How to Choose the Perfect Hotel for a Weekend Getaway

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I love a gorgeous hotel.

But the prettiest hotel isn’t automatically the right hotel.

For a short getaway, I look at the entire experience—not just the photographs of the lobby.

Start With Location

Pull up a map and mark the places you know you’ll visit.

Restaurants.

Shopping.

Activities.

Neighborhoods.

Then see which hotels put you closest to most of them.

Sometimes spending slightly more on the hotel means spending considerably less time getting around.

Compare hotels in your destination.

Look at the Actual Room

Hotel photography loves a beautiful lobby.

So do I.

But you’re sleeping upstairs.

Look carefully at room photographs, bathroom photographs, room size and recent traveler photographs.

Ask Which Amenities You’ll Actually Use

A spectacular pool isn’t a benefit if you’re visiting in January and won’t use it.

Consider what matters for this trip:

Breakfast?

Spa?

Pool?

Restaurant?

Bar?

Fitness center?

Room service?

Parking?

Shop for hotels with the amenities you are look for here.

Look Beyond the Nightly Rate

When comparing properties, consider the total stay rather than simply whichever rate looks lowest first.

Think about transportation, parking and extras you’re likely to use.

Consider the Feeling

This part is subjective—and important.

A birthday getaway might call for something glamorous.

A beach weekend might be about the view.

A sightseeing-heavy trip might prioritize convenience over a huge room.

Your hotel should support the kind of weekend you’re trying to create.

My Final Test

I ask myself:

Will staying here make the trip easier or better?

If the answer is neither, I’m probably paying for something I don’t need.

Use the Weekend Escape Planner to compare your hotel options.