Travelers have a multitude of hotel options. They can choose from luxury properties, all-inclusive resorts and hotels that cater to specific groups of travelers like families and couples. They can also decide between hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts and short-term rental properties. While cost and location are key drivers for most travelers, there are other factors that can help them select the best hotel for their trip.
The most important factor is how satisfied customers are with a particular chain, and satisfaction can vary significantly between facilities within a chain. This is why it’s helpful to check out reviews from people who have stayed at the properties you are considering, on sites like TripAdvisor and Google reviews. These sites can flag when a review has been written by someone who hasn’t stayed at the property being reviewed and ask them to verify their stay.
Aside from that, it’s worth noting that small hotels generally offer more personalized service and are better equipped to deal with negative online reviews than larger chains. They’re also often less expensive than their big-name competition.
In a recent survey by CivicScience, 53% of respondents said they didn’t trust any hotel review site, so the era of anything-goes, unverified reviews may finally be coming to an end. However, smaller hotels have a big opportunity to make up ground in this area by putting transparency at the forefront of their business models.
Besides the obvious value of offering a transparent booking process, hotels can also build customer confidence by offering a wide range of rewards and perks. The best hotel rewards programs give their members access to unique experiences at world-class hotels and resorts. These rewards can be as simple as free Wi-Fi or as elaborate as exclusive tours and activities that highlight the local culture.
Luxury hotels in Europe have a long history of offering exceptional hospitality and are a must-visit when you’re looking for an unforgettable vacation. These properties will leave you feeling pampered and relaxed, whether you’re staying in a castle in Prague or a jungle-clad resort in Bali.
It’s no surprise that Hyatt and Marriott have topped the hotel rewards programs for travelers, but what might be surprising is that Choice came in second place. Its low fees, including parking and resort charges, helped it score high in the value-to-cost category. While Hilton’s lowest rank in the program rankings might be a bit of a shock, its lack of a robust loyalty network and industry-worst fees probably didn’t help either. Best Western, meanwhile, scored well on loyalty because it has a larger global footprint than its competitors and its points are redeemable for more free nights.
