wanderlust kicks in

[orangerful]

I just booked our hotel for our trip to Niagara Falls!

Gosh, that was nerve-wracking. I think it is because I have been a spoiled traveler for many years and tend to have friends or family living in the destinations I visit so I don't have to look at hotel prices and reviews.

Or, like when we went to Orlando, I knew I wanted to stay on-site for the park so that was an easier thing to pick. Also I think my friend picked the room the first time so I just did the same thing she did.

This was so much more since it was looking at Canadian prices, having to figure out what that would cost in U.S. currency, reading through all the reviews on TripAdvisor...I think that is the worst part. You look at the reviews and it is a top hotel, everything looks great and then you find a review from a couple weeks ago that is 1 star and they are ranting about how awful it was and you doubt everything.

Though reading reviews really shows you what different people value in their hotels. I think people that travel more for business will pick on a hotel room's TV and what not more. Me? I don't care about the TV. I'm going to be out and about all day, I just need a comfortable, clean bed and bathroom. Plus, it is 2018 people, use your damn phone and the free Wi-Fi to watch your porn tv shows or whatever!

I opted to go with a hotel. For some reason B&Bs just freak me out. I guess I prefer the privacy and anonymity of a hotel. I can't do hostels either. Tried one once in London and immediately moved the next day to a hotel. I think I'm just too private a person and my evening rituals for winding down require alone time. And my morning rituals too.

Anyway, now that is done, our leave requests are in so I can spend the next month thinking about what we will do for 3 days in Canada. I figure one day will be the "tourist" stuff around the Falls. Another might be going to find some hiking trails. Third day will be the wild card. I guess we can see how we feel but maybe something fun like a winery?

Just nice to have something to look forward to! We have a whirlwind family trip to Boston next week and I can't wait to just get away. But this Canada trip will just be Tim and myself and that will be nice too.

Comments

[yourlibrarian]

You look at the reviews and it is a top hotel, everything looks great and then you find a review from a couple weeks ago that is 1 star and they are ranting about how awful it was and you doubt everything.

I know this feeling, though not about hotels. I actually never look at hotel reviews but have rarely had anything to complain of.

But other things it's very frustrating because you never know if someone's just had a bad experience or if the product is really awful. I remember I ended up buying an enamel covered skillet in the local store and had been looking for a large pot. I went online to check out prices and reviews and was glad I hadn't seen them before I bought it.

Over a year later and the skillet is fine and I've been quite pleased with it. Like you said, it can be about what people value but also stressful because you don't know if the bad reviews are bought or the good ones are!

But yes, hotel choices generally (even aside from reviews) can be difficult to decide on -- location? price? amenities? What makes the most sense for the trip, etc.

I prefer the privacy and anonymity of a hotel.

This right here. I get it if the B&B is the best option in a particular place (I'm always surprised how many areas have no hotel options in a convenient location), and also get how adventure travelers on a budget would find a hostel perfectly fine. But otherwise, I prefer a hotel where I have an idea what the experience will be, where I am relatively anonymous (the hotel clerk doesn't care what kind of day I had or where I went as long as it doesn't involve a complaint about the hotel), and where I have some expectation of privacy.

[orangerful]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who doesn't find B&Bs interesting. I don't get why they are supposed to be so romantic...I feel like I'm staying in someone's house and they are there and it would make me feel less "romantic" because house walls are much thinner than hotel walls. Or maybe it just feels that way.

I do like the idea of AirBnB or the Vacation rentals where you get the place all to yourself. We did that for our honeymoon, nice little cabin in the woods.

[yourlibrarian]

Yes! I don't get that either.

I almost stayed in a house rental once when some friends and I were talking about a reunion in Las Vegas. However the plan fell through and it was just 2 of us so we went with a hotel room since Vegas was not short of them in the right locations. But for a group in particular it is much more cost effective.

[orangerful]

And Vegas is so cheap because they think you're going to spend your money gambling (ha ha jokes on them, I am a librarian who prefers to exchange her money for goods and services, not chance).

I think that is why the hotels in Niagara weren't too bad, there is a big casino area there. And at least the U.S. dollar is still a little bit stronger so what seemed expensive in my initial search was less so when I did the currency rate of exchange.

[yourlibrarian]

Exactly! Another thing that works out nicely is casino flights. They were the cheapest way to get to the Bahamas from Florida, for example.

One thing to be careful of is to remember that -- unless your credit card doesn't charge conversion fees -- that you'll have some extra charges on the hotel or anything else you pay for by card. If you've got one that doesn't then that's the best because you'll avoid any exchange costs. U.S. currency is generally accepted in Canada but obviously you're losing money that way or if you have to get cash exchanged.

[orangerful]

OH thank you for that reminder, I know I did something when I went to the UK...I think my Discover card had some special option. But I should warn them anyway so I don't get flagged for mysterious purchases!

[alificent]

The reviews that crack me up are the ones where people complain that the hotel needs updating. Not because things were broken or dirty or anything, they're just mad it looks very seventies. And this is always in like, two-star motel 6/super 8s or something. "Breakfast was only continental!" YES, BECAUSE IT IS A TWO STAR HOTEL. IF YOU WANT BATHROBES AND ROOM SERVICE YOU'RE GONNA HAVE TO SHELL OUT SOME DOLLARS, LADY.

[orangerful]

LOL I know right? Like "How dare this hotel that cost me $60/night not have all the latest tech!" I also crack up when they complain about not being able to hook up their Roku to the hotel TV...