When it comes to traveling, there are a variety of accommodation options to choose from.
Hotels are one of the most popular choices, but they’re not always the best option.
There are hostels, Airbnbs, holiday homes, and apartments among your other choices.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of staying in a hotel while traveling so that you can decide if booking a hotel is the right option for you.
Advantages Of Staying In A Hotel
Staying in hotels while traveling has a lot of advantages and benefits.
For example, it’s convenient and easy to book, and you can use websites like Booking.com to find hotels.
Below, you’ll find the main advantages of staying in hotels.
Better Location
Hotels are usually located in the city center, so you don’t have to waste time traveling to and from your accommodation.
While some hotels might be a bit far from the city centre, you can easily pick a hotel close to the attractions you’re interested in.
Use the map feature on Booking.com to find hotels with good locations.
Amenities And Facilities
Hotels often offer various services like room service, laundry, and concierge. You might even be able to find a hotel that has a delicious breakfast buffet.
Although, if we compare hotels to apartments or Airbnbs, you might have fewer amenities available.
Some hotels have excellent facilities too. For example, you might find a hotel with a swimming pool, spa, restaurant or gym.
Comfortable Rooms
Hotels usually have comfortable rooms with high-quality beds and furniture. Some hotels also offer great views of the city.
If you’re looking for a luxurious experience, you can book a room with a sea view or a landmark view.
Respect Your Budget
You can usually find a hotel to fit any budget. In some destinations, budget travelers can find cheap hotels.
Hotel price ranges can suit any budget as long as you’re flexible with your booking criteria.
I love the filter “Lowest price” on Booking.com. It can be pretty helpful when traveling to more expensive destinations.
Cleanliness
When staying in a hotel, you’ll have access to housekeeping services. This means that your room will be clean and tidy each day. All the bedding and towels will be changed regularly too.
If you’re staying in an Airbnb or apartment, you might have to do your own cleaning or pay for a cleaning service.
That said, not all Airbnbs or apartments are as clean as hotels. For example, a 5-star hotel has higher standards regarding cleanliness.
Beautiful Design
Hotels are designed to give you a comfortable and luxurious experience. From the lobby to your room, everything is usually well-designed.
That said, it depends because each hotel is different. A 5-star hotel should give you a better experience than a 3-star hotel.
If you wish to experience something unique, we recommend staying in boutique hotels.
Security
When staying in a hotel, you’ll usually have security at the entrance. This can help you feel safe, especially if you’re traveling solo.
While some apartment buildings might have security too, you might not have the same feeling of safety if you’re staying alone in a villa or a holiday home.
Disadvantages Of Staying In A Hotel
Of course, there are also some disadvantages of staying in hotels.
Here are a few things to remember before booking a hotel room.
Depending On The Destination, It Can Get Expensive
Hotels can be expensive, especially if you’re staying in a city like New York or London. If you’re on a tight budget, it might be better to look for a cheaper accommodation option like an Airbnb.
That said, Airbnb isn’t always cheaper.
If Airbnb is still too expensive, you could find dorms in hostels at an affordable rate. You can browse your options on Hostelworld.
You Might Feel Cooped Up
If you’re staying in a hotel room for a long time, it can start to feel a bit claustrophobic. You might want to consider renting an apartment or a house if you’re planning to stay in one place for more than a week.
Lately, Booking.com is also offering apartments and holiday homes to make your stay more comfortable.
That said, if you don’t want to stay in a hotel long-term, it could be a fantastic alternative.
Privacy Issues
When staying in a hotel, you might have to share a bathroom with other guests depending on the hotel or destination.
If you value your privacy, this might not be the best option for you.
That said, some hotels also have poor wall soundproofing – meaning you might hear people from adjacent rooms or balconies.
It Can Get Crowded
If you’re staying in a hotel during peak season, it can get quite crowded. You might have to share the pool with other guests or wait in line at the reception.
When you stay in an Airbnb or an apartment, you won’t be impacted by tourists or crowds.
Best Hotel Alternatives
So, what’s the best alternative to staying in a hotel? It really depends on your needs and preferences.
If you want privacy and more space, then an Airbnb or an apartment would be a better option for you. If you’re looking for something more affordable, then hostels or dorms might be a better option.
When traveling solo, I usually prefer staying in hotels because I’m getting older, and comfort is everything to me. My hostel days are officially over!
That said, when I’m traveling with my partner, we mix things up. We book villas, apartments, and Airbnbs depending on our needs and length of stay.
For example, when I’m traveling with my partner for a more extended period, we opt for Airbnbs or apartments because it’s more comfortable and we have more privacy.
A kitchen and a washing machine can be handy for trips longer than a week.
However, when we’re traveling for a shorter period, we want to be in the heart of the action, so we book a hotel room. But, living in a hotel room long-term wouldn’t be so ideal.
Final Thoughts On Pros And Cons Of Staying In Hotels
So, what’s the verdict? There are advantages and disadvantages of staying in hotels. It all comes down to what you’re looking for.
I hope this guide helped you understand the advantages and disadvantages of staying in hotels while traveling.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and needs.
Consider your budget, the length of your stay, and what type of accommodation would make you feel more comfortable.
Depending on the length of stay, I tend to think there are more benefits of staying in a hotel, but if I stay somewhere long-term, I love having space and a kitchen to cook my meals.
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