Listly by Luke Durden
Choosing a good hotel is always more difficult than it seems at first. Nowadays, with the wide selection of hotels available, especially in more commercial, in demand destinations, hotels go all out to try to be different. It’s the extras that make for a great and unique experience and gives the hotel an advantage over the others. Don’t miss a thing, before booking, do your research.
It seems like we’re joking but, trust us, we’re not. Whilst in other countries no-one would even question whether or not the hotel offers free wifi, you can never be too sure in Spain, as, to be honest, many do actually charge guests to use the wifi. Therefore, if you want to travel with peace of mind, knowing you can use your mobile or tablet abroad without exceeding your data limit, always try to find out whether or not the hotel offers free wifi in all its zones when you’re doing your research.
It’s not a fundamental part of a holiday but it’s certainly an advantage. Even though you may think you would prefer to go here and there for breakfast, sampling the destination’s typical dishes, there’s nothing better than waking up to good coffee and breakfast at your hotel. Trust us, you’ll appreciate it later. You can always go out for another snack later, but nothing compares to having your first meal of the day in a calm setting, taking everything at your own pace. What’s more, the prices are very fair with flexible restaurant open times.
On the subject of gastronomy at the hotel, if you are gluten intolerant or travel with someone who is, it’s surely the first thing you’ve thought about: Does the hotel offer gluten-free options? The same goes for vegetarians or those who merely just want to sustain a healthy diet whilst on holiday. Thus it’s vital that hotels offer dishes adapting to the dietary requirements of their guests for all meals: breakfast lunch and dinner.
When the hotel includes coach transfers to the airport it’s an added advantage especially when they’re staying miles from the nearest one. You’ll save money, (normally hotels already include special packages for guests) you’ll arrive on time and it’ll prevent you from worrying. With that having been said, make sure it’s a direct transfer as sometimes when looking for the cheapest one, you end up going the longest way; to various hotels in a shared shuttle.
When going on holiday with the kids it’s important to go over everything with a fine tooth-comb. It’s important that the hotel you choose has facilities and activities for kids, not only so they play but also so they can rest. Family rooms or connecting ones are fundamental as you can do your own thing whilst still being close to the kids with each one appreciating their own space.
Along the same lines, there’s nothing like a hotel with kids pools and water games. And what more could we ask for in unforgettable experiences than a hotel also being an attraction park? Impossible you think? Melià has succeeded in doing this with their line of Sol Hotels and Hotel Sol Katmandú Park in Mallorca, very close to one of their other large themed hotels; Sol Beach House, in the coast of Calvia. Both are already attractions in themselves.
If you’re looking for a beach hotel to stay at with friends, there’s nothing better than going to a beach party on the seafront and enjoying cocktails and aperitifs organised by the hotel. Beach holiday hotels and resorts are always offering guests better experiences with parties and Dj performances at their pool areas, gardens and chill out zones or directly at their beach clubs. It’s a perfect bonus for those wishing to surprise a friend on their stag or hen do away from their home city.
Holidays are as much for relaxing as they are for having a good time. Nowadays, there are lots of hotels which, even if they don’t offer complete spa facilities, you can count on them to have areas for relaxation and massage rooms with specialist therapists to give you an added feeling of care and attention during your relaxing stay.
If you’re adventurous and want to get the most out of your destination, choose a hotel near the best sport routes, surfing or diving schools, gyms and guides to take you on tours to the best points of interest. You can also go hiking, cycling, climbing or scuba diving. There are many hotels which, as part of a complete package with your stay, offer various sport courses, like paddle or kite surfing, which are all the range now.