When you are planning your next trip, one of the most important decisions you will make is where to stay. There are many options available, from small “mom-and-pop” hotels to large resorts and everything in between. Some of these accommodations are quite luxurious, while others may be more basic. Which one is best for you depends on a variety of factors, including your budget and purpose. Here are some things to consider:

Location

A hotel’s location can have a major impact on your travel experience. You might want to be close to specific attractions or you may prefer to be in a certain neighborhood. The proximity of the hotel to transportation also makes a difference. Many booking sites will allow you to filter hotels by their location, so you can only see the ones that meet your criteria.

Hotel amenities

The services that a hotel offers can help determine its overall star rating and influence prices. Some of the most common amenities include WiFi (free or for a fee), parking, and breakfast. Others may have an on-site gym, spa, or pool. The type of amenities offered can also vary by hotel type. For example, hostels often have kitchen facilities while hotels tend not to.

Whether or not a hotel has amenities like this may seem minor, but it can make a big difference in your experience. For example, if you are traveling with family, it may be essential to find a place that has cribs and hypoallergenic beddings. Similarly, if you are on a business trip, it might be useful to have access to printers and fax machines, as well as a conference room.

Some hotels will also offer self-service check-in and checkout, which can save you time and money. Some will also have mobile apps that allow you to use them for your reservation, making the process even more convenient.

Other considerations when choosing accommodation are the check-in and check-out times, as well as cancellation policies. These will all affect how long you can stay in the hotel, which can be an important factor if you have other plans for your trip.

Timing

You should also think about when you plan to arrive and leave the hotel, as this will impact the price. Most destinations have high and low seasons for tourism, so rates will be higher during those times.