Recently a friend asked me “What’s your process for deciding where to stay when you travel?” I thought that was an oddly specific question, but I was swiftly informed that I’ve gained a bit of a reputation for my stringent vetting of hotels and Airbnbs! Come to think of it, I did once spend over a week painstakingly debating between two hotels in Istanbul… I guess the signs of obsession were there.
Good accommodation can really make all the difference when it comes to making the most of your travels, and it’s important to have your priorities in order when considering factors like budget, convenience, and overall levels of comfort. So if you’re struggling with where to begin when booking a spot to lay your head after a busy day of touristing, here’s my handy list of things to consider:
- The location is everything. And before you cry “But I don’t want to be in the touristy areas!”, remember that they are touristy areas for good reason. Often these central locations are the best because they are well served by public transport and provide easy access to all the must-do sights and activities. The last thing you want is to spend your valuable time on holiday dragging a bag around in frantic search of transport to your far-flung accommodation, or taking long journeys to get to the things you want to see. So, I always start with a very good browse of Google maps and some research into transport options.
- Sleeping arrangements are key. Gone are the days of me randomly sleeping on a futon in Seoul when I was 22, without a second thought. My lower back can only dream of such freedom! In all seriousness though, pay careful attention to the layout of the rooms and beds, especially when traveling with a few friends. Quality of sleep could make or break your trip if you have a busy itinerary.
- Is it clean? The first picture I look at is the bathroom and that will tell me what I need to know. Also, read the reviews – people like to have a moan, but if there are consistent similar comments about issues with hygiene, steer clear!
- How much time will you spend there? Are you literally just coming back in the evenings to shower and sleep? Or are you looking for somewhere to relax and unwind, maybe with a buffet breakfast and a sunlounger by the pool to seal the deal? The ‘vibe’ of your holiday should help you decide what kind of place will suit you, as well as helping you think about how much of your budget you are willing to set aside for accommodation.
- Think about your eating habits and preferences. If you’re comfortable eating out for every meal then happy days, but if you appreciate being able to make your own toast in the morning or a cup of tea before bed, you may want to consider whether your accommodation has self-catering facilities included.
- Cancellation policies. Make sure you read carefully regarding the latest date at which you can cancel or amend your booking. Life happens, and sometimes you might find yourself in a sticky situation where you have to make last-minute adjustments.
What about your baggage? It can be a real drag, literally, being weighed down by baggage while waiting for check-in, or after check-out. Check if your accommodation has baggage storage arrangements in place, so that you can make the most of your time to explore your chosen location.
And my final top tip: If you are going somewhere hot, and you aren’t very close to a beach, you may want to consider accommodation with pool access just to make your stay a little more refreshing! That Istanbul hotel debate I mentioned earlier? It was the rooftop pool that swayed my final decision, and with the Turkish summer heat in full force, I was grateful every day for making that choice!