Choose Your Accommodation for the Whole Trip

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Booking accommodation is often reduced to three things: price, location and how nice the room looks in the photographs. Those are important, but they don’t necessarily tell you whether the place will suit the way you actually travel.

Think about your typical day on holiday. If you enjoy exploring on foot, being close to cafés, shops and public transport may be more useful than having a large room. If you prefer quiet mornings and early nights, a hotel beside a busy nightlife strip may become tiresome surprisingly quickly.

The room itself deserves a closer look, too. Check whether there is a lift if you would rather avoid stairs, and look at photographs of the bathroom rather than just the bedroom. A walk-in shower can be much more convenient than a bath with a shower over it, particularly if getting in and out is awkward.

Don’t overlook practical details such as a fridge, kettle, laundry facilities or air conditioning. These can make a noticeable difference during a longer stay. If you’re travelling with medication that needs refrigeration, for example, confirming the arrangements with the accommodation before booking is sensible.

Location can also be deceptive. A hotel may be described as being “close to the city centre,” but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s convenient for the places you want to visit. Put the address into a map and check the actual walking distances. Look at the route rather than simply measuring the distance, as steep streets or busy roads can make a short journey less comfortable.

Reviews can provide useful clues, particularly when several guests mention the same issue. Look for recent reviews and pay attention to practical comments about noise, access, cleanliness and staff rather than relying solely on the overall star rating.

Finally, consider how much time you’ll actually spend at the accommodation. If you’re planning a packed sightseeing holiday, you may not need a resort with dozens of facilities. If you’re taking a slower break, however, a comfortable common area, garden or balcony might be worth paying a little more for.

The best accommodation is the place that makes the rest of your holiday easier. Think about how you’ll use it before you click “book,” and you’re more likely to be happy when you arrive.