Whether you’re traveling for work or for leisure, selecting the right accommodations will impact how comfortable your stay will be. Language barriers and unfamiliarity with a new area are common traveling challenges, so making sure that your basic needs are already covered before going on your trip can make the process easier.
Apart from considering factors like location and budget, choosing a hotel that offers additional services and practical privileges to its guests can go a long way in making your stay more comfortable. This can also make your trip more pleasant and give you better value for money.
The following are seven amenities you should keep an eye out for when booking a hotel.
Airport Transfers
After a long flight in a cramped seat, all you’ll want to do is to freshen up and maybe take a quick nap before getting into the first item on your travel itinerary. If you don’t want to deal with the tedious task of finding a cab or other transport, consider a hotel booking in Pasay that offers a pick-up car service to greet you upon arrival. This also ensures that you can stick to your schedule instead of waiting in line for a taxi.
Additionally, you can use the same service to get to the airport when you leave. The hotel can also oversee the handling of your luggage from hotel room to car in a seamless process, so you don’t have to worry about lost bags or leaving anything behind.
Internet Connectivity
In today’s digital world, having Wi-Fi access has become a basic necessity. Whether you need to check in with an overseas office, call your family back home, or simply want to read up more on the area you’re visiting, you’ll need a reliable internet connection. Assess your connectivity requirements and ask if your hotel offers this as a complimentary feature in the room you’ve chosen to book.
24-Hour Concierge Service
If you ever have trouble in the middle of the night, area locals are the best ones to ask for available solutions. A 24-hour hotel concierge service might be a non-negotiable for choosing your accommodations, as personnel can contact local emergency services or assist you in getting to the nearest hospital. Outside of urgent concerns, the front desk can also give you tips for late-night attractions and dining options if you’re feeling a bit jetlagged and have trouble sleeping.
Complimentary Meals
Food is always an important consideration for your trip, whether you’re interested in sampling local cuisine or just need your three square meals. Eating out all the time can easily add up to your budget, so complimentary meals can help keep your expenses down. Many hotels usually offer a buffet breakfast with both local and continental food options. If native delicacies are served, this can be a good chance to try them. Get up a little earlier than usual and enjoy a heavy breakfast so you can start your day right. If you have dietary restrictions though, check if your hotel can offer appropriate alternatives.
Dining Options
If your hotel doesn’t offer breakfast or you woke up too late for service, you probably don’t want to set out on an empty stomach. Instead of raiding the mini bar, consider getting room service. This allows you to relax and dine in the comfort of your own room, so you can rest and fully focus on having an enjoyable vacation. However, not all hotels offer room service, and ordering in can be quite pricey. If you’re on a budget, it helps to have nearby restaurants and food establishments that you can easily walk to so you don’t have to stray too far for a good meal. Some may even extend additional discounts for hotel guests so make sure to check.
Business Center
Need some documents printed or a photocopy of your passport? Instead of having to go out and find a print shop, a hotel business center should be able to offer these services. This is especially useful when you need something done quickly. Some business centers may also have computer units that you can use to get some work done if you didn’t bring your own device or if your machine suddenly malfunctions.
Childcare Facilities
Family vacations are meant for everyone to have fun, and this means giving the parents a bit of romantic time alone together. Some hotels may offer babysitting services while adults enjoy spa treatments or a night out by themselves. Others might have entertainment or kiddie centers for younger children so that kids can have fun with age-appropriate activities.
Hotels can offer a lot more than just a room and a clean bed to sleep in. These additional services can make your stay a lot more enjoyable and ensure that you don’t waste time and energy on having to figure things out on your own. Not all amenities may be applicable for your situation but they are certainly a “nice to have” since traveling always has an element of the unexpected.
