7 Essential Tips for Choosing the Perfect Hotel or B&B
A guide, written by an industry professional, to select the perfect hotel or B&B for your trip at the best price.
In the past, choosing a hotel was relatively straightforward simply watching “the stars”.
However, the landscape has changed.
Today we have access to vast information to aid in our decision-making. The challenge now is knowing how to interpret and use this data effectively.
This article will explore seven crucial aspects of choosing your hotel or B&B, with expert tips to help you make the right choice.
Criterion 1: The Price - How to Save
Hotel prices are no longer fixed and can vary depending on the day and season. You may find lower prices than the standard rate by booking well in advance or at the last minute.
Additionally, different online booking platforms offer varying prices for the same room. It's essential to compare prices on various portals to get the best deal.
Moreover, some individual hotel websites provide exclusive discounts for their loyal customers, such as the Genius discount on Booking.com.
Can you negotiate the price? Absolutely.
Many rooms booked through online portals carry additional commissions for the properties, ranging from 15% to 22%.
You can arrange a lower price by contacting the hotel directly by eliminating this commission.
Criterion 2: The Location
With the help of Google Maps, you can precisely pinpoint the hotel's location or B&B you are interested in. This tool is invaluable for verifying if the property is close to your intended destinations and nearby shops and services. For European tourists, a central location that allows for exploration on foot is often ideal.
Criterion 3: The Reviews
Reading reviews has become a common practice when selecting a hotel, but it's essential to approach them with caution.
Assessments are subjective, and happy guests might need more time to write one, while dissatisfied customers are more likely to share their experiences. This bias can distort the image of a hotel or B&B and the efforts of its management.
While negative reviews might grab more attention, remember that some reviewers may have ulterior motives, such as seeking discounts or settling personal scores. Relying solely on the subjective opinions of others is only sometimes wise, but reviews can help identify severe issues or unprofessional conduct.
Criterion 4: Photos and Videos
Photographs and videos are powerful promotional tools for hospitality establishments, and they are often professionally produced to highlight the property's best aspects.
However, some guests may find that the actual rooms must match the beauty portrayed in the promotional images.
Nevertheless, the ability to view pictures and videos online has significantly improved the decision-making process compared to the days of relying solely on brochures.
Criterion 5: Services
Before making a reservation, carefully review the services provided by the accommodation.
Wi-Fi is a significant concern for many travelers, often ranking higher in importance than breakfast.
Understanding the amenities offered can help you assess the comfort and convenience of your stay.
Criterion 6: Human Interaction
For some travelers, self-check-ins are convenient, but human interaction remains crucial for others. Making a phone call before booking allows you to gauge the friendliness and rapport of the hotel staff, which can significantly impact your experience.
In B&Bs, direct human interaction is critical as the owners typically manage these establishments. In larger hotels, the quality of service may rely more on the employees, but the level of human interaction can still serve as an indicator of overall hospitality.
Criterion 7: Social Media
Checking the hotel's social media presence can provide valuable insights and additional information. Many hotels and B&Bs maintain active profiles on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, sharing updates and photos and interacting with guests.
Reviewing their social media pages gives you a sense of the property's ambiance, recent events, and guest experiences. Look for comments and responses from the hotel's management, as this can give you an idea of how they handle guest feedback and concerns.
Social media can also be a source of special offers, promotions, and exclusive discounts that may not be available elsewhere.
Furthermore, some hotels may run contests or giveaways, allowing you to win exciting prizes or complimentary stays.
In conclusion
Considering these seven criteria, you can make a more informed decision when choosing a hotel or B&B for your next adventure. Happy travels!