How to choose the perfect romantic retreat

A safe, simple choice when looking for a romantic retreat.

More and more people are planning their vacations using online reservations. But how do you really know what you are getting? Will your room truly have a view or will it be next to the kiddie pool?

Travelocity offers trip insurance that guarantees certain aspects of your trip. They guarantee that you are getting the lowest price availableat the time of booking. If you find a better price within twenty four hours they will refund you the difference of prices plus a fifty dollar credit good for your next travel purchase. If something happens at the hotel you have booked, such as a pool closing or construction beginning, Travelocity will let you know so that you can change your plans. While you are traveling if things are not up to your expectations they will work with you to make sure that your vacation is the best it can be.

If you wish to book from a site that doesn’t offer such insurance there are certain things to look for when checking out a hotel’s website.

First of all, look at how up to date the website is. If links don’t work or there are long expired specials it doesn’t speak well with how the hotel itself will live up to your expectations.

Travel companies and hotels have their own secret language. If your hotel says it’s a short walk to the beach you can be assured it’s not on the beach at all. Plus the short walk to the beach could include crossing a busy intersection or passing through other hotels beach access. If staying on the beach is important to you make sure the hotel is on the beach or that it has its own beach access. Hotels near the airport are usually only for commuters and stopovers, they generally aren’t appropriate for romantic trips. When a hotel says it’s in a financial district it probably won’t be near anything of interest outside the nine to five time frame. Plus if you are looking for a tour while you are there beware of the phrase “see.” If it says you will see the Tower of London it means you will view it as you drive by. If you actually want to go in a site make sure it says “visit.”

 

Other words to be aware of are “charming” and “cozy.” “Charming” may mean old fashioned or shabby. Sometimes that may be what you are looking for, but sometimes not. “Cozy” often means small or tight quarters. Pictures can lie so don’t be afraid to double check your sources or to write and ask for updated pictures if you are really concerned.

Avoid this unless it has an amazing rate or location to make up for it's appearance.

If the website has pictures of frolicking children the hotel will be more family friendly than secluded  or romance friendly. Similarly if the hotel boasts a lot of information about conventions and meetings you might want to check to see if either are occurring during your stay unless you enjoy hearing all about the state of business from the out of towners who’ve enjoyed a few too many drinks.

Be sure to check the mattress size of where you are staying. If you are used to a king sized bed you might not enjoy a smaller mattress. My husband is six foot four and feels very cramped and un-romantic unless there is a king sized bed.Be sure to check the mattress size of where you are staying. If you are used to a king sized bed you might not enjoy a smaller mattress. My husband is six foot four and feels very cramped and un-romantic unless there is a king sized bed.

Check out how modern the rooms look. If there are floral bedspreads you can guess that the hotel isn't terribly up to date. Also make sure all rooms have the amenities you want like cable, internet, or even air-conditioning. Some quaint hotels or B&B’s may not have all the modern amenities you want. If you like roughing it, then you’ll be set, but if you can’t imagine life without your email you will be glad you checked. Another indicator of how chic a hotel’s décor and ambiance will be is to check out what their outdoor furniture looks like. If it’s cheap plastic, you are looking at more budget friendly than luxury.

Bathrooms are a good indicator of the overall romantic ambiance of a hotel. Those looking for a romantic getaway should always be on the lookout for a bathtub big enough for two.

Balconies that invite hours of admiring the sunset are always a plus. Look at pictures of the hotel to see what the balconies actually look like. You should be able to tell from the outside pictures of the hotel if there are large spacious balconies or small two foot ledges.

Once you’ve done your own online investigation do some asking around yourself. It’s always great to ask other travelers what
their experiences were like. Trip Advisor has great boards where you can look up reviews or ask the locals what their opinion of what the hotel is like.

While you research keep a list of hotels you are interested in. Check around with friends and travel boards to find out which one will best suit your needs. Figure out your own priorities. Are you willing to spend a little more to be in a central location? Do you have to have a fabulous view to be happy? Or is it all about the amenities? Once you have it all figured out try calling the hotel directly to see if they can give you a better rate than the internet.

After all that work you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the perfect romantic retreat.