A good hotel can make a trip — a bad one can ruin it. Here is the simple method we use to choose where to stay.
1. Location first
Look at the map before the price. A hotel near a metro station or in a walkable area saves you time and transport costs every day. Our destination guides list the best neighbourhoods for each city.
2. Read the recent reviews
Sort reviews by “most recent” and look for repeated comments about noise, cleanliness, Wi-Fi and staff. A score above 8/10 with many reviews is usually a safe choice.
3. Choose free cancellation
Book early with free cancellation, then keep an eye on prices — if they drop, you can rebook. Compare hotels with free cancellation here.
4. Check the hidden costs
- City tourist tax (often paid on arrival)
- Resort or service fees
- Parking and breakfast
- Deposit on arrival
5. Hotel or apartment?
Hotels are best for short city breaks: reception, cleaning and no check-in stress. Apartments are great for families and longer stays thanks to the kitchen and extra space.
6. Contact the hotel
Arriving late or need a quiet room? Send a message after booking — most hotels are happy to help.
Book your trip: our favourite tools
The trusted services we use to plan our own trips.
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