The accommodation can make or break your vacation, so you need to invest some effort in picking out the right property. But, when you are traveling solo, narrowing down hotel options can be a challenge.
Perhaps you want the staff to keep their distance, but you also want to get savvy local tips, or you want a quiet place to rest, but also want to meet new people nearby. If you need some help with finding the best place to stay, check out the following tips.
Start With the Location
Location is key when you are traveling alone. For example, you may feel isolated if you pick a hotel in a secluded area. Narrow down the options according to the neighborhood, especially if you are interested in meeting a new friend or two.
It’s also important to consider the proximity to amenities. You don’t want to waste time trying to find the closest gym or drug store. Instead of spending most of your time consulting your GPS app, you can go sightseeing or partying.
Choose a place with easy access to bars, restaurants, and public transportation. If you are in town for a conference, it would be best to book a room in the same place. This way, you won’t have to factor in Uber in your travel expenses.
Consider Safety
You will probably feel safer if you pick a hotel in the city center. Trust your gut when it comes to safety, especially if you are a female solo traveler. If something about the place makes you feel uncomfortable, canceling the reservation and finding another hotel is the best thing you can do.
This may cost you a few pennies more, but it’s much better than staying and putting yourself at risk. Even if a five-star hotel seems off, go. Be sure to pick a place where there’s always someone behind the concierge or front desk.
If you talk with the concierge about your plans, where you want to go, what you want to do, they will have an idea of where you are when you are not in the hotel. On the off chance that something goes awry when you are out, they will have a better chance of tracking your down and helping you out.
Make a List of Wants and Needs
Consider your must-haves. For instance, it can be a couple of extra pillows or an on-site fitness center with specific gym equipment. You can immediately narrow your search by deciding what features you can’t go a day without.
Be sure to check out the photos of the room on the hotel’s site or the booking platform you’re using. Once you determine your needs, you can move on to your wants. Do you want the hotel to have a minibar? Room service? Excellent movie collection?
You may not need 100% natural body wash in your hotel room, but if it is something you are used to, why not look for a room that includes such amenities? If your budget allows it, you can make the most of your trip and find a hotel with a health spa and other luxurious amenities.
Research Online
The best way to learn about the guest experience is to read online reviews. A couple of negative reviews shouldn’t be a dealbreaker. Still, if you come across bad reviews, see how the management replies.
If they offer excuses and become defensive, it’s probably not a good hotel. If they apologize sincerely and offer to make it up to guests, you are okay to book.
There are many groups for solo travelers on Facebook, you can check them out if you need recommendations. More experienced travelers can share some gems with you, but also warn you about subpar properties.
Call the Venue
If you want to gauge the helpfulness and friendliness of the staff, call the hotel. Ask them a general question and see how they respond. If they sound churlish or harried, you’re probably better off not staying there. If they are accommodating and open, it’s probably a nice place to stay.
Leave the Hotel
No matter how great your room is, it shouldn’t be the best thing about your trip. If you’re cooped up in your room for days without interaction, it can get isolating.
Look for things to do around town. If you are done exploring the city, put on a pair of hiking boots and see what the surrounding countryside has to offer. If you want to do things with other travelers or meet some locals, you can try out platforms such as Couchsurfing.
Takeaway
No matter why you are going on a trip, your hotel can become the stuff of bad legend or mark a highlight of your stay. You can ensure a pleasant stay by doing research ahead of time. Bon voyage!
I’m Rebecca, a translator and avid traveler, a book worm and horror flick enthusiast. My job has given me the amazing opportunity to travel to dozens of countries around the world, and writing on Rough Draft gives me a chance to try to showcase some of them.
