How to choose a hotel location in a new city
Look at where you will spend most of your time, then work backwards. A hotel ten minutes' walk from the old town often beats a cheaper one forty minutes away once transport time and fares are counted.
Home›Travel guide
TRAVEL GUIDEPractical notes for better stays.
Short, useful advice for choosing, booking and enjoying hotels.
What to confirm before you book
Check cancellation terms, local taxes, deposit rules and whether breakfast is included. Ask the hotel directly about room size, bed configuration and accessibility if they matter to you.
Making late check-ins painless
Tell the property your expected arrival time, keep your booking reference handy and check whether reception is staffed overnight or uses a key box.
Getting the most out of a spa hotel
Book treatments early, look for spa access included in the rate and leave a free afternoon — rushing between appointments defeats the purpose.
Hotel features that matter with children
Interconnecting rooms, shallow pools, early dinner options and a quiet location away from nightlife make far more difference than a long list of activities.
Shoulder season: the smart time to travel
Late spring and early autumn often bring softer prices, fewer crowds and pleasant weather in many European destinations.