you want to be for the benefits of a better night’s sleep. For example, getting a Bangsar south condo rather than one in the middle of Kuala Lumpur might be a better plan if you have young people with you.

Alternatively, for those traveling with friends, booking in the middle of the city can pay off. The local nightlife can be a plus for those looking for nights out as part of their holiday. In this case, living nearby will pay off.

Paying what it’s worth

It’s always going to be expensive, booking a holiday. But paying more than you should be can leave a sour taste in your mouth after a holiday. You don’t want that!

Instead, make sure to compare prices for accommodation before booking to make sure you aren’t paying too much.

You can use price comparison websites to compare hotels in different areas, but you can just do the research yourself.

Naturally, some places will cost more than others depending on the service they provide, but ensure you aren’t paying an amount that doesn’t echo the experience you are given.

The best place will look different for everyone…

Whether you want an upmarket hotel with all-inclusive swimming pools, gyms, and spas or just a quick hostel that will give you a bed, the best place will change depending on your needs.

All you need to do is a bit of research beforehand to make sure you remember your holiday for all the good reasons.