Choosing the right hotel can make or break a trip. A great location makes sightseeing easy, while a comfortable room gives you a place to relax after a long day exploring. But figuring out how to choose a hotel when traveling isn’t always simple. With so many booking sites and hotel options, it can take hours to compare prices, amenities, and locations.
When I first started traveling, I would use guidebooks to help me identify properties. The problem with that is that I had different tastes that the guide writers for Rick Steves, AAA, Fodor’s, Frommer’s, etc. What features they might enjoy, might not matter to me. For instance, I couldn’t care less if a hotel has a pool, but I know that matters to a lot of people. I look for large rooms, great bedding, a spacious bathroom, good public areas, coffee maker in room, a city-center location, and other little amenities. I see travelers constantly asking on travel pages for others to recommend a “reasonably priced” hotel or a good hotel in Rome, Venice, etc. What is reasonably priced to one might be cost-prohibitive for others. Sometimes, someone will ask if “Hotel Fill-in-the-Blank” is nice, but the same reasoning applies to why that won’t work—what is “nice” for you might not be for me.
I don’t recommend individual hotels to anyone but I will share with you how I find the properties at which I stay. If you’ve ever tried researching hotels by visiting each property’s website individually, you probably know the frustration. One site lists room categories but doesn’t show photos. Another shows photos but barely explains what amenities are included. Sometimes even basic details—like check-in times or whether breakfast is available—can be surprisingly hard to find.
I’ve had moments when the only way to get the information I needed was to call the hotel directly. This works okay with a smaller hotel, but it can take a lot of time if you have to call a major hotel’s reservation number. You aren’t connected with the front desk, so the person “helping” you doesn’t have property-specific information and may have to call them for you—taking up even more time. If you’re trying to investigate a hotel internationally, you might not want to pay for the phone call, so then you’re emailing back and forth with, potentially, a language barrier. This is not relaxing and might have people racing to a travel agent. If you would rather pay a travel agent, I understand, but the way I do it now might interest you.
Over the years, I’ve found a much simpler way to research accommodations without jumping between dozens of hotel websites.
That’s one reason I often start my search on Booking.com.
Instead of opening multiple tabs and comparing properties one by one, I can see hotels, apartments, and short-term rentals all in one place. It makes it much easier to narrow down the best options in a city and figure out which places are worth considering.
What to Look for When Choosing a Hotel
Every traveler has different priorities when it comes to accommodations, but there are a few things I always check when comparing hotels.
One feature I appreciate is being able to see photos for each room category. A “standard double room” can mean very different things depending on the property, and photos help remove a lot of that uncertainty. Instead of guessing what the room might look like, you can often see exactly what you’re booking. I also like to know how large a room is—square footage matters to me, so I love that Booking.com generally gives the square footage for a room and will let you know if the bedroom is detached from living room, combined, etc. At standard hotel chain rooms where the rooms might look alike, these details might not mean anything, but at historic properties where there often isn’t a “standard” room and every room is different, you will appreciate the details for the exact room you book.
Another thing I like to check right away is the list of amenities. When I’m traveling, I want to know simple things like whether breakfast is included, if the hotel has a fitness center, if the property is pet friendly, or whether free parking is available. Surprisingly, these details aren’t always easy to find on a hotel’s own website.
When I’m researching on Booking.com, those details are usually listed clearly. It takes just a few seconds to see whether a property offers free breakfast, has parking available, or includes other amenities that might make your stay more comfortable.
Everyone is different, but here are some popular amenities that you might want to look for:
- Free wifi
- Heating/air conditioning (standard in North America but not necessarily in international travel)
- Attached bathroom (in Europe you can still find hotels where bathrooms are shared)
- Free breakfast/restaurant or bar on site
- Baggage storage
- Airport shuttle, free parking
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible (not standard in older hotels, so check)
- Daily housekeeping
- Concierge
- Coffee maker, mini bar, electric kettle, refrigerator
- Bathrobes, slippers, hair dryers
- Fitness center, pool
I also appreciate how easy it is to compare different pricing options. Many hotels offer refundable and non-refundable rates, or rooms that include breakfast versus those that don’t. Seeing those options side by side makes it much easier to decide which option works best for your plans and your budget. I’m willing to pay a little more for a refundable room, but will generally not pay for breakfast, so I like knowing my options.
If you’re currently planning a trip and want to start comparing properties, you can browse hotels and apartments for your destination here: [Search hotels on Booking.com]
Why Hotel Location Matters More Than Almost Anything Else
When I’m choosing a hotel, location is usually my first priority. Choosing the right hotel isn’t just about the property itself—it’s also about the neighborhood you stay in. In many cities, location can make a huge difference in how easy it is to explore historic sites, museums, restaurants, and local neighborhoods.
Whenever I plan a trip, I usually start by figuring out which part of the city makes the best base for exploring. Once I know the neighborhood I want, it becomes much easier to narrow down hotel choices.
When looking at various neighborhoods, I recommend staying right in the heart of a city—especially when visiting historic destinations. Being able to walk to museums, historic sites, restaurants, and major attractions can save a huge amount of time during a trip. It also helps you experience the city more naturally instead of constantly relying on taxis or public transportation.
One feature I rely on heavily is the map view when searching on Booking.com. Instead of guessing where a hotel sits within a city, the map makes it easy to see whether a property is located near the places you want to visit. That simple feature alone can make narrowing down hotel choices much easier.
One pro tip I recommend is to know the layout of the city you’re visiting. For instance, Rome is built on seven hills. If you pick a location atop one of them, you’re going to be quite tired when climbing up to your hotel after a long day on your feet.
If location is your top priority when choosing a hotel, the map feature makes it easy to see which properties are in the historic center or near major attractions. You can explore hotel locations for your destination here.
Why Booking Sites Can Simplify the Research Process
Many travelers wonder whether it’s better to book directly with a hotel or use a booking platform.
Personally, I often start with a booking site simply because it makes comparison much easier. Instead of visiting ten different hotel websites and trying to track down the same information on each one, I can review room photos, amenities, guest ratings, and location details all in one place.
For research alone, it saves a tremendous amount of time.
Over the years, I’ve found that using Booking.com simplifies the entire process of choosing accommodations. It allows me to explore properties, compare room options, evaluate locations, and review amenities without spending hours searching across multiple hotel websites.
I used to be the type of person who always booked directly with the property. I still do that sometimes, but the “perks” I used to get don’t seem to be offered as frequently now. It used to be that properties offered an upgrade or lower price when booking directly, but that isn’t as standard anymore (in fact, I’ve found some better prices on Booking.com), so I book the way that makes it less stressful and easier for me. It’s nice to have all my confirmations in one place and I enjoy how easy it has been for me to cancel reservations (as long as I’ve booked refundable) with just a few clicks.
A Helpful Tool for Cruise Travelers
If you’re taking a cruise, choosing the right hotel before or after your sailing can be especially important.
Many cruisers like to arrive at their departure city at least one day early—I recommend at least two days early for international travel. It helps avoid travel delays and gives you time to explore the port city before boarding the ship. The same is true after a cruise, when you might want to spend an extra day sightseeing before flying home. You might enjoy the map feature of Booking.com to quickly find hotels near cruise ports and see which properties have shuttles to the ship.
A Useful Tool for International Travel
Booking accommodations for international trips can sometimes feel even more complicated.
Hotel websites in other countries don’t always present information in the same way, and occasionally important details can be difficult to find. When planning trips abroad, I like being able to see everything clearly—room types, amenities, guest reviews, and location details—without navigating unfamiliar websites.
That’s another reason I recommend Booking.com. It allows you to compare properties across different countries and cities while keeping the booking process simple and familiar and the list of amenities in a similar format.
On Roaming Historian, I’ve started creating guides that explain where to stay in popular destinations and how to choose a hotel location that makes sightseeing easier. You can explore various city and country guides on my “must-visit destinations” page or explore my other helpful pages for various continents (just drop down the menu)
Finding the right hotel doesn’t have to take hours of research. Instead of jumping between multiple hotel websites trying to compare details, I’ve found it much easier to explore accommodations in one place. Being able to review room photos, compare amenities, evaluate locations, and see pricing options together makes the process far simpler.
If you’re currently planning a trip and trying to decide where to stay, it’s a great place to start your search. Happy travels!
My Booking.com affiliate link] https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6776&awinaffid=1985445
What are the best hotel booking sites?
When travelers start planning a trip, one common question is which website is the best place to book hotels. There are several well-known platforms that allow you to compare accommodations across different destinations. The reason many travelers start with a booking platform rather than a hotel’s own website is simple: comparison. Instead of opening multiple hotel websites and trying to track down the same information over and over, a booking site allows you to review room types, amenities, guest ratings, and location details all in one place.
Personally, I often begin my search on Booking.com because it makes the research process much easier. I can quickly compare hotels, apartments, and vacation rentals while also seeing photos for different room types, detailed amenity lists, and clear pricing options.
That doesn’t mean travelers shouldn’t explore different options, but starting with a site that gathers all of that information together can save a tremendous amount of time when planning a trip. Here are some other platforms we’re affiliated with:
Hotels.Com: https://www.hotels.com/affiliate/rdDAFaG
Expedia: https://expedia.com/affiliate/p7ZcFsz
VRBO: https://vrbo.com/affiliate/KvF3nms
Here are some other frequently asked questions about choosing a hotel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing a Hotel
How far in advance should you book a hotel?
For popular destinations or peak travel seasons, it’s often best to book several months in advance. Booking early gives you more choices and often better prices. Flexible or refundable rates can also provide peace of mind if your travel plans change.
Is it better to book directly with a hotel or through a booking site?
Many travelers start with a booking platform because it allows them to compare multiple hotels at once. Sites like Booking.com make it easy to evaluate room options, amenities, and location before deciding where to stay.
What amenities should you look for in a hotel?
That depends on your travel style, but common things travelers often check include free breakfast, Wi-Fi, parking availability, pools, and a convenient location near major attractions or transportation.
Amy French, Ph.D., is the voice behind Roaming Historian. A professional historian and seasoned traveler, she shares stories that blend history and travel to give readers a deeper understanding of the places they explore.
Traveling Soon? Trusted Tour & Travel Partners
Planning your trip? Here are our trusted travel partners — thoughtfully chosen for quality, reliability, and exceptional experiences.
- LivTours (high-quality semi-private and private European tours led by expert guides)
Save 10% with code AMYRH10 (valid on two or more tours).
https://livtours.com?af_code=E1DDN61 - The Tour Guy (engaging small group & private European tours)
https://tidd.ly/3J78sNi - Viator (compare thousands of tours, day trips, and experiences worldwide)
https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector - GetYourGuide (flexible booking options for tours, attractions, and local experiences)
https://www.getyourguide.com/?partner_id=CMSFGKK&utm_medium=online_publisher - Shore Excursions Group (high-quality shore excursions with lower prices and return-to-ship guarantees.)
https://www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/?id=1634209&data=roaminghistorian@gmail.com - Booking.com (global hotels, apartments & flexible booking options; flights; car rentals)
https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6776&awinaffid=1985445 - Expedia (flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages)
https://expedia.com/affiliate/p7ZcFsz - Hotels.com (book hotels globally and earn free nights through their rewards program)
https://www.hotels.com/affiliate/rdDAFaG - VRBO (private homes and unique stays ideal for families and longer trips)
https://vrbo.com/affiliate/KvF3nms - Travel Insurance.com (compare policies side-by-side to protect your trip at no extra cost)
https://www.travelinsurance.com/?utm_source=pap&a_aid=65590b3a60c44
Affiliate Disclosure
Roaming Historian may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support the research and storytelling that go into every article. All opinions are always our own.