5 Things To Look for in a Beachside Hotel
29 Sep 2021 | Kudo Hotel
We all love going on vacations. It is a time when we can let go of our work stress and everyday worries. For those whose idea of relaxation includes the sea, booking a hotel in Patong Beach will be a dream come true.
In fact, people regard this stretch of sand and sea as among the best in the world. It is clean and the colours are vibrant: pristine blue water, white sand, and green tropical trees. This scenery is the type that will make you forget all your problems.
However, not all accommodations are created equal. Some are more affordable and thus, offer more humble amenities. Others cater to customers who could spend a little extra. These are resorts that can give you a more luxurious stay with their world-class facilities.
The best thing to do is to research what would work best for you. Here are some questions to consider:
- What is your budget?
- Are you travelling alone or is your family with you?
- What specific experiences are you looking for?
- What are your non-negotiables in terms of rooms, amenities, and food?
- Are you planning to spend most of your days in your hotel? Or will you mostly be out?
To further help you, we have compiled a list of things to consider when choosing your beachside hotel.
1. Location
The location should be at the top of your list when choosing a hotel.
First of all, you may want one that has access to the beach. It should not take you a long time to get from your room to the shore. There are resorts where it will only take you minutes to walk to the beach. For others, meanwhile, you still need to ride a cart or a type of service.
Aside from this, it should also be near the most happening places in the area so that your nights will also be eventful. We should mention this as some beaches can be so secluded.
Since you are on vacation, you should be able to do what you want. If you want to just lie on the sand and get a tan, or want to spend all night drinking in bars, you should be able to freely do it. This is why your hotel must give you that flexibility.
2. Accommodation and Amenities
Comfort is also a key consideration. Make sure that before you book, you have already checked what kinds of rooms are available. Usually, they have deluxe rooms and suites and some even have two-bedroom premium accommodation. Price varies from room to room depending on its size and inclusions.
It will also be helpful to learn early on what facilities are available, so you can request early on if you need add-ons. Here are some of the more common ones:
- Walk-in shower and bath or bathtub
- Wi-Fi
- TV
- Coffee and tea maker
- Minibar
- In-room safe
In addition, check if they have the amenities you need. If you are particular with the swimming pool, you may also ask how deep it is, how many they have, etc.
It also helps if the resort has a gym so you can maintain your fitness regimen even while on vacation.
3. Staff
Be resourceful as well in finding out if the hotel’s service and staff have a good reputation among those who have been there. Since the idea for your trip is to get much-needed rest, you do not want the hassle of dealing with rude or unfriendly staff.
Even if the rooms are luxurious and the views are breathtaking, your stay will not be enjoyable if the personnel are not accommodating. This can be a make-or-break factor in your vacation. As tourists, it will be reassuring to know that even if you are in a foreign land, you would feel secure.
4. Food
Whenever we go to a new place, food always takes centre stage. We love good food with quality ingredients. Thus, vacation also means that we can indulge in guilty pleasures we don’t usually eat regularly.
You may check the resort’s website on the kind of food they offer and determine if they are to your liking. It would be convenient as well to know if they can customize food orders to cater to their client’s needs.
The menu must also have a good balance between familiar food and local delicacy. Since you are in a new place, tasting traditional cuisine for the locals will make your stay more memorable.
5. Reviews
Finally, checking feedback online will save you a lot of money and headaches. Do not rely on the marketing materials of the resort alone. Obviously, they will only mention positive things on their website.
Often, the most valuable comments are on third-party review sites. Guests freely share their experiences and they itemize the pros and cons of staying in the hotel. Reviews usually cover personal experiences on how the staff treated them, the quality of the amenities, and the accessibility of the resort.
For some of the more negative comments, sometimes the hotel even responds with an explanation or an apology. Check what the tone is. Is the reply sincere and reasonable? Or is it condescending and defensive? How they reply often reflects the kind of customer service they offer.
If you research well, for sure, you will find a hotel in Patong Beach that will be perfect for you.