With endless accommodation styles and property types out there, it can be overwhelming to decide which is right for you. Are you looking for an optimal location, or for hip common spaces? Should you indulge in a 5-star property, or are you better off going boutique?
We’ve separated your search into some of the most common types of properties and their pros and cons, so you can start thinking about what hotel is right for you.
Boutique Hotel
What is it: Boutique hotels are hotels often found in trendy or popular cities, and their aesthetics are cultivated to match the surrounding city. They typically have less than a hundred rooms - much smaller than the usual hotel chain - and are sought out for their smaller capacity and the intimacy it fosters.
Who should stay there: Travelers seeking the comfort of a hotel, but with a more intimate feel. If you prioritize hotel location and vibes over fancy amenities and large rooms, boutique hotels are right for you!
Pros: More intimate hotel-guest relationships due to smaller capacity of guests; Cool and unique decoration, furniture, and common spaces (lounge, bar); Often great locations
Cons: Often smaller in size (hotel rooms and the hotel capacity itself), sometimes lacking in amenities like gym, 24-7 concierge, restaurant.
Luxury Hotel
What is it: Luxury hotels are hotels that offer their guests the highest level of luxury, personalized service, upgraded rooms, and a variety of amenities. Typically, five-star properties include 24-hour reception, turn-down service and daily housekeeping, on-site fine dining or restaurant/bar, transfer services, and more.
Who should stay there: Travelers with an expansive budget, honeymooners, bucket-list travelers, those who value comfort, quality, and service, and want to enjoy the amenities offered by a hotel, in addition to experiencing a destination.
Pros: Extreme comfort, safe and high quality service, sophisticated rooms, and often in a desirable location within a destination.
Cons: Luxury hotels are often at the highest end of the price range for accommodations.
Resort Hotel or All-Inclusive
What is it: A resort or all-inclusive hotel is a property that is typically freestanding (or in its own enclosed area); These properties try to provide as many travel elements and essentials as possible - this includes things like food, drink, accommodations, activities, swimming, shopping, and more - all on the premises.
Who should stay there: Those looking for a one-stop-shop; Resorts or all-inclusives are great for those who prioritize convenience over everything else, and want a vacation without any added logistics. Resorts or all-inclusives are great for those who want food, activities, and entertainment at their fingertips. Resorts are especially great for beach-goers and golfers.
Pros: High value experience and accommodation for your money, convenience, often excellent customer service and staff assistance, spacious rooms and endless relaxation. At most resorts you’ll never have to worry about carrying around your wallet.
Cons: Resorts are typically isolated or self-contained, which means they may not be easily accessible to city-centers or top sights/attractions. Resorts are not designed for travelers who like variety and want to be on the go.
Franchise Hotels (Marriott, Hilton)
What is it: Almost everyone has heard of Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Windham, and more. These are what we like to call franchise hotels. These major properties have multiple locations around the world, and are often in partnership with other major travel affiliates like Delta, United, and so on. Franchise hotels offer consistent style, amenities, comfort, and more.
Who should stay there: Rewards members; Travelers who value comfort, safety, and quality, and like to know what they’re getting in a hotel stay (aka, no surprises). Franchise hotels are great for those looking to explore a destination at a reasonable price, but their accommodations are not necessarily their top priority - they just need a safe and comfortable place to sleep!
Pros: Reliable, safe, high value, and often connected to a large global network so you always have a contact or person to talk to if needed. Spacious rooms, standard amenities (gym, bar, WiFi), and often in a favorable location.
Cons: Lack of intimacy or unique factor. Most chain hotels do not offer much in terms of city-specific-feel or destination-specific aesthetic. Concierge recommendations and amenities will typically be par for the course and you may not find much of a “local” feel.
Hostel or Lodge
What is it: Hostels or lodge properties are at their core, low-cost, short-term accommodations where the primary goal for travelers is to have a place to sleep at night. Often, hostels have shared-gender dormitories, shared bathrooms, shared kitchen spaces, and more.
Who should stay there: Budget travelers, adventurers, those looking for new connections and open to frequent social interactions!
Pros: Hostels are typically in a great location - right in the heart of a city, or an ideally situated mountain-scape accessible to activities. Hostels often have fun lounge areas, rooftop bars, restaurants, and common spaces that foster social connections.
Cons: Often lacking in quality, most amenities and “luxuries” (WiFi, more spacious room, private bathroom), come at an extra cost. Small or shared accommodations are the norm, as are thin walls and loud neighborhoods.
Want ELx to find the perfect accommodation for your travel style? Schedule your FREE Travel Consultation today and start planning with the ELx Travel Team!