How Do You Find a Hotel?
by Paula A Entwhistle
http://www.yuhotels.com
Going on a trip? Where do you want to sleep? When
traveling, for either business or pleasure, I plan ahead if
possible about where to stay. Some places don't even have
three star accommodations, let alone four.
You'll probably go on that trip anyway, even if you can't
find very good accommodations ahead of time. Are there any
hotels that aren't too bad? Actually, some next-to-
nonexistent accommodation experiences have made for the
best and most memorable trips.
I remember my trip to Tikal, Guatemala. We rented hammocks
for $1.50 a night which we then hung high up in a thatched-
roof hut with no sides in the jungle. Good thing we hung
them high. In the middle of the night a wild boar came
snorting and rooting around in our suitcases right
underneath the hammocks. (I'm not making this up.) Where
were our nice bathrooms? Well, it's a big jungle. And,
eventually we were able to dry off after the torrential
rainstorm drenched us toward morning.
If you're brave (and a little nuts, too), you can go
traveling without knowing where you're going to be staying.
I've done this often enough that I know I'll always be able
to find somewhere to sleep. And I know it'll probably be
interesting. But, that doesn't stop me from throwing in a
sleeping bag. Or, did you ever read Hitchhiker's Guide to
the Galaxy? At least I take a towel.
OK, how about the more usual trip? As I'm sure you're
aware, there are lots of hotel chains. If you've had a
pleasant experience at one of them before, why not use that
chain again when you go somewhere else? Usually, hotels
are a lot alike from in different areas. Sometimes the layout
is identical! If they have Continental breakfast included
at one, maybe they provide the exact same sweet rolls in a
different city. If they have a sauna here, they probably
will there, too.
What price are you willing to pay? This usually makes a
difference in how satisfied you are. If you can spend more
than a hundred dollars per night in a U.S. hotel, you'll
get a comfy sitting chair, thick, luxurious sheets, well
appointed bathrooms and possibly a small refrigerator!
Conversely, if you're on a very tight budget, you may need
to look out for bedbugs in a sleazy dive.
Europe is lots more expensive. Bed and Breakfasts make a
terrific alternative to hotels there. You can travel all
over the British Isles without knowing ahead of time where
you'll find your next night's lodging. Just drive over
hill and dale, and when you get tired, look for a "B & B"
sign. Wonderful people run them. Try a hostel, too,
while you're at it!
It's really helpful to look online for hotels. Go ahead
and try MapQuest, or the airline you're flying on. The
first question is what hotels that area has, because most
towns have at least one. If all else fails, there may be
one nearby you can stay at and drive wherever you need to
go. Search for hotels on the internet by price to make
sure you get what you want.
If the only good hotel around costs too much, ask if they
have any specials. Often hotels have extended stay deals,
AAA awards or room specials. Just ask! They might give
you a lower rate if you book well ahead, and maybe you can get
the room you really want. Of course, there's always the
local flea-bag motel, and you might even survive the
experience.
Ask your friends and family for advice about what hotels
they use. If you don't know anything about a particular
hotel, call them and ask all your questions. For example,
ask whether they have wake up calls and room service. Do
they have an extra cot for your toddler? What's the
thread count in their sheets? Do they charge extra for your
kitty? Is there a heated pool and hot tub?
And maybe you want out and out luxury. Go for the best!
Just make sure always to follow one simple rule when
choosing your hotel: don't settle for less than you're
willing to accept. If you do that, the potential problems
will vanish ahead of time and you'll be glad you made the
choice you did. Have a wonderful time.
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