It can feel like a minefield when you’re searching for the best hotel. You can get a lot of advice from the internet, but how can you know who to trust? And how can you avoid a hotel that’s not what it’s cracked up to be? The good news is that there are some ways to find the right hotel for your needs.
First, consider the source of a review. If it comes from a website that has been verified, that means the reviewer is who they say they are. The verification process involves answering questions about themselves and a few recent photos. This helps prevent fraud and keeps the ratings on sites more trustworthy. Next, choose a hotel that has been reviewed on multiple websites. This will give you a more complete picture of the hotel’s overall quality.
You can also look for hotels with high customer satisfaction ratings. This is a sign that the hotel is committed to guest satisfaction and providing exceptional service. This can make all the difference when choosing a hotel.
Lastly, look for hotels that are pet friendly. Many hotels are now offering special amenities for pet owners to ensure that they feel comfortable during their stay. For example, some hotels may have a special dog bed or offer complimentary meals. Some even offer spa services for pets.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, you can book your hotel directly with the hotel. By booking direct, you’ll save money and earn loyalty points. Some hotels are even willing to match online rates, and they can often offer additional perks that you might not have found elsewhere, such as free WiFi or breakfast.
While choice overload is real, there are ways to cut through the noise and find the best hotel for your trip. Start by deciding what’s most important to you, then use search filters to filter out unhelpful results. For example, you can filter by “family friendly,” or “free Wi-Fi,” and only see the results that meet your criteria.
You can also save time by using a tool such as Google’s hotel price comparison tool. It scans all of the major booking websites and will tell you which one is cheapest. This is a great way to find the best hotel for your budget.
Despite the fact that there are many hotel rating systems, there’s no such thing as an officially recognized seven-star hotel. But that hasn’t stopped journalists, reviewers and guests from creating a coveted category of luxury accommodations.
If you’re planning a big trip, it’s worth considering signing up for a hotel credit card to save money and earn elite status. Many cards have annual free-night certificates, and some even come with bonus points and perks such as lounge access or dining discounts. NerdWallet has a helpful list of top hotel rewards programs, but be sure to read the fine print and decide which one is best for you based on your travel habits and the amount of time you spend in hotels.
