THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A HOTEL

There are so many different kinds of hotel accommodations, from luxury five star resorts to very affordable rooms that offer the basics and let you spend your money on other things. It all depends on what you are looking for, and what you are willing to pay for.

However there are some things you should look for, and scrimping on it can seriously hamper how pleasant your stay will be.

COMFORTABLE BEDS

For example, you need comfortable beds. They may not use Egyptian cotton sheets but they should at least be clean and soft. You don’t want to wake up with an aching back and the feeling that you slept on the floor! Otherwise you won’t have the energy to really tour the city, nor will you feel very relaxed when every muscle in your body aches. Luckily even the simplest and most rustic accommodations can at least offer decent beds.

CLEAN ROOMS

Another important factor is the cleanliness of the overall room. You should look for good housekeeping services, where the staff gives a thorough sweep every day, and makes sure that the room is well maintained even if it is not occupied. The room should look and smell fresh, no insects or stickiness or dust.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

There is nothing that can ruin a vacation more than losing valuables and spending precious hours filing a report of theft at the local police station. Your money, your credit cards, your jewelry, your camera—make sure that they’re safe. Either bring them with you or leave them at the hotel’s safety box. You should also make sure that the locks are secure and that the hotel has proper security measures to control who can walk in and out of the area.

ACCESSIBILITY

It’s pointless to “Save” money on a hotel and then spend an exorbitant amount on transportation just to get to the places of interest. Look for something that isn’t too isolated, especially if you plan to go around, or are traveling with young kids. Also ask the hotel if they have complimentary shuttle services, or if they are near public transportation. That can really affect how much of Barcelona you see, and what you spend.

EXTRA PERKS

These items aren’t necessary but they certainly do make a hotel stay memorable. If you can afford it, get it. Part of the vacation experience is feeling pampered. You only do this once a year so why not go all out and get the full deal? However, get what’s important to you. It is not wise to pay for a perk that you know you won’t really need. For example, you may not need WI FI if you are not a business traveler and don’t plan on contacting anyone during your five days in Barcelona.

• Room service. This is just one of the fun things about staying in a hotel. You can get a banana split at 3 am, or can opt to lounge in the room and drink champagne while soaking in a hot tub.
• Wi FI. This is very important for a business traveler. Ideally you shouldn’t have to pay for this service or go to specially appointed business areas. Ideally you should get this from your own hotel room. Do check any hotel that advertises Wi Fi if this is available, and what rooms it is available in. It could be you want to use it for work, keep up with the news or just to relax (playing poker online for example) - either way, it’s a great resource to have in your room!
• Free breakfast. You will save money on your breakfast and perhaps even your lunch. Many people who are busy touring will eat a heavy breakfast buffet and opt for a lighter lunch so they can see as much as they can of the city.
• Babysitting services. What a great deal this means to parents traveling with kids! You can have a romantic dinner out without worrying about what the kids are up to.
• Spa services. Who wouldn’t appreciate a facial, a massage, or even a relaxing foot spa after walking around the whole day?
• Entertainment - be it a show done by professionals or kareoke, especially if your travelling alone it’s great to have the opportunity to leave your hotel room and socialise a little