Finding a hotel that fits your needs and preferences can be a daunting task, even for the most experienced travelers. And when searching for the best hotel in Melbourne, there are many things to consider. From the location, cost, and star rating to room amenities, hotel facilities, and dining. Here are 7 tips to help you find the best hotel for your city staycation.
- Location, location, location
Location plays a major factor when choosing the best hotel in Melbourne. And here’s the surprise: it may not be in the CBD.
Consider this scenario. You are visiting Paris or London and want to be within a stone’s throw of the Eiffel Tower or Piccadilly Circus. However, most hotels in the vicinity of these landmarks are high-priced, so to find one that checks all your boxes, including being budget-friendly, look for a hotel just outside the heart of the city, but with a short commute.
Besides cost, a convenient location is usually a top priority. Firstly consider if you are traveling for business or leisure. Are there easy public transport options? Where are you having meetings?
When a great deal on accommodation means staying outside the city centre, it’s important to consider the safety and reputation of the neighbourhood. Hence, a little research on the area is a smart move.
The bottom line is that it is better to compromise on location than to be in the centre of the city surrounded by bed bugs, yikes!
- Read the reviews
It’s not just the location that’s important when choosing the best hotel. We’d all pay a little extra to have a clean, quiet, and comfortable hotel room. But how do you find out if a mattress is comfortable or if the toilet is spotless?
Most hotels will have reviews from previous guests. Take the time to read through both negative and positive comments to determine whether the hotel you are looking at is the best hotel for your needs and preferences. And it’s worth checking several review sites before you make a decision. Start with Trip Advisor and Google Reviews.
Keep in mind that some reviews may be paid and not entirely honest. And often the five-star reviews and one-star reviews don't tell the full story. Look for balanced reviews that tell the good and the bad.
- Know your dining options
When you are looking for the best hotel in Melbourne, filter your search with dining options. This way, you’ll have an idea of what hotels have restaurants and room service, and whether they to cater to different dietary requirements.
Whether you are on a business trip or traveling with the family, dining options are important to consider. Why? Because if you are on a business trip you may be working long hours and the chances are you will skip a meal if there is not one ready and waiting for you. And because convenience is everything when traveling with kids and when they’re hungry, you need a decent kids' meal stat.
Families traveling together should check whether dining on-site will be more economical than eating out. When researching the hotel, check the area for nearby restaurants and cafes. Something simple that is easily done within a few clicks can be a godsend in the moment, especially with a fussy toddler.
- Business travel
When choosing the best hotel for a business trip, keep in mind that the purpose of your travel is to work, so there are a few essential facilities.
If you are planning on working from the hotel, you will need spacious rooms with a dedicated workspace. And Is there a strong, fast Wi-Fi connection throughout the hotel, or can you only get access to Wi-Fi in the lobby?
Not all hotels can accommodate a business meeting or provide a business centre. Consider whether you need these facilities during your stay.
Little things like this may not seem very important at the time of booking. Many travelers get caught out because they assume the hotel must have these services and amenities (it’s the 21st century, after all!). Still, it’s best to research and confirm every detail before you make a booking.
- Recreational activities
Unless you are at the hotel for a single day and you don’t have time for leisure, you should look into what leisure facilities the hotel offers. You might want to look at hotels that at least have a spa, a gym, or a swimming pool.
If you are after a sporting holiday, look at hotels that feature a tennis court and golf course. Or if the purpose of your trip is a beach vacation, search for hotels that have a private beach and perhaps even serviced beach chairs.
Though leisure facilities are usually a top priority for vacationers, business travelers can appreciate a gym to maintain their fitness routine or unwind in the spa at the end of a busy work day.
- Room size
When on the hunt for the right hotel, the size of the room is often overlooked. Why is space important? Because you don’t want to feel cramped. Unless you are a solo traveler, then a larger room size can make all the difference to your relaxation and comfort. It’s as simple as that.
Hotels tag the rooms by the size of the bed or the number of beds. So, the best room for a single person or a couple is the standard room. For larger families, relatives, or business partners, twin rooms, king rooms, and queen rooms would be the better choice, as well as studios and double-double rooms. Better still, a serviced apartment would be ideal.
Go through the hotel’s website and photo gallery to get a better idea of the size of the room. Even photos from previous guests, which you’ll find on review sites.
Speaking of sizes, you should also take into consideration the size of the hotel. Are you looking for a more personalised feel, or do you appreciate the grandeur of large properties?
- Sustainability
Nowadays, sustainability plays a huge factor when choosing a hotel. More and more travelers book sustainably-run hotels because they are eco-friendly and available at all price points.
An eco-friendly hotel will have amenities like organic toiletries, reusable glasses, and eco-friendly cleaning supplies, just to mention a few. They may also have environmentally friendly service practices, which you can find on their website.
Wrapping up
Planning a trip soon? Whether you are traveling solo or with the family, these 7 tips will help you choose the best hotel for your needs and budget.
If you are traveling to Melbourne and looking for a hotel with spacious apartments, as well as facilities on site including a restaurant, bar, and gym, check out The Sebel Melbourne Moonee Ponds. Regardless of whether you are traveling for business or leisure, the best Melbourne hotels can be found outside the city centre.