Once you have decided where to travel and when, the next big question is where are we staying. It is a tough choice, especially if you are like me who likes everything planned before you step foot on your first flight off your hometown. Why tough? Because you are missing out on last minute deals. Unlike flights, which charge you more for the last minute booking, there are hotels that are willing to fill up their unsold inventory at a far lesser price if you book last minute. So flights as far ahead as possible, hotels as close to the date of arrival as possible. At times, I have booked a hotel at 21:00 local time for the night. But that is way too adventurous, which I do not advise.
Booking.com is the best place by and large, to book hotels, BnBs or anything that allow you to stay for a night or more. Yes, I hear you screaming AirBnB, I've tried it all, ultimately the luxury of having a full service hotel room which you can leave as dirty as possible while checking out without the botheration of how the host is going to rate you is priceless. If you still haven't signed up with Booking.com register through this link https://www.booking.com/s/34_6/9daf0dcb and get INR 1,000 off (15 USD approximately) on your first booking.
I cannot stress enough the fact that loyalty pays. So if you stick to Booking.com for your stays, stick to Booking.com throughout and it ultimately pays off. For example, I didn't even know that if I complete 3 bookings with Booking.com, they make some Genius and start offering Genius benefits. I get 10% further off on the best deal found on their platform, and if that's not enough, they even offer priority early check-in and late check-out. As always, this is subject to availability, but hey why not.
If you are visiting a big city, a hotel is always a good option. If you are like me who doesn't like the idea of a shared bathroom, filter it off. Homestays in cities are usually very minimal in amenities and services, so you're better off in a small hotel or a boutique hotel. If you're going by the country side, a Homestay is always recommended. The smaller the better. The lesser number of rooms the better. Check out the view from my bathroom in one of the homestays I stayed in Italy. https://photos.app.goo.gl/7EYDBSFHmj55LIQJ3 Beautiful ain't it!
If you find a deal in a hotel, that is part of a chain, always check if you are getting the same deal when you book direct. For example, if you found a deal on an ibis hotel, head to accorhotels.com and see if you get the same deal. Even if it is a few dollars more, just book it directly, of course after signing up for free for their loyalty rewards program, as the benefits are a lot more. You will get the full price including the taxes displayed, you stand a chance for an upgrade in case the room type you booked is not available, etc. The staff are also nicer to you and treat you like a boss. I mean why not. A business is getting the full 100% of your money instead of paying an intermediary 25%.
I will be back with more tips on my next post.
Booking.com is the best place by and large, to book hotels, BnBs or anything that allow you to stay for a night or more. Yes, I hear you screaming AirBnB, I've tried it all, ultimately the luxury of having a full service hotel room which you can leave as dirty as possible while checking out without the botheration of how the host is going to rate you is priceless. If you still haven't signed up with Booking.com register through this link https://www.booking.com/s/34_6/9daf0dcb and get INR 1,000 off (15 USD approximately) on your first booking.
I cannot stress enough the fact that loyalty pays. So if you stick to Booking.com for your stays, stick to Booking.com throughout and it ultimately pays off. For example, I didn't even know that if I complete 3 bookings with Booking.com, they make some Genius and start offering Genius benefits. I get 10% further off on the best deal found on their platform, and if that's not enough, they even offer priority early check-in and late check-out. As always, this is subject to availability, but hey why not.
If you are visiting a big city, a hotel is always a good option. If you are like me who doesn't like the idea of a shared bathroom, filter it off. Homestays in cities are usually very minimal in amenities and services, so you're better off in a small hotel or a boutique hotel. If you're going by the country side, a Homestay is always recommended. The smaller the better. The lesser number of rooms the better. Check out the view from my bathroom in one of the homestays I stayed in Italy. https://photos.app.goo.gl/7EYDBSFHmj55LIQJ3 Beautiful ain't it!
If you find a deal in a hotel, that is part of a chain, always check if you are getting the same deal when you book direct. For example, if you found a deal on an ibis hotel, head to accorhotels.com and see if you get the same deal. Even if it is a few dollars more, just book it directly, of course after signing up for free for their loyalty rewards program, as the benefits are a lot more. You will get the full price including the taxes displayed, you stand a chance for an upgrade in case the room type you booked is not available, etc. The staff are also nicer to you and treat you like a boss. I mean why not. A business is getting the full 100% of your money instead of paying an intermediary 25%.
I will be back with more tips on my next post.
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