Online profiles of hotels tend to publish superfluous information in an effort to appear impressive to readers and potential guests. When using online hotel booking to find the best place to stay for a bargain price, it is important to begin one's search by asking the right questions.
First, consider the purpose of the trip. For business trips, location is of paramount importance. Since most of the time will be spent on meetings anyway, one may opt to sacrifice hotel facilities for a location that is at the city center. Such a choice will help one avoid bumper-to-bumper traffic during rush hours and thus, minimize stress and travel time. For those who travel for leisure, on the other hand, the hotel facilities themselves could be part of the travel adventure. Likewise, foodies would want to consider the hotel restaurant's menu.
Second, consider the duration of the stay. Those staying for a longer period of time may opt to stay in more reasonably priced hotels farther from the city center. The funds they save on the hotel can be used instead for airport transfers and/or shopping for souvenirs.
Third, consider if one is traveling alone or with kids. Most of the business hotels are large but spare, and there isn't much for children to do but watch television. One may wish to look for a hotel that has a game room or a sports or activity center for kids. It is also helpful to look at the hotel's special offers. At the moment, for example, Hotel Rotana Dubai offers a 15% discount at KidZania entry tickets for kids staying in their hotels. Conversely, if one is traveling alone and would prefer a more quiet and restful spot, it is better not to check in a family hotel.
Fourth, consider personal preferences. Some hotels offer both smoking and non-smoking rooms. WiFi is often provided but at a surcharge. If that is a major concern, make it a point to ask for a discount or look for another hotel with free WiFi instead. Some hotels also have bars and discos while others don't. If noise is an issue, it is important to ask for a room that is far away from these. Relaying one's preference to management is easy enough with online hotel booking.
Finally, exert the effort to research on hotels. Check back on travel websites once in a while for discounts and package deals. Read up on testimonials and consider if the reviews of majority of the guests sound like they had a desirable travel experience with a particular hotel. Disappointment is rare for the traveler who has at least an idea of what to expect.
First, consider the purpose of the trip. For business trips, location is of paramount importance. Since most of the time will be spent on meetings anyway, one may opt to sacrifice hotel facilities for a location that is at the city center. Such a choice will help one avoid bumper-to-bumper traffic during rush hours and thus, minimize stress and travel time. For those who travel for leisure, on the other hand, the hotel facilities themselves could be part of the travel adventure. Likewise, foodies would want to consider the hotel restaurant's menu.
Second, consider the duration of the stay. Those staying for a longer period of time may opt to stay in more reasonably priced hotels farther from the city center. The funds they save on the hotel can be used instead for airport transfers and/or shopping for souvenirs.
Third, consider if one is traveling alone or with kids. Most of the business hotels are large but spare, and there isn't much for children to do but watch television. One may wish to look for a hotel that has a game room or a sports or activity center for kids. It is also helpful to look at the hotel's special offers. At the moment, for example, Hotel Rotana Dubai offers a 15% discount at KidZania entry tickets for kids staying in their hotels. Conversely, if one is traveling alone and would prefer a more quiet and restful spot, it is better not to check in a family hotel.
Fourth, consider personal preferences. Some hotels offer both smoking and non-smoking rooms. WiFi is often provided but at a surcharge. If that is a major concern, make it a point to ask for a discount or look for another hotel with free WiFi instead. Some hotels also have bars and discos while others don't. If noise is an issue, it is important to ask for a room that is far away from these. Relaying one's preference to management is easy enough with online hotel booking.
Finally, exert the effort to research on hotels. Check back on travel websites once in a while for discounts and package deals. Read up on testimonials and consider if the reviews of majority of the guests sound like they had a desirable travel experience with a particular hotel. Disappointment is rare for the traveler who has at least an idea of what to expect.
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