8 Considerations to Make When Searching for the Perfect Vacation Spot
Planning a vacation is an exciting endeavor, and selecting the right hotel is a crucial part of the process. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil escape, a cultural adventure, or a luxurious retreat, finding the perfect hotel can enhance your overall travel experience.
Let’s explore some of the top tips for evaluating and booking the ideal hotel for your next getaway. The next time that you’re planning your next big vacation, refer to these best practices to ensure you locate the perfect spot.
#1 – Weed Out the Bad
Finding an amazing hotel is all about narrowing down your choices to a select few. You can kick off the process by filtering down your search results to only high-rated hotel options. Guest reviews of four stars and above are typically a good starting point.
#2 – Location, Location, Location
Don’t make the mistake of searching for hotels solely based on price or star rating. Although those are certainly important factors, the location of your hotel should drive your decision making. For example, Austin is a sprawling city in Texas with plenty of do. In fact, you may even have a few venues or restaurants you want to check out while you’re there.
When searching for Austin hotels, it makes more sense to search by the hotel’s proximity to the attractions you want to experience. Granted, it may be pricier, but you’ll likely save time and money by cutting down on rideshare trips and tips for your personal driver. Trust us, you won’t regret booking a hotel within walking distance of all the city’s major hot spots and attractions.
#3 – Define Your Must-Haves and Preferences
Finding the perfect hotel means making a definitive list of must-haves. That can include anything from late night dining options to an on-site pool and lounge area. Whatever the case may be, keep your list of must-haves top of mind when filtering down your hotel options.
#4 – Hotel Amenities
Amenities are what elevate the hotel experience for guests. However, not all hotels are created equally in this regard. Whereas some luxury hotels offer spa services, fine dining, and on-site entertainment options, other hotels may offer little more than the bare basics. As a savvy hotel shopper, evaluating the hotel’s list of amenities will help you determine if the price is in line with the perks you’ll receive when staying there.
#5 – Design Aesthetic
The design of a hotel plays a significant role in creating a memorable stay, which is an area where most national hotel chains fall flat. If you wish to create some Insta-worthy moments, look for establishments that boast a unique and appealing, local aesthetic. Boutique hotels are fantastic in this regard because they’re not beholden to cookie-cutter design schemes.
#6 – On-Site Dining
Although most vacationers make a point to visit the area’s most popular dining spots and sample local cuisine, having an on-site dining option is always a plus. In the event that you can’t make your dinner reservation or are feeling particularly “hangry,” a hotel’s on-site dining option can serve as a reliable back-up option. Bonus points if they have late night room service for the after-hours crowd.
#7 – Customer Service and Concierge
Outstanding service can make or break a hotel experience. Look for establishments with a reputation for attentive and personalized service. Read guest reviews to gauge the level of customer satisfaction and pay attention to comments about staff friendliness, responsiveness, and willingness to go the extra mile.
A hotel with a concierge service can be particularly helpful in ensuring a seamless and enjoyable stay. Be sure to ask them about favorite local spots that aren’t easily found using a Google search. Hidden gems usually aren’t hidden; you simply need to ask the right person.
#8 – Bespoke Suites
National chain hotels have a penchant for keeping their rooms stylistically neutral and run-of-the-mill in terms of comfort amenities. We’ve all experienced coarse bathroom towels and substandard bedding at least one time in our lives.
For a truly luxurious experience, consider booking a suite that caters to keeping their guests comfortable. Many upscale hotels offer luxury features and amenities that elevate the overall experience. Although it may cost a little more, details like high-thread-count sheets and fluffy bath towels go a long way.
Get Started on Your Search for Your Luxury Hotel
Booking the perfect hotel for your vacation getaway involves careful consideration of various factors, from the design aesthetics to level of customer service they provide. By defining your preferences and thoroughly researching your options, you can ensure that your home away from home enhances your overall travel experience. Remember that the perfect hotel is not just a place to stay; it’s an integral part of the journey, contributing to the creation of lasting memories.
