As part of a group tour to London in 1996 we stayed at a highly rated hotel in Kensington. The neighbourhood was everything I had ever pictured when I thought of London; curved streets with towering whitewashed townhouses bedecked in black wrought iron and baskets of colourful primrose. The hotel was elegant, centrally located and included a full English breakfast. The room was spacious and comfortable after a long day of sightseeing. Since we were part of a tour group finding our own way around the city was not a concern. It was so memorable that over a decade later we checked it out for our next trip to the UK capital only to find out it was way above our budget. Because the cost of the accommodations was rolled into the overall cost of the trip we had no idea but I can guarantee that we got what we payed for.
Instead for the next visit we found a hotel in The City just around the corner from the Tower of London and close to the Liberty Pub. A continental breakfast was included, it was close to the stop for the No 15 bus which crisscrossed the city and since it was under construction the price was affordable (a great tip to find a value price on a luxury hotel if you don’t mind the odd drop sheet or scaffold). True to European standards however the room itself was small and with only a mini fridge and a kettle there was no opportunity to make more than our morning coffee. The City is part of the financial district so most shops were closed on Sunday and the following bank holiday. Once we had toured the Tower we needed to travel a distance to see other parts of the London so tried to group each days sightseeing into neighbourhoods to reduce the time spent on public transit. “Mind The Gap” was a common refrain.
For our most recent trip we found a small efficiency apartment, and by small I mean small even by European standards. There was no housekeeping so I had to make the bed each morning and we had to go to the front desk if we needed anything. It had a working kitchen for making our own meals or enjoying take away so that combined with its reasonable cost made it very affordable. We had to walk up 4 flights of stairs at the end of each tiring day so there was a trade off. Even so it allowed us to stretch our budget and stay in London a few days longer. Located a short walk from King’s Cross the city was readily accessible to us by subway, and we could easily catch the train for day trips outside of the city, so it made for an excellent home base for which to tour southern England.
I use these three diverse examples to reflect upon the triumphs and drawbacks of finding great accommodations when you travel. Since we generally book our own (we have not taken an organized tour since that one in 1996) I have a checklist I consider before hitting the BOOK NOW button.
- Cost
Comparing the price of accommodations, to other options and against our budget, is top of our list.
- Location
Like any real estate location is very important. Proximity to public transportation is usually first and foremost in our deliberations, but we also want to find out about nearby amenities such as groceries and restaurants, safety and security, and green space.
- Style
Deciding between a hotel and an apartment is usually based on the length of stay and how comfortable we are in the area. Living as a local is to us the best experience but may not be feasible in a new or unfamiliar country in which language is an issue.
- Amenities
If we are looking to stay awhile we find access to a kitchen crucial. Air conditioning is not always available but in warmer climates is essential to a good sleep. Depending on the length of our stay having access to laundry facilities may also be important. If you find the availability of housekeeping, inclusive meals or beverages and concierge services important to ensure your vacation is as relaxing as it can be then these may be more significant in your decision making.
- Favourable recommendations and reviews
Whether you are using a travel professional or booking through Expedia or Airbnb take some time to read the reviews and recommendations from folks who have stayed there. Read each one with a grain of salt of course as what someone else complains about may be inconsequential to you. Cleanliness, service and any of the above must haves are important to watch out for.
To ensure the best possible adventure take the time to select accommodations that match your travel goals. Manage your expectations along with your budget.