Accommodation is usually one of the biggest expenses when you go on vacation, so it’s important to pick the right place to stay. Not to mention, a bad hotel can put a real dampener on your trip! Sometimes the decision is easy, either because a friend recommends somewhere or you’re a member of a loyalty scheme and always stay with the same hotel chain. If not, the choice can be more tricky – especially when traveling to a new destination. So if you’ve never been to Hawaii before and are looking for a fantastic place to stay, here are some top tips to aid you in your search.
Do your research
It’s easy to get swept away by the gorgeous pictures on a hotel website, but you want to do a bit more research before making your booking. For instance, it’s a good idea to check the exact location on Google Maps so you can see how far it is from the hotel to key spots like the beach, airport, or city center. Another top tip is to look at what their policy is on cancelation, and whether there is any planned maintenance work during your intended trip dates. Be sure to check for any discount codes or special offers before booking as well!
Consider your priorities
Everyone wants different things from a hotel, and knowing your priorities will make it easier to find a top quality Kona resort that suits you. For example, do you need somewhere that’s child-friendly or would you prefer an adults-only resort? Is a pool or ocean view a must for you? How about a gym or spa? Make a short checklist that you can refer to when looking at hotel websites, and ensure that the ones you’re considering staying at tick all of your boxes. The same is true when it comes to the features of the rooms themselves.
Check online reviews
Almost all hotels look nice on their own websites, so in order to get an unbiased viewpoint it’s key to look at reviews from previous guests. It’s not always easy to know if you can trust any one particular opinion, however if you notice common threads throughout lots of reviews then those are probably accurate. If you can find ones with photos, those are especially helpful for getting a feel for what your room will be like or how other areas of the hotel look. Pay particular attention to reviews by travelers who are similar to you (e.g. families with young children, retired couples) in order to find the most useful information.
Don’t rush into it
It can be tempting to simply book the first nice hotel you find so that you can tick the job off your to-do list, but this haste can be a mistake. Take your time, look at lots of different options, and draw up a shortlist to discuss with your traveling companions before making a decision. That way you can feel confident that you’ve found the best possible resort for your needs, and get even more excited about your upcoming trip to Hawaii!