When it comes to finding the best hotel, the options are endless. From 5-star luxury properties to budget-friendly hostels, there’s something for every traveler’s needs and budget. And while many travelers will book a hotel based on its price, others will be more focused on the experience, amenities and location.
Hotel chains are the most popular option for travelers, making up 67% of all chain hotels in the United States. This is largely due to massive industry consolidation, which has enabled a small number of multi-brand conglomerates to dominate the hotel industry across segments from luxury to budget. This has also shifted the way hotels are evaluated and ranked, with brand names lending credibility to a property’s reputation and making it easier for guests to earn rewards if they stay at a franchised hotel.
Aside from a recognizable name and brand, another factor that determines a hotel’s rating is its customer satisfaction score. This is determined by a combination of factors, including guest reviews and ratings from professional travel publications. A high customer satisfaction score indicates that a hotel provides a great experience and is well worth the money.
The top rated hotels have a high customer satisfaction score and excellent amenities. These hotels are well worth the money and should be your first choice when booking a hotel.
However, there are a lot of fake hotel reviews out there, so you should be careful when reading online hotel reviews. These sites are full of people with an ulterior motive. For example, some of these reviews are written by reputation management operatives hired by hotels to boost their own online ratings and lower their competitors’. Others are made by disgruntled former employees who may have a personal beef with a particular hotel or restaurant. This is a big problem and does a huge disservice to would-be hotel guests.
To avoid falling prey to these scams, look for reputable sites such as Trip Advisor and Yelp. These sites offer verified reviews that you can trust. If you can’t find a trustworthy review, consider talking to friends who have stayed at the hotel or reading a book about it before you decide to stay.
Aside from the price, other important factors to consider when choosing a hotel include its location and whether it has a restaurant. For example, if you’re staying in New York City, you’ll want to choose a hotel that offers easy access to the city’s robust subway system or is near some of its best restaurants and attractions.
You should also check the availability of free WiFi and the quality of its network. If you’re a business traveler, you’ll want to make sure that the hotel’s internet connection is reliable and fast enough for you to work efficiently during your trip. Lastly, be sure to consider any local hotel taxes that might be added to your bill. These taxes vary by state, so be sure to research what to expect before you book your room.
