When I want to take a trip, I usually ask myself one key question: Where do I want to stay? And truthfully, I am all about exploring new hotels and reviewing them here on this blog. However, when I choose an accommodation, I take into account the purpose and flow of the trip. The hotel has to fit my needs, specifically for that trip.
Take for example two trips to New York. Trip 1 takes me to an all day conference, where I am out from 7 AM and not returning until 10 PM. I really just need a hotel to lay my head and store my things. But on a Trip 2, I’m going to the city in the winter, with an impending snowstorm. I will be sleeping in, taking my time very leisurely, and perhaps getting stuck inside due to the weather. I need the hotel to feel like a cozy spot where I want to linger. I would not book the same type of hotel for Trip 1 as I would for Trip 2. I’m definitely going to go less expensive and more bare bones in the first case. And perhaps, I’d splurge on the second.
When you’re planning to book a hotel, instead of just focusing on costs, think about what you need to have a comfortable stay. Take a moment to consider what you’re actually going to be doing, how long you plan to stay in the room, whether there are particular amenities you’ll need. Really take the time to explore the hotel’s list of amenities, in room and on property. Evaluate what is available to you nearby ahead of time. Compare that to what you know you’ll need. If you’re going on a work trip, you might want to make sure they have a steamer or ironing board. If you’re a nursing mother or taking particular medications, it might be vital that you stay somewhere that provides a refrigerator. And maybe if you plan to be sightseeing all day long, maybe all you really need is a bed, a bathroom, and electricity to keep you happy.
I am all about a luxury hotel stay, but not every trip I take warrants that. Sometimes the budget spot is a much better fit. Doing a little research and self-reflection on the front end helps me make sure that where I choose to stay makes my trip just a little bit easier.
What’s one piece of travel advice you always follow?
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