Learn about how to find the best hotel for your next holidays to Dubai.

Tourism is one of the most lucrative sectors in the world. In 2020 alone, a total of $2.3 trillion was spent on leisure trips across the globe – and that’s already half of the 2019 record before the COVID-19 pandemic forced governments to put international travel on hold.

Now that many countries are gradually opening their doors once more, these numbers are sure to rise again.

Are you preparing to visit Dubai soon? If your answer is “yes,” then you’ll need to brush up on your knowledge about preparing for your Dubai travel.

Whether you’re planning a holiday, an out-of-town vacation, or even a business trip, there’s one thing you will always need — accommodation. With so many options to choose from, you’ll need to know what exactly you’re looking for to plan the best possible trip.

To make things easier, here are five things you need to look for when choosing a hotel in Dubai and just about anywhere else in the world:

Compatibility with the destination

Are you going abroad, out of state, or within the same city? Will you be visiting a place you’re familiar with or somewhere you’ve never been to?

After you answer these questions, you also must consider the geographical location of your destination. Is it in:

• a coastal area
• somewhere mountainous
• a business center

Knowing these things about your destination is crucial when defining the ideal hotel for your trip.

For example, if you’re headed to a village off the coast or somewhere in the countryside, you’ll probably have more vacation home rental options than hotels. For trips to large cities, you’ll have a wider range of choices – from bed and breakfasts to luxury hotels.

Proximity to places you’ll visit

Another thing you need to consider when choosing a hotel is the purpose of your trip. Is there somewhere you need to go, like a famous attraction or an event venue? Or perhaps you need to be near the airport or other modes of transport?

You can check these things in the hotel description, but you might find it time-consuming to read and browse through websites of every single hotel you could find.

To tackle the task more efficiently, use a map for that particular place you’re planning to visit or a specific part of town you wish to stay in. Then look for nearby hotels and make a list. Finally, determine which one best matches your travel purpose, budget, and other requirements.

For example, if you want to experience Abu Dhabi’s business district without having to spend precious time and money on the commute, you should consider booking a room at the City Seasons Al Hamra hotel. It’s a mere 30 minutes away from Yas Island, too, so you’ll also get to explore everything the island has to offer, even if your time is limited.

Rates that are within your budget

First, you need to figure out how much you can afford to spend on accommodation for the entire trip. Then break this down to how much you can spend on a hotel on a nightly basis.

While you may not be able to stick to this amount, especially if you’re headed to several places, having a budget allows you to balance out the total cost of accommodation.

The total budget for the entire trip will affect this as well. If you’re unsure how much you should set aside for accommodation, try asking yourself this: What is the average amount you need for a place that will make you feel content, safe, and comfortable?

What you’re expecting of the hotel could affect this, too. If the budget is relatively low, it means you’re expecting a hostel or apartment level of service. If it is high, you have more wriggle room for high-end hotels with one-of-a-kind features, like the Thai-inspired five-star hotel Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi.

Take Note: Exercise caution when considering hotels with extremely low rates. Remember that running a hotel comes with a lot of expenses. Make sure the hotel offering very low rates is not cutting costs on other things.

Features that match your purpose for the trip

You should also think about the features you would require for your trip.

For example, you may need to consider whether you’re traveling with children or pets. Not all hotels allow pets; some do not even cater to little ones. If you’re on a family trip, make sure you take this into consideration when finding a hotel.

Take note that there could also be extra charges for services and extra amenities, like cribs, cots, or pet deposits, so be sure to research thoroughly before booking.

Besides this, you should also consider extra amenities that could make your stay much more comfortable, such as:

Transportation options

Some luxury hotels offer private drivers and complimentary shuttle services for their guests.

These are perfect if you’re going around town but are unfamiliar with the streets, attending a business event that could last until the wee hours of the night, or walking home alone. It’ll also help you save on both your travel budget and time.

Wi-Fi access

Everybody needs internet access these days, but it is particularly important when you’re on a business trip.

Check for unlimited and free Wi-Fi access in the hotel room to avoid unexpected additional costs. Some establishments put a cap on daily internet use and add fees for excess usage upon checkout.

In-room phones,

Many modern and hip hotels remove in-room phones from their basic amenities.

However, this particular feature remains important for travelers as it saves time on front desk inquiries and is handy during emergencies.

Secure-access lobby and elevators

Security is a major consideration, especially if you’re staying in a new place. This is why you must make sure that the hotel you pick has secure and well-lit lobbies that are always manned. Even better if they have elevators that can only be activated using a room key to ensure that only guests who are checked in can gain access to them.

Conclusion – Choose Wisely Before You Book

Booking a hotel is easy; finding the right one is what you should be more critical about. Factor in the items listed here to make sure you choose the best possible accommodation for your next Dubai trip. Stay guided!