Finding the best place to lay your head while traveling is a tiresome task. We did a bit of Couchsurfing ages ago, but don’t do it much anymore. Nowadays, it’s just easier to use Booking.com or Airbnb, or to just book via the hotel directly. But since you asked, sis and I just put down a few of the things we check before booking a place to stay at while traveling.
Me, if I don’t like the loo, there’s no way I’ll spend even an hour in that place. Well, sometimes you have to. I’ve been to a few of those places on budget trips with friends. I’ve also pooed out in the wild with rats and huge earthworms nearby, which is a much better option than a dirty washroom. I’ll take nature any day. But yeah, now I make sure to read the reviews that mention the toilets. And I mention them in my reviews too.
But other than that, there’s a lot more to look at when choosing a place to stay on holiday. Is the place clean? Does it fit my budget? Is it close to the tourist attractions? Is it far away from the noise?
Is transport within close proximity of the place? If I’m planning on taking the bus or a cab to all the attractions, I’m not going to walk a mile just to get to the bus stand or taxi stand. That is, unless I’m somewhere in the countryside. Then it’s okay. But in a city or semi-urban area, absolutely no way.
When you’re picking that perfect hotel or hostel or resort or villa for your stay, there’s still more to consider. Does it have the amenities you need? If you’re in another country, what about free WiFi?
If it’s a rental apartment, is there a kitchenette? Microwave? Oven? Stove top? Are you allowed to use them? I’ve stayed in one place where we were only allowed to use the oven for heating food bought from outside. No cooking our own food. Seriously? Why did I rent a place with an oven for 5 days then?
It’s always a good idea to connect with the hosts or hotels and to also check what the previous reviews are. Did previous guests like or hate it? What do you hear when you read between the lines of older reviews? Does your gut say “Oh, so gross!” or “Ooh, lovely!” ?
We’ve stayed at a few places during our travels and had the chance to review a few of them. Some were simple and homely, some lush and luxurious. Here are our thoughts on a few of them posted on my other site TheWingedFork.
Reviews of Stays & Lodgings
- Pench Jungle Camp : A night in the forest
- Lebua Lodge : Lush luxury near the Amer Fort wall
- Manali trails with Enchanted Outings : Snow, Igloos and Winter Fun
- Nairobi: David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage & Fairmont Norfolk
But at the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference. Keep in mind your likes and dislikes and ask a few of the questions mentioned above and you’re sure to make a better choice by yourself!
PS. If you’re a hotel or lodge reading this and want us to review your place for our readers, just email abby@thewingedfork.com or abby@ abbyshearth.com and we’ll see what we can arrange. See ya!
