hotel

Is Your Hotel Worth The Price? 7 Things To Check Before Booking

Visiting the top attractions and landmarks in the city isn’t the most expensive part of travelling — in most cases, it’s the hotel accommodation. That’s why it’s just natural for travellers to settle for the cheapest hotel available using booking platforms that’ll give them discounts. 

Best case scenario: you’ll hit jackpot with an affordable yet beautiful accommodation. But on the flip side, you can get tripped up with hidden fees or bad, regrettable experiences. 

It can be tempting to look at the price alone and book the cheapest hotel you can find. However, unnecessary expenses may add up you’ll have to pay for things and services not included in the rate. Maybe the hotel is a taxi ride away from your target attractions or you’ll have to pay for wi-fi. In such cases, you would’ve saved more if you’d picked a slightly more expensive hotel in the city centre or a hotel with free wi-fi. 

The next time you’re booking a hotel for business or leisure, don’t look at the price alone when choosing the best hotel for you. Instead, check their inclusions which can justify whether or not they’re worth the price: 

1. Let the stars guide you

hotel room

Contrary to common misconceptions, the “star ratings” given to a hotel don’t necessarily pertain to cleanliness. Instead, they’re linked to amenities and features. For instance, a one-star hotel is likely to offer the most basic room with a bed and table. As you move up in star ratings, the number of amenities increases. Three-star hotels are likely the type you’d prefer to stay at while traveling for work or a holiday. 

Depending on your travel needs, you might use these insights to decide which hotel is best for you. Who knows? You might realise a slightly more expensive three-star hotel in the heart of the city is a better choice for you than a four-star hotel that’s hard to access. 

2. Proximity to the city’s top attractions

tourist taking a photo

When booking a hotel, you’re not just paying for a room to sleep in or an elegant building to explore — you’re also paying for the opportunity to explore your dream destination. A hotel located outside of the city is sure cheaper than centrally located hotels. But if you’ll have to burn your cash on cab rides or exhaust yourself when trying to explore, then it might be wiser to go for the latter. 

There’s satisfaction in knowing that you only need to step out of the door and take a few turns to see the city’s must-see sights and neighborhoods. If you feel tired or have forgotten something, you can easily come back to your hotel. Plus, your precious time is dedicated more to exploring than commuting. 

3. Complimentary breakfast

Planning to have a long day of exploring the city? Free breakfast can go a long way and not all hotels offer them. Next to filling you up, this inclusion can reduce lunch costs and save you a lot of time. 

You may also ask specifically what kind of breakfast they serve. Is it a packed or plated meal with coffee or do they have a breakfast buffet? For sure you wouldn’t want to pay extra for hotels that’ll give you “toast and tea” for your most important meal of the day.

4. Elegant dining amenities

hotel restaurant

Does the hotel have a posh restaurant? How about a poolside or rooftop cocktail bar? If your vacation is more about staying in and relaxing than exploring outdoors, then these elegant facilities may suit your fancy. Such spaces are perfect for celebrating something special, like a honeymoon, anniversary, or simply treating yourself to a night of indulgence. 

Check their website if they also offer complimentary drinks. This four-star hotel in Kilkenny, for instance, lets you enjoy a complimentary glass of wine, beer, or soft drink while dining in their restaurant. 

5. Free Wi-Fi

girl in a hotel

Just because Wi-Fi is now deemed necessary in this modern age doesn’t mean you can expect all hotels to have them. While most hotels offer internet connectivity, it’s not always free, unlimited, or stable. 

If you’re planning to use wi-fi, especially for work, ask the hotel first if they’re included in the rate. Ask about the Wi-Fi usage policy and how secure it is. 

6. Parking spaces

While driving per se can be exhausting, struggling to find a cheap or free parking spot makes it even worse. That said, a hotel that offers parking space is a holy grail. Just confirm whether or not they’re free throughout the duration of your stay.

7. Cancellation policies

Does the hotel have a cancellation fee? Non-refundable rooms tend to be cheaper, but they come with a risk. Your payment will be taken immediately with no room for amendments. The last thing you want is to encounter an emergency situation that calls for cancellation but you can’t get your money back. 

While cancellation fees aren’t necessarily red flags, you might be better off with hotels with a more flexible policy. Before booking a room, check the hotel’s specific cancellation terms and conditions which may vary from 24 hours to 7 days prior. Give them a call and see if they can reschedule your stay. 

Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a foodie and travel blogger who hates being locked up at home. Her fondness for travel, food, and cultural appreciation makes it easy for her to write inspiring pieces of content about them. To know more about hotels and travel blogs, you may visit The Hoban Hotel Kilkenny

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *