Hotel kind of girl
Although staying in hostels is an experience of its own, I most often prefer to stay in hotels as I travel alone most of the time and for the convenience. Though not all hotels are created equal and this is what I have learned along the way.
Key takeaways
I choose to stay at trusted hotel chains or known hotel chains
I look for hotels close to city centers or the central stations
I book early to avoid soaring prices
When travelling alone I find hotels safer than hostels or Airbnb's
Trusted hotel brands
Staying with brands I trust ensures consistency of quality and eases my mind before my arrival in a foreign city as I know these brands have built a reliable reputation. Before booking I always check on all of the apps / websites to see if they have properties at the destination I am travelling to and at what price. Staying at a chain vs a boutique hotel provides the following additional benefits:
Consistency and Reliability
Comprehensive Amenities
Extensive Loyalty Programs
Wider Availability
24/7 Service
Brand Recognition and Trust
Specialized Services and Packages
At the top of my list is the Hyatt Group, a renowned global hospitality company. The company operates a diverse portfolio of hotels, resorts, and vacation properties under various brands, including Hyatt Regency, Park Hyatt, Andaz, and Hyatt Place. Known for its commitment to luxury, comfort, and exceptional service, the Hyatt Group offers properties in major cities and popular destinations worldwide.
What I've found is that Hyatt has a great standard for their hotels, you can easily book through their app, and if you book early enough the rates can be reasonable. They're usually also close to city center or in prime areas of interest. One downside is that Hyatt is not as widespread as the other brands so you might not find their properties in certain destinations.
Next on the list is Hilton Worldwide Group, a leading global hospitality company, known for its wide range of hotel brands, including Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, and DoubleTree. With a presence in over 100 countries, Hilton offers diverse accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly options, catering to various travel needs. The company is renowned for its robust loyalty program, Hilton Honors.
Hitlon is usually present in most popular travel destinations, though through my own personal experience I would stick to their larger brand names mentioned above rather than the boutique hotels they have taken over.
Marriott International, is one of the world's largest and most respected hospitality brands, offering a broad range of accommodations from luxury to mid-scale across its various brands such as Marriott Hotels & Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and Courtyard by Marriott. With a strong global presence, Marriott caters to both business and leisure travelers, emphasizing customer loyalty through its Marriott Bonvoy rewards program, and is recognized for its efforts in sustainability and community engagement.
Through my personal experience I have found Marriott to be slightly more expensive than Hyatt and Hilton options in certain destinations but sometimes I've gotten lucky for rates.
Radisson Hotel Group, is a renowned global hospitality brand offering a variety of accommodations ranging from upscale to luxury through its brands such as Radisson Blu, Radisson Collection, and Radisson RED. With a presence in major cities and destinations worldwide, Radisson Hotels are committed to providing exceptional hospitality and fostering a welcoming environment.
I've noticed Radisson hotels are usually a little bit away from city center but the standard is great. It's usually makes for an easy option if you'd like to stay near the airport and their rates tend to be reasonable.
The best way and most efficient way to book with any of these chains is either through their website or app directly. They all have great loyalty programs and offer a set standard of quality. I've summarized the positive traits below based on my personal experience travelling across the globe.
Best location: Hilton & Hyatt
Best service / amenities: All exceptional though the Hyatt really stands out
Most value for money: Hilton & Marriott
Largest global presence: Hilton & Marriott
Other experience-based tips
It all depends on what's the priority for the trip but the biggest benefit I find from staying at hotels is safety. When exploring new cities alone I like the peace of mind of knowing my luggage is stored safely and I have a secure place to sleep at night. If anything goes wrong I'm assured the hotel will be able to manage and provide adequate solutions.
I have used Airbnb in both Europe and Asia and found the quality of the properties is not the same as that of the US. Therefore, I will not be using this platform anymore for international trips. I have not stayed in hostels but due to me prioritizing cleanliness and privacy, I will likely be sticking to hotels. Though I do have many friends who have stayed in European / Asian hostels and have had positive experiences.
This leads to my last point of discussion: the affordability factor of hotels. The biggest factor to secure the best rate is booking early. I've also found registering for loyalty programs (this is usually free) will already grant you a slightly discounted rate. If you're travelling with friends or a partner the cost of the room becomes more affordable as well. The mentioned hotels also have great credit card programs with benefits like additional points on stays, complimentary nights and water bottles, and discounts on other amenities they offer.
I hope this helps! Needless to say, the intention of this post is not to draw one away from boutique / local hotels, but if you're new to travelling or just prefer an easy way to book a stay, this short post might serve as a starting point :)
LB
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