Whether you are Kenyan planning to travel abroad or a tourist from another country intending to holiday in Kenya or any other part of the globe, choosing a hotel is one of the most critical decisions determining your trip’s outcome.
As professional travelers who have been organizing thrilling travel adventures for residents and foreigners, we know how crucial it is to select the most suitable accommodation.
Let this brief hotel guide be your traveling companion and your manual on choosing the best place to stay this year and beyond, regardless of your destination.
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Strategic Location
This aspect can always make or mar your trip depending on your choice of hotel. Consider these key points:
- Proximity to attractions: When it comes to location, pick a hotel near the attractions that compel you, whether the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Maasai Mara in Kenya.
- Accessibility: Ensure your hotel is located near necessary transportation means such as airports or railway stations.
- Safety: First, it’s crucial to check out the neighborhood to ensure it’s safe in case you travel alone or with kids.
Accommodation matters a lot because a hotel nearer to the areas or attractions that you want to visit will save you money that could have been used for transportation.
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Comfort and Essential Amenities
You would need a relaxation zone when you are tired after a day of touring or a series of meetings. Look for hotels that offer:
- Sleek and comfortable beds equipped with clean and soft sheets.
- The need to spend time in cooler or warmer climates depending on the city (having to use the AC in hot areas and heater in the cold ones)
- Internet for social needs and to keep in touch with family and friends back in the home country
- On-site restaurant(s) offering continental as well as regional and global foods
- Gymnasiums or spas for fun and exercises
Pro Tip:
Regarding comfort and amenities, nothing gives an accurate picture as the recent feedback left by other guests, whether Kenyan or foreign visitors.
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Cleanliness and Hygiene Standards
Sanitation has never been more critical in today’s global environment. When choosing a hotel:
- House hunters should avoid properties with low cleanliness indicators and look for areas where proper health measures are observed.
- See whether the hotel has been accorded any international standards concerning cleaning.
- Be careful with the description of cleanliness that is usually highlighted in various reviews.
A clean hotel enhances the comfort and health of every guest while in Mombasa, Miami, or any other hotel of one’s choice.
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Value for Money
While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, consider the overall value offered:
- Compare the prices of the accommodation across various online booking websites
- Search for offers where you can get flight and accommodation, breakfast/dinner, transportation from/to the airport, or some sightseeing activity
- Reflect on the complimentary services the hotel offers during package deals
As already noted, it often pays to remember that cheap is not the same as value. Opting for a slightly costlier hotel with added facilities and services is always an excellent choice.
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Cultural Experience and Authenticity
To truly immerse yourself in your destination, choose a hotel that embraces local culture:
- Search for rooms that have decorations that reflect local culture.
- Select hotels that provide an insight into the local culture or fascinating tours.
- Choose hotels offering local dishes
Whether a Kenyan visiting Europe or a European visiting Nairobi, embracing local cultures enriches your trip.
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Eco-friendliness and Sustainability
As responsible global citizens, we should prioritize eco-friendly accommodations:
- Search for lodging establishments with active accreditation from established eco-labeling systems
- Select properties that will be beneficial to the communities around
- Select establishments that utilize renewable energy resources
When you decide to stay at an environmentally friendly hotel, you are helping to conserve world heritage and nature, such as the great savannah of Kenya or the South American forests.
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Safety and Security Measures
Your safety always comes first, whether traveling within the country or abroad. Consider hotels that offer:
- 24/7 security personnel
- Safe deposit boxes for items of value
- Clean environment with adequate illumination in the shared walkways and other amenities.
- Emergency response protocols
It is always important to seek clarification on safety aspects to avoid discomfort.
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Customer Service and Language Support
Quality service can take your experience from good to excellent. Look for hotels known for:
- Friendly and attentive staff
- Diverse staff, especially in the global market
- Tourist information and reservation services
If you are a Kenyan, especially if you are going to a foreign country, you should check if the hotel staff understands Swahili or English.
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Accessibility and Special Needs Accommodation
If you or your travel companions have specific accessibility requirements, ensure your chosen hotel can accommodate them:
- Wheelchair-accessible rooms and facilities
- Accessibility of unique products and services
- Special accommodation such as provision of appropriate signs for the visually or hearing-impaired guests
It is always wise to express your needs during bookings to get a comfortable room wherever you are.
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Flexible Booking Policies
In these uncertain times, flexible booking options are crucial:
- Stay in hotels with flexible options like free cancellation or no cancellation fee.
- Look for date switch-over policies
- It also uses booking options that do not necessarily involve paying for a service upfront.
Having some level of control over when you go can offset any potential problems and give you a better return on your money, whether you are planning on going on a safari in Tanzania or going on a weekend business trip to New York.
Conclusion
Selecting an appropriate hotel is instrumental in creating a comfortable, safe, and fulfilling stay experience. So, by going through the above ten factors, you are halfway to your pursuit of getting your next accommodation, whether you are a Kenyan traveling out or an international tourist visiting Kenya.
However, the appropriate hotel is not just a place where you can have a comfortable night; it becomes a part of your trip, allowing you to get the most out of your travel destinations. Whether traveling to Africa to watch the sunset over the vast plains of the Maasai Mara or stargazing at the Arctic lights in Iceland, you should wake up in your beautifully chosen hotel. Happy travels!
