What do you look for when booking a hotel?

Hey everyone,

When you’re booking a hotel, what are the top things you focus on? What qualities are a must for you when choosing a place to stay?

And here’s another question: since this is about luxury travel, do you think the price is more important or the quality? How do you balance the two?

Thanks!

I work in luxury hotel management and love traveling myself.

The booking.com review score should be at least 8.5, since anything above that means they might offer compensation if your experience isn’t great. Anything 9 and above is a good sign for a luxury hotel.
The Tripadvisor traveler ranking is another factor I check. If the hotel is in the top 10, you’re likely to have a great experience.

I prefer to book through my member program because of the extra benefits I get.

I love having a villa host or butler. Someone who can connect with you via WhatsApp so you can text them anytime for anything you need.

If I’m going to a beach, I always go for a pool villa.

Totally agree with the pool villa. We have a toddler, and it’s a lifesaver during nap times because we can still enjoy the place without being stuck inside. Highly recommend it!

For me, location comes first. After that, I focus on room size, the view, and the quality of bedding. I also pay attention to how big the bathroom is and whether there’s enough counter space.

Dining options and menu choices are big too. I like to read solo traveler reviews to see what the experience is like for them. Also, I only trust recent reviews. It’s important to know when the hotel was last remodeled.

I prefer boutique hotels that are in great locations. Since I often travel solo, good service is a must.

Luxury travelers usually check out hotel brands first… They tend to have a budget or at least know the minimum they’re willing to spend for the level of service they expect. Brands like Aman, FS, St. Regis, O&O, and Ritz are common choices.

You also have to think about the amenities like an in-room plunge pool, a private terrace, or the size of the suite.

Luxury travelers want privacy but don’t want to feel isolated.

For me, the main factors are location, room type, food quality, amenities, and the level of service.

Location, guest-to-staff ratio, and for me and my wife, mental well-being and a kids club are very important.

The small details are what matter most to me. I want to feel like my needs are anticipated before I even ask for them.