How to Compare Hotels
Comparing hotels becomes much easier when you focus on the parts of a stay that actually affect comfort, convenience and the rhythm of your trip.
These principles help you make a clear choice without endless scrolling.
1. Start with location — everything else comes second
The hotel itself matters, but the area matters more.
Check:
- walking distance to the places you want to see
- access to public transport
- safety and noise level of the neighbourhood
- nearby cafés, parks or basic shops
A perfectly located 7/10 hotel is usually better than a poorly located 9/10 one.
2. Compare room types, not hotel stars
Star ratings don’t tell you how comfortable your room will be.
Look at:
- room size
- bed type & quality
- bathroom layout
- noise insulation
- ability to open windows
- storage space
Comfort is mostly about the room, not the building category.
3. Focus on the essentials — avoid “feature overload”
Many hotels list features that you’ll never use.
Prioritise what genuinely matters:
- comfortable bed
- reliable Wi-Fi
- clean, practical bathroom
- good climate control
- safe surrounding streets
Everything else is optional.
4. Compare photos, but look for the right signs
Photos can tell you more than reviews if you look carefully.
Check:
- window size and natural light
- whether the room looks updated or worn
- bathroom cleanliness
- real layout (desk, wardrobe, armchair, space around the bed)
- overall “feel” — cluttered vs clean
If photos look inconsistent across rooms, expect variability.
5. Use reviews strategically — not emotionally
Reviews help when you use them correctly.
Read:
- the most recent reviews
- comments about noise, cleanliness, Wi-Fi and beds
- repeated complaints (these are real patterns)
- feedback from travellers similar to you (families, couples, work trips)
Ignore:
- overly emotional reviews
- outliers (1/10 or 10/10 with little detail)
- complaints unrelated to the hotel itself (weather, crowds, prices)
6. Compare bathrooms — they matter more than you think
Bathrooms strongly affect comfort.
Look for:
- shower quality
- water pressure
- ventilation
- space to place your items
- recent renovation signs
Small bathroom problems can impact the whole stay.
7. Pay attention to breakfast and food logistics
Even if you don’t need a full restaurant.
Consider:
- availability of breakfast
- nearby cafés or bakeries
- realistic morning routine
- options for children
- opening hours
If breakfast logistics are complicated, mornings become stressful.
8. Evaluate noise — the hidden deal-breaker
Noise is one of the most common complaints.
Check:
- proximity to bars, nightlife, roads
- floor level
- room orientation (street vs courtyard)
- comments specifically mentioning noise
Noise problems rarely improve after check-in.
9. Look for “travel fit”, not perfection
A hotel should match the type of trip:
- city breaks → location first
- family stays → space + food nearby
- business stays → desk, outlets, reliable Wi-Fi
- beach trips → access + air-conditioning
- weekend escapes → atmosphere + comfort
Choosing based on purpose simplifies everything.
10. Compare prices the smart way
Price only makes sense when compared to:
- location quality
- room type
- included amenities
- cancellation policy
- time of year
A slightly more expensive hotel may save you time, transport costs and stress.
Summary
The best way to compare hotels is to focus on what truly shapes your stay:
- choose location first
- compare rooms, not stars
- check the essentials
- use reviews carefully
- evaluate noise and bathroom quality
- match the hotel to your trip type
A clear comparison helps you pick a stay that feels right — not just one that looks good online.