When you need to stay away from home, be it for pleasure or business, deciding where to spend the night is one of the first considerations. Most people will go straight online to find the nearest hotels. Are hotels always the best option though? Here, we look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of staying in a hotel:
Advantages
There are different hotels to suit all budgets and they come in a range of comfort and quality levels. From 5-star boutique to 2-star budget, we have the option to choose whichever suits our wallet and our personal requirements.
Convenience is another key advantage of staying in a hotel. They are almost always conveniently located near to major transport links such as motorways, train stations and airports. The majority also include bars and restaurants, so you don’t need to worry about catering while you’re away.
There are always staff available at all times of the day or night to arrange transport, bookings and provide local information to help you during your stay. If on a business trip, you’ll find equipment such as phones, fax machines, and other messaging services to assist you in any way. For leisure visitors, the knowledge of reception staff can prove invaluable when it comes to best places to visit, what time to get there and lesser known must-see attractions a tourist might never have heard of.
What are the alternatives?
If you love privacy, more space than you get with a hotel room and the ability to eat what you want, when you want – you should consider staying in a serviced apartment. Self-catered, the chance to come and go as you please, maximum privacy and a home from home feel, Serviced Apartments in Birmingham are the ideal solution for a comfortable break with all the amenities still available. For more information, visit http://www.8waterloostreet.co.uk/
Disadvantages
Hotel rooms can be pricey, especially if you need to stay for a prolonged period of time. Travelling with a large group of people can become tricky too. You might not all be able to book rooms and if you do, chances are they will not be together in the building. You are also bound by the opening times of the bar and restaurant.
It can be difficult to find adequate levels of peace and privacy in a large chain hotel. Room checks are carried out unless you leave a ‘do not disturb’ sign on the door, and the walls can be so thin that you might be continually disturbed by noise from other guests.
Reading reviews does not always supply the most accurate picture either. The best reviews might not have been written when there was a wedding party still booming out a disco at midnight just down the corridor from where you’re trying to sleep!
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