By: Frayed Passport
There are lots of things that can make your vacation great, and lots of things that can make it a bummer, and one of the biggest issues many travelers face is, of course, picking the wrong hotel, motel or apartment to stay in because, when you don’t sleep well and you don’t get that luxe feel, your trip can feel like a dud.
That being the case, let’s take a look at how you can make sure that you always find the best place to stay, wherever you may be heading!
Don’t Just Search “Cheap Hotels”—Get Specific!
Let’s be real: throwing “cheap hotels” into Google will get you a list of rooms that look like they haven’t seen a vacuum since the 90s. Instead, get crafty with your searches. Type in things like “cool boutique hotels” or “budget-friendly luxury stays.” Add your destination, and you’re on your way to finding spots that are more welcoming and less sketchy.
If you’re heading somewhere like Atlanta and want to really treat yourself, get specific with your search by trying something like “luxury apartment hotels in Atlanta GA”—you’ll find places that offer way more space, better amenities, and maybe even a skyline view to enjoy with your morning coffee. Way better than staring at a peeling wallpaper wall, right?
Use the Magic of Social Media
This is one time where Instagram stalking pays off. Search hashtags like #BoutiqueHotel or #HiddenGems and add your location. You’ll discover amazing spots that don’t always make it onto mainstream booking sites. Plus, you’ll get a sense of what the place actually looks like through real people’s posts (no misleading angles or oversaturated photos). Same goes for Pinterest—who knew that dreamiest hotel room might be hiding on your Pinterest board?
Read Reviews, but Take ‘Em with a Pinch of Salt
Review-reading is essential, but remember—people love to complain. Someone might rant about a hotel because the towels weren’t fluffy enough, or they found the minibar overpriced (pro tip: they always are). Look for reviews that focus on stuff you actually care about, like cleanliness, location, and general vibe. If you spot a lot of five-star reviews and one cranky two-star, trust the masses.
Get in on the Apartment and Vacation Rental Trend
Sometimes, the best stays aren’t even in traditional hotels. Apartments and vacation rentals are where it’s at, especially if you want more space to spread out (or make a midnight snack without judgment). You can find places with unique decor, cozy living areas, and full kitchens so you’re not forced to eat out for every meal. It’s all the charm of home with the thrill of being away.
Loyalty Programs: They’re Not Just for Superfans
Think you need to be a globetrotting jetsetter to score with hotel loyalty programs? Not true. Many programs offer instant perks (like free wifi or room upgrades) just for signing up. Some even stack points you can use for future trips, so you’re basically getting a VIP treatment without the VIP price tag.
Time to pack and pick the perfect spot!
Featured image by Dayana Brooke on Unsplash
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