Picking The Right Caribbean Hotel
Staying at the wrong hotel can absolutely ruin your Caribbean vacation. Loud noises from construction, a long hike to get to the beach, bad cleaning service – whatever the source of your annoyance, it will permeate your entire vacation. Here are some ways to be sure you select the right Caribbean hotel for your needs:First, since you’re working with a budget, pick the dates you’ll be in the Caribbean and then shop around for good prices. But don’t just book the cheapest room you can find. The hotel could be fine, but usually a cheap price reflects a cheap room. Instead, get information on three or four different hotels. If possible, use a booking website that allows you to read personal reviews of other travelers stays. Use these recommendations and other information to find one that just fits your budget and your personal needs.Also, don’t forget to do an internet search or talk to your travel agent about local hotels that aren’t part of the larger chains. While, the large chain hotels often have amenities and extras that these other hotels don’t have, the locally operated hotels are often cheaper. These hotels sometimes have restaurants or promotions with local businesses too, which can add some local flair to your stay in the Caribbean. Just make sure that you understand the price – most are priced in US dollars, but you should double check – and what’s included.
If you’re traveling with children, see which hotels offer discounts for kids. Some allow children under six to stay free. That can be an important discount if you’re working with a limited budget. If you have teenagers who want their own room, be sure to inquire about reserving adjoining rooms or connected rooms. Some hotels may even have small suites you can reserve, which may be cheaper than reserving two separate rooms.
Find out what each hotel has to offer in the way of beaches and outdoor activities. Most will have large swimming pools, but some Caribbean hotels actually have private beaches for their guests. If you don’t want to deal with overcrowded public beaches or want to worry about dragging umbrellas, chairs, and the like around, a private hotel beach may be best for you. Since many public beaches charge an admission fee, finding a hotel that offers this service can help your budget.
Be sure to ask potential hotels about transportation to and from the airport. Some hotels offer free transportation, but some charge or don’t offer transportation at all. If that’s the case, you’ll have to find out about taxi prices or airport shuttles. This can end up costing you a lot if you’re in a big group or have a lot of luggage. You don’t want to end up shelling out a lot of money just to get to your hotel, so plan this part of the trip in advance.
Finding the right Caribbean hotel can be a bit of a challenge, but it’s worth a little extra effort. Make a list of everything you’ll need in your lodging, from room size to service amenities. Once you know exactly what you want, it’s not that difficult to compare your list to the list of things the hotels offer and make an informed decision.