When it comes to finding hotels, there’s a lot of advice available about what you should look for. It tells you that this feature or that feature is absolutely essential, while others that you might have thought of as important simply don’t matter that much. The trouble with advice like that is that it works from the assumption that you want the same things from the places that you’re staying as the people doing the writing. It doesn’t tell you anything about what’s going to be right for you.

The Star System

Even the star system of rating hotels isn’t necessarily going to ensure that the place you stay is perfect for you. Consider this- if you’re on a low budget backpacking holiday, then an expensive five star resort is actually less suitable for your needs than a cheap bed and breakfast.

What’s Right For You?

It’s all down to what fits your plans. If you really want to find places that are suitable for your needs, then first you have to take the time to work out what those needs are. So start by doing that. Ask yourself three questions- what’s your budget, what sort of holiday are you planning, and what sort of person are you?

Your Budget

It is worth getting your budget in mind first, because with so many wonderful hotels out there, it can be easy to get drawn into spending more than you intended. Consider how much of your holiday budget you want to spend on the accommodation, and look at whether that will buy you the kind of place to stay you want.

Your Holiday

The type of holiday that you are planning is also a vital component in deciding what you want. If you’re planning a retreat, for example, then an inner city location won’t help, whereas it’s almost essential for a non-driving sightseeing tour. Are you going to be spending your time in the place you stay? If so, then you’ll want to look for one with more entertainment and amenities than if you’re planning to do little more than sleep there.

You

Of course, much of this is down to personal preference, and those preferences, along with your personal circumstances, form a big part of how you look at hotels. If you’re the sort of person who loves being pampered, then you’ll need to think about looking for somewhere with gyms and spas, good food and pleasant surroundings. If you’re looking for a little more adventure, then activities and a good location might be more important. If you have a young family, remember to consider things like the availability of a crèche and cribs in the rooms.

Finding Out

Once you have a list of what you’re looking for, you’ll need to find somewhere that has everything you want. It might take a little work. Checking brochures and online is good for a start, but make sure you also ask your friends, because recommendations from people you trust can also go a long way. For specific details, try phoning hotels directly. You’ll usually get a much better idea of the real situation there that way. With luck, you’ll soon find everything you want.