Choosing a hotel can be harder than it looks.
There are thousands of hotels, resorts, hostels, vacation rentals, and other accommodations to choose from. Two hotels with similar prices can offer completely different experiences.
A hotel that looks perfect in photos may be far from the places you want to visit. Another hotel with a lower rating may actually be a better choice for your specific trip.
The key is knowing what to compare before you book.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explain how to choose a hotel based on location, price, reviews, room size, amenities, transportation, cancellation policies, and your travel style.
Start With Your Trip, Not the Hotel
Before searching for a hotel, think about what you actually need from your accommodation.
Ask yourself:
- How long are you staying?
- What is your total accommodation budget?
- Are you traveling alone, as a couple, with friends, or with family?
- Will you spend most of your time at the hotel or exploring?
- Will you have a rental car?
- Do you need public transportation nearby?
- Do you need breakfast?
- Do you need a kitchen or laundry facilities?
- How important is a quiet room?
- Are you planning to visit several attractions?
Your answers will help determine what kind of hotel makes sense.
For example, a luxury resort may be worth the money if you plan to spend most of your vacation at the property.
But if you’re going to spend all day exploring a city and only return to your hotel to sleep, location may be more important than a large list of amenities.
Decide Your Hotel Budget
Your hotel price should fit into your overall travel budget.
Don’t look only at the nightly room rate.
The actual cost can include:
- Nightly room rate
- Taxes
- Resort or destination fees
- Parking
- Breakfast
- Wi-Fi fees
- Extra guest fees
- Pet fees
- Early check-in fees
- Late check-out fees
- Cancellation costs
A hotel advertised at a lower nightly rate isn’t always cheaper after all additional charges are included.
Create a Total Accommodation Budget
For example, if you have a $2,000 budget for a five-day trip, you might divide it between:
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Food
- Activities
- Local transportation
- Emergency or miscellaneous expenses
This gives you a realistic hotel budget instead of choosing a room price in isolation.
You can learn more about this process in our guide:
How to Create a Travel Budget: A Beginner’s Guide
Location Is One of the Most Important Factors
A great hotel in the wrong location can make your trip much less enjoyable.
When comparing hotels, look at what is actually around them.
Consider the distance to:
- Major attractions
- Restaurants
- Grocery stores
- Airports
- Train stations
- Public transportation
- Beaches
- National parks
- Business districts
- Event venues
Don’t rely only on the hotel’s description.
A hotel might say it’s “close to downtown,” but that could still mean a long walk or a short drive rather than being directly in the center.
Think About Your Daily Travel Time
A cheaper hotel can cost you more in transportation and time.
For example, saving $30 per night might not be worth it if you spend an extra hour commuting every day.
For city trips, a hotel near public transportation can sometimes be more valuable than a cheaper hotel farther away.
For road trips, however, easy parking and highway access may be more important.
Choose the Right Type of Accommodation
A traditional hotel isn’t always the best option.
Depending on your trip, you might consider:
Hotel
Hotels are a good general choice for travelers who want:
- Private rooms
- Daily or regular housekeeping
- Front desk service
- Convenient locations
- Standard amenities
Resort
Resorts can be a good choice when the property itself is part of the vacation.
They may offer:
- Pools
- Restaurants
- Spas
- Activities
- Beaches
- Entertainment
Because you may spend more time at the property, the amenities can matter more.
Hostel
Hostels can be useful for budget travelers and solo travelers.
Some offer private rooms, while others use shared dormitories.
They can also provide opportunities to meet other travelers.
Vacation Rental
Vacation rentals can make sense for:
- Families
- Groups
- Longer stays
- Travelers who want a kitchen
- Travelers who need laundry facilities
Always check the specific property’s rules, fees, and cancellation policy before booking.
Check Hotel Reviews Carefully
Reviews can tell you things that hotel photos don’t.
But don’t look only at the overall rating.
Read recent reviews and look for repeated comments.
Pay attention to issues such as:
- Noise
- Cleanliness
- Bed comfort
- Room size
- Air conditioning
- Bathroom condition
- Staff service
- Parking
- Location
- Wi-Fi
- Construction noise
- Check-in problems
One negative review doesn’t necessarily mean the hotel is bad.
If dozens of recent guests mention the same problem, however, it’s worth taking seriously.
Look for Recent Reviews
Hotels can change over time.
A property that received excellent reviews several years ago may have different management, rooms, or maintenance today.
Recent reviews are generally more useful when evaluating the current experience.
Don’t Trust Hotel Photos Alone
Hotel photos are useful, but they don’t tell you everything.
A room can look spacious in a professionally photographed image while feeling much smaller in person.
Look for:
- Actual guest photos
- Recent room photos
- Bathroom photos
- Exterior photos
- Pool photos
- Parking area photos
Guest-uploaded photos can sometimes give you a more realistic idea of what to expect.
Check the Room Size
Room size can make a big difference, especially for longer trips.
A small room may be fine for a one-night stay.
For a week-long vacation, however, limited space can become frustrating.
Consider:
- Number of travelers
- Number of beds
- Luggage space
- Bathroom size
- Closet space
- Desk or workspace
- Seating area
If you’re traveling with children or multiple adults, make sure the room configuration actually works for everyone.
Pay Attention to the Bed Configuration
Don’t assume that every room can comfortably sleep the number of people listed.
Check whether the room has:
- One king bed
- One queen bed
- Two queen beds
- Twin beds
- Sofa bed
- Bunk beds
- Extra beds
Also check whether an extra bed or crib costs more.
This is especially important when traveling with children or groups.
Compare Hotel Amenities
Amenities can be useful, but don’t pay extra for features you’ll never use.
Common hotel amenities include:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Breakfast
- Parking
- Swimming pool
- Fitness center
- Laundry
- Kitchen
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Air conditioning
- Heating
- Airport shuttle
- Pet-friendly rooms
Think about which amenities actually matter for your trip.
For example, free parking could be extremely valuable if you’re taking a road trip.
A rooftop pool may be less important if you’re spending every day exploring the destination.
Check Parking Before Booking
If you’re driving, parking should be one of the first things you check.
Some hotels offer free parking.
Others charge daily parking fees.
Some city hotels may have valet-only parking.
Check:
- Whether parking is available
- Whether parking costs extra
- Whether reservations are required
- Whether the parking area is secure
- Whether your vehicle fits
- Whether there are height restrictions
A $20 cheaper hotel isn’t necessarily a better deal if it charges $40 per night for parking.
Check the Cancellation Policy
Travel plans can change.
Before booking, check whether your reservation is:
- Fully refundable
- Partially refundable
- Non-refundable
- Free to cancel until a certain date
- Subject to a cancellation fee
Pay attention to the exact cancellation deadline.
A flexible reservation can sometimes be worth paying slightly more for, especially when your travel plans aren’t completely certain.
Understand Check-In and Check-Out Times
Most hotels have standard check-in and check-out times.
If your flight arrives very early or leaves late, this can affect your plans.
Check:
- Standard check-in time
- Standard check-out time
- Early check-in availability
- Late check-out availability
- Luggage storage
- After-hours check-in
Never assume that early check-in or late check-out is guaranteed.
Think About Transportation
Your ideal hotel depends heavily on how you’ll get around.
If You’re Walking
Choose a hotel close to the attractions and neighborhoods you want to explore.
If You’re Using Public Transportation
Look for a hotel near a reliable train, subway, or bus station.
If You’re Driving
Prioritize:
- Parking
- Easy road access
- Safe vehicle storage
- Convenient access to your planned destinations
If You’re Renting a Car
Remember that airport hotels, downtown hotels, and suburban hotels can have very different parking and transportation costs.
Consider the Neighborhood
The hotel’s neighborhood matters just as much as the hotel itself.
Before booking, research:
- General atmosphere
- Restaurants and shops
- Noise levels
- Transportation
- Walkability
- Evening activity
- Distance from attractions
A hotel can have excellent reviews while being in an area that doesn’t match your travel style.
Think About Noise
Noise is one of the most common things that can affect hotel sleep quality.
Possible sources include:
- Busy streets
- Nightclubs
- Elevators
- Hallways
- Thin walls
- Construction
- Airports
- Train tracks
- Large groups of guests
If you’re a light sleeper, read reviews specifically looking for comments about noise.
You can also request a room away from elevators, busy streets, or other known noise sources when possible.
Don’t Automatically Choose the Highest-Rated Hotel
A higher rating doesn’t always mean a better choice for you.
Imagine two hotels:
Hotel A
- 4.8 rating
- Expensive
- Luxury amenities
- Far from your main attractions
Hotel B
- 4.5 rating
- Less expensive
- Simple rooms
- Excellent location
If you’re spending most of your day exploring the city, Hotel B might be the better choice.
The best hotel isn’t necessarily the hotel with the highest rating.
It’s the hotel that best matches your needs.
Compare Hotels by Value, Not Just Price
Instead of asking:
“Which hotel is cheapest?”
Ask:
“Which hotel gives me the best overall value?”
For example:
| Factor | Hotel A | Hotel B |
|---|---|---|
| Nightly price | Lower | Higher |
| Location | Farther away | Central |
| Parking | Free | Paid |
| Breakfast | Not included | Included |
| Room size | Small | Larger |
| Cancellation | Flexible | Flexible |
| Transportation | Limited | Excellent |
Hotel A may have a lower room rate, but Hotel B could provide better overall value.
Use a Simple Hotel Comparison Method
When you find several hotels you like, compare them using the same criteria.
You can create a simple list:
- Total price
- Location
- Recent reviews
- Room size
- Bed configuration
- Parking
- Breakfast
- Cancellation policy
- Important amenities
- Transportation
Give each hotel a quick score.
This makes it easier to compare several options without getting overwhelmed.
How Many Hotels Should You Compare?
You don’t need to compare dozens of hotels.
Start with about three to five strong options.
Eliminate hotels that clearly don’t fit your needs.
Then compare the remaining choices more carefully.
Too many options can make the decision harder rather than easier.
When Should You Book a Hotel?
There’s no single perfect booking time for every destination.
Hotel prices can change depending on:
- Season
- Holidays
- Events
- Demand
- Destination
- Room availability
- Length of stay
Popular destinations and major events can cause prices to rise significantly.
If your dates are fixed, especially during a busy travel period, booking earlier can give you more choices.
If your plans are flexible, you may have more opportunities to compare different dates and properties.
Should You Choose a Hotel With Free Breakfast?
It depends on your trip.
Free breakfast can be valuable if:
- You’re traveling with family
- You want to save time
- You have early activities
- Food is expensive in the destination
- You prefer a simple morning routine
However, don’t choose a hotel solely because it includes breakfast.
Compare the total price and quality of the accommodation.
What About Hotel Loyalty Programs?
If you travel frequently, hotel loyalty programs can provide useful benefits.
Depending on the program, you may receive:
- Points
- Free nights
- Room upgrades
- Member rates
- Late check-out
- Other benefits
If you already have loyalty points with a hotel chain, check those properties before booking somewhere else.
For occasional travelers, however, the best hotel for a particular trip may matter more than loyalty.
Common Hotel Booking Mistakes
1. Choosing Based Only on Price
The cheapest room isn’t always the cheapest overall trip.
Transportation, parking, and other fees can add up.
2. Ignoring the Location
A beautiful hotel far from everything can waste time and money.
3. Looking Only at the Overall Rating
Read the actual recent reviews.
4. Forgetting Extra Fees
Always check the final price before booking.
5. Ignoring the Cancellation Policy
A non-refundable room can become expensive if your plans change.
6. Not Checking the Bed Configuration
Make sure the room actually works for everyone in your group.
7. Assuming Parking Is Free
Always check the hotel’s parking policy.
8. Booking a Hotel With Amenities You Don’t Need
Don’t spend more for a pool, gym, or other feature you’ll never use.
A Simple Beginner Hotel Checklist
Before booking, ask yourself:
- Is the location convenient?
- Does the total price fit my budget?
- Did I check taxes and additional fees?
- Are the recent reviews good?
- Is the room large enough?
- Does the bed configuration work?
- Is parking available if I need it?
- Is breakfast included?
- Does the hotel have the amenities I actually need?
- Is the cancellation policy acceptable?
- Is transportation convenient?
- Does the neighborhood fit my trip?
- Did I check recent guest photos?
If the answer is yes to most of these questions, you’re probably looking at a reasonable option.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a hotel doesn’t have to be complicated.
Start with your trip and decide what matters most.
For some travelers, location is the most important factor. For others, price, room size, parking, breakfast, or amenities may matter more.
Don’t choose a hotel simply because it has the highest rating or the lowest price.
Compare the total cost, location, recent reviews, room, policies, and amenities.
Most importantly, choose accommodation that fits your trip, not someone else’s.
A simple hotel in the right location can often create a better travel experience than an expensive hotel that doesn’t match your plans.