When choosing the perfect hotel for your vacation, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind.  First, does the site you are using accept credit card transactions?  If not, it is recommended to use a different website to protect yourself against fraud or extra fees.  A great way to protect yourself and get the most out of your booking experience is to use a reputable booking site with good reviews.

Once you have chosen your booking site, consider the amenities offered by the hotels on the site and their locations.  Both of these factors will impact the quality of your vacation experience and how much you spend on extra services and transport.  Read on for more detailed explanations of these top tips.

Use Your Credit Card

When making a hotel booking online, it is always advisable to use a credit card.  So, any website or hotel that does not take credit cards should be at the bottom of your list.  This is because credit cards are more secure than debit cards and offer other benefits, such as travel insurance and opportunities to save money.  In the unfortunate event that you experience fraudulent activity with your hotel booking, your credit card provider will recognize it quickly and protect you from the payment going through.  While debit cards take longer to be flagged and providers often ask for proof that the purchase wasn’t made by you.  The extra layer of protection offered by credit cards makes them the preferred option.

Moreover, credit cards offer other perks, such as better pricing options.  Ensure you have a credit card that offers zero foreign transaction fees, as this will save you money when booking and while you are staying at the hotel as well.  Finally, a credit card will almost always give you better exchange rates than those provided in the local exchange offices.

Use A Trusted Hotel Booking Site

Speaking of fraudulent activity and trusted services, make sure you choose your hotel and book it through a reliable and safe website.  There are several booking sites and all have reviews on Trustpilot as well as customer testimonies online.  It is vital that you do your research and make sure that you are using a secure site with good ratings and protective policies, such as cancellation and refund policies.  Most of the New Orleans hotels have those policies but still, you should pay huge attention to details.

On top of the security of the site, it is also worth considering the quality of the service it provides.  Some booking websites will have more listings than others, offer rewards programs, or have super versatile and customizable search functions so you can find the perfect accommodation for your needs.  Check out this list of some of the best hotel booking websites to compare and find the one for you.  You might also prefer to use a site that has a mobile application, or one with detailed and numerous reviews on display.  Whatever specific features you are looking for from your hotel booking site, make sure you find the best one for you and that it is a trusted service.

Amenities Make All The Difference

While you are perusing your chosen booking site for your accommodation, you will notice different hotels offer various great amenities, such as free toiletries, air conditioning, breakfast, Wi-fi, and parking included in the price of the room.  These amenities will make all the difference between a good stay and a great one.  Moreover, the more you can get for your money, the better.  If it is important to you that your room has a coffee and tea station, a mini-fridge, or an ironing board, do not settle for less.  A common deal-breaker is whether or not the hotel has a pool, especially if you are not going to a beach location.

When you are looking at the amenities listed on the hotel site, you might find that some do not have a price next to them but this does not necessarily mean they are free.  Make sure you check if they are included in the price of the room to avoid disappointment when you arrive.  On top of this, if you are traveling by car, check that the parking provided is on-site, as some hotels partner with third-party garages that are a walk from the accommodation, which might not suit you.

Call or email the hotel if their site is unclear to discuss these amenities and their costs.  You can also read customer reviews which will likely answer some of your burning questions.

Location, Location, Location

Location, Location, Location

One of the most important aspects of your hotel when on vacation is the location.  As well as finding a great room with the perfect amenities, you want the hotel to be in the area you are most interested in exploring.  If you are going on a city break, make sure you know where the downtown area is.  If you want to stay in the heart of the action you should ensure that your hotel is central, or at least near good transport links, such as the local trams.

For beach holidays, it is worth checking how easily accessible the beach is from your hotel.  There is little sense in staying a bus ride away from the shore if you can find a closer alternative in your price range.  Vacation days are precious, and if you can avoid wasting time commuting into the city or trailing around on a bus for an hour or two a day, this is ideal.

Time To Book Your Hotel

Now that you have considered some of the important factors in choosing your hotel you are ready to start the booking process.  Remember, use your credit card to book the accommodation and avoid sites that do not accept these transactions, as credit cards are a key way you can protect yourself and your money from fraud and extra fees.  The site you use will make a difference to the service you experience, so do your research and find one you trust that offers a wide variety of options.

Once you have chosen your booking site, do not forget to consider the amenities offered by hotels and the location of the accommodation.  These factors will impact how great your vacation experience is. Good luck and bon voyage!