The Hotel Booking Checklist

We all need a place to sleep and rest when traveling. Whether you're traveling for work or pleasure, a pleasant hotel room that meets your needs may make all the difference.

How do you find a hotel that combines comfort, facilities, location, and price? Should you glance at the hotel's star rating or do more?

Placement

A hotel's location is important. You want to be near attractions and public transit on vacation. You don't want to spend hours on the bus or metro or looking for parking. Most visitors opt to stay in the city center or near the beach; walking 15 to 20 minutes for a shower and change of clothes might be a nuisance.

On a business trip, stays near the commercial center or your meetings. You don't want to waste time traveling from hotel to work.

A good location is expensive. Higher-priced hotels are closer to "hot spots."

There's Parking And A Shuttle

Can hotel guests who drive park? Where's the parking? Some Malta island hotels provide lots of parking spots, while others have only a handful, which might be an issue if you want to drive. Does parking cost a daily fee? Safe?

Does the hotel offer a shuttle to/from the airport, railway station, or bus terminal? Do you need to plan it or does it run all day? How many people can it fit? Is there room for luggage? Free or paid? How much?

Accommodations

Your hotel offers more than beds and showers. Whether you're there for a job or pleasure, you should feel comfortable. Where should you look?

Does the hotel provide linked rooms for families? Is there a family suite with parent and kid rooms?

What's in the room? We've grown to anticipate an iron (but is there an ironing board? ) a television, a hair dryer, internet (if it's free, wonderful, but if you have to pay, check the cost), tea and coffee, a minibar, and so on.

Caution! While convenient, the snacks and beverages are more expensive than at the local store. Many modern mini bars charge your room when you take a Coke or peanuts from the vending machine. Unopened returns are charged. Check it out before you check out, especially if you're traveling with kids.

Check-In/Out, Luggage Storage

Check the hotel's check-in and checkout times and luggage storage for early or late arrivals or departures. Can you stay longer without paying for another night?

Accommodations

It's endless. Restaurants, cafes, hotel shops? Does the hotel have a piano bar or kids club? Breakfast included? Hotel meeting room or business center? Spa, pool, and gym? Is a washer/dryer available? The hotel's laundry service is more expensive.