Making a decision as regards choice of accommodation when you are away from home goes beyond financial considerations. Travelers and regular hotel guests are sometimes left with discouragements when they make accommodation choice based solely on budget. While it’s important to consider your budget when selecting a hotel, it is equally essential to evaluate other factors to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay.
Some budget hotels ensure they offer guest services that create lasting impression, meanwhile others are just a business enterprise established to rip you off your hard earned fund. This article will walk you through ten (10) essential things you must consider when making hotel choice based on your budget. While this list is not exhaustive, it is important to base your decisions on thorough research and personal convictions.
LOCATION
Choosing hotel that is close to your destination is one important factor to consider. You must consider transport links and accessibility. If you rely on public bus travel to commute, you should understand that bus service may not reach some remote locations, while cab service may also add to your budget. It is important to note that some budget hotels are located in some remote locations. While choosing these facilities, you should consider the transport links.
SECURITY
Security and safety is very essential. Making accommodation decision when visiting areas and communities where security breaches are common requires careful consideration. Incidents of hotel raids are prevalent in high risk locations. Thankfully, some hotels provide additional security measures. It is advisable to research the safety features of your chosen accommodations and their surrounding areas. You can use online guide to research into security situations of some locations.
PRICE
It is generally believed that budget hotels offer prices below most star rated hotels. As popular as this statement is, it is not true in all occasions. Check for prices of hotels in your preferred location. Prices goes beyond money. You must get a commensurate value in return for every dollar spent. Does the facility offer amenities and infrastructures that are price worthy? Do you have to pay extra taxes and VAT on services you get? Is the customer service another treatment you would love to get in other locations? Some budget hotels offer customer services that create good impression.
HOUSEKEEPING
Don’t house me in a room that is untidy or oozing unpleasant smell. I won’t last a second in such room. Hotel cleanliness is very important. This is why most hotel managers prioritize housekeeping. How often your room is cleaned while in-house will signal the hotel housekeeping measures. A colleague once told me he saw rats in his room when he checked in a particular hotel. This was not a pleasant experience, but it borders on the hotel housekeeping efforts. Ensure the rooms meet basic hygiene standards and check photos and reviews before you make final decision.
STAFF RELATIONS
Consider how staff relate with guests. Do you get response to your requests in one single conversation? Are the staff willing to go beyond their limits to proffer solution to the challenges you encounter in their facilities, or are they the unbothered type? A friend once said that he rang reception for bath mat in his room, but never got response for the request. He said when he checked with the receptionist, the receptionist, who looked unbothered, basically told him she did not know where it was kept and could not make effort to ask housekeeping staff for this important item. Some staff attitudes to guests are top notch, while some are nothing good to write about.
CANCELLATION POLICY
You must understand the hotel cancellation policy of your preferred hotel choice. Most hotels cancellation must not be later than 24-hour, while some allow for flexibility. Turn-around-time (TAT) for refunds should be checked.
GUEST REVIEWS
It is always good to guide your decision based on the experience of others, however this is not “all size fits all approach”. Individual experiences and preferences may differ. Check ratings on websites like Booking.com, TripAdvisor, Google, etc. to gain valuable insights into the experiences of others. You should also check out for latest and honest reviews, and the hotel responses to these.
MENU OPTIONS
It is noteworthy that hotel menu options differ. Some budget hotels offer different menu options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, while some only offer breakfast. You need to understand the variety of foods you will get before you make your commitment. Check the hotel websites or contact their reception for further advice.
ROOM SIZE AND COMFORT
Room size is often ignored. This is, however, important factor to consider alongside prices and offers. If you are traveling with your partner, check out the bed sizes and lighting. Sometimes, the bed spaces aren’t what they are advertised to be. You should be sure you would get comfortable room and bed before making payment. This is essential.
CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT POLICY
This is the last point on our list, but it is not the least. Most hotels allow for online check-in and check-out. It is widely understood that early check-ins and late check-outs are typically not permitted unless specifically arranged. Some hotels maintain a strict check-in and check-out policies, while some are flexible. You need to be sure the policies are suitable for you, and what you can plan your visit around.
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