Hotel or holiday resort: how to book a room at a good price
Hotel or holiday resort: which to choose
A hotel usually gives you service: a reception, housekeeping, breakfast, sometimes a pool or spa. A holiday resort is more about nature, separate cottages, barbecues, water and quiet, but the service is simpler and meals are not always included. If you travel with children, look for a play area and family rooms. If you want quiet, ask whether there is a noisy road nearby or events on the grounds.
What to put in your request
- dates — check-in and check-out, or the number of nights;
- number of guests — adults and children, with the child's age;
- place — a city, a resort or a region, for example Manali in Himachal Pradesh;
- budget per night — or for the whole stay;
- room type — standard, family, suite, a separate cottage;
- meals — room only, breakfast, half board or full board;
- facilities — pool, spa, sauna, access to water, kids' corner, parking;
- pets — whether you travel with one.
Example: “I am looking for a family room in Manali for 14–17 February: 2 adults and a child of 6. I need breakfast and a heater, parking on the premises. Budget up to ₹5,000 a night.”
How to compare offers fairly
Look not at one figure but at what the price is made of. A room with breakfast and one without are not the same, nor is a price per room and a price per person. Ask whether the pool, sauna, equipment hire, transfers and taxes are included or added separately.
In the season, on holidays and in winter breaks the booking terms are stricter: there is often a minimum stay and an advance payment. Ask about the cancellation policy and whether the deposit is returned if your plans change. Read reviews about the place, and ask for photos of the exact room offered, not just general pictures. For a winter trip in the hills, ask about heating and power backup in case of a power cut. A common mistake is booking at the lowest price and finding out it is a room facing the back yard or without breakfast.
How it works with BlaBlaPrice
Hotels and resorts reply to your request in the chat: which room, price per night, what is included, photos. The request is checked before it is shown, and BlaBlaPrice shows the best offer by content first. Owners see where they stand among the others and can improve their terms. Your phone is hidden until you choose. More: how it works.
If you do not need a hotel, look at a separate house by the day or a flat by the day, and for a budget trip, hostels.
