Are you getting ready for your awesome summer vacation? It’s time to get excited, but don’t get ahead of yourself. You need to vet your potential hotels.
While you’re probably going to be out and about having fun most of the time, having a cool and comfortable space to come back and relax in is crucial to any luxury vacation. There are plenty of advertised hotels for vacations, but how can you choose the right one?
Before you pick blindly, try asking yourself (or the hotel staff and websites) a few important questions. You don’t want to end up in a space that doesn’t suit you! It’s okay to be picky when you’re spending a lot of money to have a good time.
Keep reading for six questions to ask any potential hotel that you may be spending your next vacation at.
1. Is There a Complimentary Breakfast?Â
Vacations are expensive. The trip, the hotel, the activities, and then the meals really add up. It can be nice to find a hotel that offers complimentary breakfast (even if it’s simple) to the people staying there.
While it’s definitely not a must-have, it doesn’t hurt to ask. Some hotels don’t even have complimentary coffee, and if you’re paying big bucks to stay somewhere nice, you deserve to know what’s included.
2. What’s the Cancellation Policy?
Sometimes things don’t go to plan. Especially right now when travel plans are so uncertain, you may want to know what cancellation policies are like at your potential hotels.
Oftentimes, hotels will have their cancellation policies on their websites. Sometimes, though, they’ll try to hide them.
Many front desk workers will be happy to answer your polite questions about the cancellation policy if it means that they won’t have to deal with irate customers later.
Knowing ahead of time will help make your planning easier and more productive. Don’t get caught in a bad situation later when things don’t go as planned.
3. Is There a Shuttle?
If you’re flying for vacation, you might not be doing a whole lot of driving while you’re in town. With so many public transportation options available now, many people don’t bother renting cars.
It can be important to ask about shuttling options if you’re not driving. When you arrive at the airport, is there a shuttle that can bring you directly to the hotel? Is there a shuttle that can bring you back when the vacation is over?
This can cut down on travel costs and travel time.
Depending on where you’re going, your hotel might offer shuttle services to popular attractions in your area. While this is less common (unless you happen to be going to a Disney resort) it never hurts to ask. Shuttles can make life so much easier and they take the guesswork out of travel.
4. Is It Close to Attractions?Â
Even if your hotel doesn’t offer shuttle services, it can be helpful to know if it’s anywhere near where you’re trying to go.
You can sometimes gauge this from online maps, but other times it can be a bit less clear. Asking about nearby food and entertainment options can be helpful, as the hotel wants to advertise these things. If they’re close to the cool places to be, you’ll know about it.
A hotel that’s within walking distance to many restaurants and sights is the best. You won’t have to deal with transportation costs and you’ll have easy access to everything you need.
5. Is There Free WiFi?Â
Let’s be real: in 2020, WiFi is an absolute must on any vacation. Even if you’re only using it to check emails or update your Instagram with your favorite vacation pictures, you need the internet.
It’s even more important if you’re working while on vacation, or if you’re trying to keep your kids entertained at night with their favorite movies (tip: here’s how to download Netflix movies on Mac. You’ll thank us later).
Sometimes hotels will mention “WiFi included” on their room listings, but inquire a bit deeper into this. Does this mean a full day of WiFi? Are there strong WiFi networks?
Sometimes, the included WiFi is really only about an hour of internet time. This might be enough for you if you’re going to be spending the bulk of your day out sightseeing, but if you’re working or have important things to keep up with online, you need the extra time.
6. Does It Suit Your Family or Group?Â
Who is coming with you on this trip?
If it’s just you and your friends, partner, or other adult family members, it’s probably no big deal.
If one of you has a mobility impairment, you might want to ask about accessibility. Is the hotel wheelchair (or other mobility devices) accessible?
If you’re bringing children, how child-friendly is the hotel?
If there’s a pool, is there a safe area for the kids? Does the hotel have cribs or highchairs available for smaller children? If the children are staying in another room, are the rooms connected so that you have easy access if they need you?
Some people bring their pets with them on vacation. Does your hotel allow pets? If so, what exactly is their pet policy?
These are all things that you want to know before you wind up at a hotel that doesn’t suit your needs at all. Make sure that everyone at your party is able to enjoy this vacation.
Not All Hotels for Vacations Are Equal
There are so many hotels for vacations to choose from, but they won’t all be right for you. Make sure that you ask the right questions so that you get to stay in a place that you love.
Even if you’re going on vacation to have fun in the sun and stay on your feet, your hotel should be a sanctuary.
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