How to Find The Best Accommodation For Your Vacation

How to book a perfect stay for your holiday?

In this article, I will list ten tips to find the best accommodation for your trip. Whether you are traveling to Europe, Asia, or Australia, these tips will help you plan your trip easily.

1. Use trustworthy booking sites

Safety first!

Imagine that you almost get to the city and realize that your host canceled at the last minute or the hotel declined your booking request? You can receive excellent support and the best deal by using trustworthy sites.

I have traveled to 31 countries and stayed at different types of accommodation. Here are a few trusted websites that help me to save money and time searching:

• Booking.com
• Hotels.com
• Airbnb
• Expedia

2. Choose the location carefully

Location is an important factor in choosing accommodation. Before booking any place, you should consider:

• How to go there from the airport? Does the hotel provide an airport shuttle?
• Is it near the center/ train station/ bus station?
• Are there any restaurants and shops around?
• Is it easy to reach the main attractions of accommodation?

There are several cheap accommodations on booking sites, but many are far away and not convenient to reach or commute.

Unless you’d like to take a cab or get on a long bus/ train ride every time, you should stay in the central area close to public transport, airports, local attractions, restaurants, and can get out and walk to most things.

How to choose the best hotel location?

Unfortunately, you can choose the location wisely with Booking.com interactive map. Using Booking.com‘s map view to compare options and prices, you will be able to find the best accommodation that fits your needs.

3. Read reviews

Reviews written by other guests are informative and helpful. Text reviews and scores are two factors you should consider when looking for accommodation.

The best way to read reviews is to check reviews from travelers who have similar trips like you – solo travel, family travel, couple travel, and which type of room that they booked – Dorm bed, Dingle room, Double room, Twin room, Triple room (for family), etc.

Also, you can read reviews from different booking sites if you have more spare time –Booking.com, Hotels.com, TripAdvisor, and Expedia.

4. Consider scores in all features

You should consider the overall rating of the accommodation and take a closer look at other scores such as Cleanliness, Comfort, Facilities, Staff, Value for Money, Location.

5. Use stars as a guide only

You should not consider much about the hotel’s star because it can vary from country to country.

One 3-star-hotel in one country can be better than a 4-star-hotel in another country. You should consider the facilities and services to choose the best accommodation.

6. Look for extra hidden cost

Sometimes the accommodation does not show all the prices as their “final cost.” The most common hidden charge is a tax (per night/ per stay).

Also, you may need to pay extra for service, facilities such as towels, bedsheets, property service charges, etc.

Therefore, you should check whether there is an extra cost, so the actual price will not add up than you expected.

7. Check the facilities & services

It is worth checking the facilities and services carefully before booking your stay. Some accommodations may charge for necessary facilities such as wifi although major places don’t.

Some places may have a restriction on using time of services.

For example, you cannot use the hairdryer after midnight till 6 am, or you will need to leave the hostel from 10 am to 2 pm during the stay for cleaning purposes (It happens a lot in Osaka, Japan).

Also, you should check other facilities such as parking, swimming pool, spa, gym, washing machine, etc., to have a great stay.

8. Book early

Don’t book at the last minute because the price can go up or the place is sold out. The worst thing is opening the browser to book your dream place and realizing that it is sold out on the day you intend to stay.

Also, you can cancel at no cost before arrival day withBooking.com, so even when you change your mind, it will not matter much.

9. Sign up for the loyalty program

When you sign up as a member on any booking sites such as Booking.com, Hotels.com, or Airbnb, you will get a discount or deals from them.

For example, you will get one free stay after ten stays at Hotels.com. Isn’t it great? Check it out here.

10. Don’t hesitate to ask

If you have any questions or inquiries regarding the facilities, services, etc., don’t hesitate to email or call the property. Sometimes you can even add more services with discounts by negotiating with the hotel.

Also, it is recommended to double-check with the property to make sure that your booking is correct.