Traveling isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be. Sure, you see new places and rack up miles on your frequent flyer card, but it can also mean long airport lines and lonely hotel rooms. And for travelers away from home for five nights or more, it can be even harder to feel fully at ease. Longer-stay hotels, like the global leader Residence Inn by Marriott, are designed to help these travelers find comfort on their business trips.
The best way to choose the right accommodation when you’re traveling is to consider what is important to you. For some, this might be location, while others prefer to stay at a luxury hotel with top-notch amenities. It’s also important to keep in mind that price isn’t the only factor when choosing a hotel, as the cost of extras can add up quickly.
A hotel is a short-term accommodation provider that can be enjoyed by all types of travelers, from business people to weary road trippers and spring breakers. It can vary from small “mom-and-pop” joints with just a few rooms all the way up to large resorts. Hostels, on the other hand, tend to be a bit more individualized in their atmosphere. They can be quiet and relaxing, where digital nomads stick to themselves and enjoy the company of other like-minded travelers, or they can be rowdy party hostels.
Both hotels and hostels are a good option for a short stay, and they can both be booked through travel websites. However, hotels are more likely to offer the kinds of amenities that many travelers look for when choosing accommodations, such as free Wi-Fi, parking, and breakfast.
When it comes to booking a hotel, be sure to read reviews before making a decision. It’s easy to be deterred by one or two bad reviews, but it’s a better idea to look at the overall trend. If most of the reviews are about a particular issue, such as a lack of parking or a dirty room, then you’ll want to consider the options available to you elsewhere.
Another thing to consider is the kind of amenities that are offered by a hotel, such as free breakfast and laundry services. These can make a big difference to your experience. For example, a complimentary breakfast can save you money by allowing you to skip paying for a restaurant meal or buying expensive snacks at the airport. Laundry services can also be a lifesaver, especially if you’re looking to avoid carrying heavy clothes on your trip.
For a more personalized hotel experience, try a boutique hotel. These hotels are smaller than regular chains and usually have a theme or unique features. They may be more expensive than standard hotels, but they’re often worth the added cost because of their special qualities. You can use an online hotel search tool to filter by price and amenities to find the best hotel for you. Just be sure to check out the photos and website before making a reservation to ensure that it will meet your expectations.