How do I enjoy holidays more?

[Deleted User]

PompeyPete wrote: »

That's if they have a history on TA. I'll only 100% trust reviews if the reviewer also a good history on the TA destination forums.

You can usually read-through the tone of how they've written things.. if they're able to write things balanced and if their review goes with the general flow of other reviews.

I always book balconies. Because they're awesome. I just got back from a great 5-night cruise from Southampton. One thing to know about cruises is that you can haggle discounts from the online/phone firms.

Doshwaster

I'm another one who just treats a hotel as somewhere to sleep and shower rather than look for the "5 star experience". I don't care what TV channels are available, what the view is like and I'm not really a breakfast person so the standards of catering isn't high on my list of priorities. Free WiFi is nice to have but I can live without it if it's just for one night.

michele-p

I don't usually eat at hotels/accommodation, as for me part of the holiday is going out and eating locally. But if you are looking for good, varied food at a hotel, why not try a Club Med holiday? There is a very French feel to their holidays, activities included, and the food was beautifully fresh and different every night.

We went many years ago Club med in Turkey, but it made me feel like I hadn't seen the country. This year we did club med ski holiday, and wow the food was great, all inclusive bar, they were even handing out brandy shots as we left each day, and welcomed home with hot wine, snacks, food everywhere!

Robin9

leafyshin wrote: »

My next holiday is booked. Amazing reviews, looks great etc etc. I want a five star experience, not a two star one.

Any advice?

Where are you going to ? Perhaps some on the forum can help you to enjoy your holiday more.

Gloomendoom

leafyshin wrote: »

My last holiday was quite cheap and had mixed reviews but mainly four stars and above.

:huh: Who reviewed your holiday?

ibizafan_2

People often get too hung up on the star system. Stars are awarded for facilities, eg gyms, room service, and not always for quality. The hotel we go to every year in Ibiza is nowhere near the top of Tripadvisor reviews for the resort, but has everything we want. It’s small, in a quiet location with fantastic friendly staff. It’s best to decide on what is important to you first, and then look at the reviews to see which hotels match up to your requirements. Star systems often give people unrealistic expectations and what might be 4/5 star in one country is rarely the same in another. For example, people who go to all inclusive hotels in Mexico and other long haul destinations are often disappointed by their equivalent in Spain for example.

BorisThomson

The room was like a 3 star business hotel in Anytown, drab and basic.

Surely you knew that before you went, there must have been pictures?

I do like a nice hotel, because I spend a lot of time resting and am happier sat on a nice balcony than having to tolerate others by the pool/ beach etc. I'm extremely picky where I stay, but am not usually disappointed.

Agree with the above on the stars system, it is a reflection of facilities rather than quality. I love Premier Inns, spotlessly clean and the beds are amazing.

(I do go out when I'm away, couldn't stand anything all inclusive, but I equally like relaxing and being looked after by other people!).

gettingtheresometime

PompeyPete wrote: »

You're posh, we go for the cheapest Inside cabin, the ones that have a little curtain on the bulkhead just to fool you into thinking there's a porthole or skuttle behind it.;)

We went on a week's med cruise earlier this year & had an inside cabin for the first time.


I did feel it was abit cramped but for the time we were in it, the saving was well worth it.


Only issue I had with it was there was one plug which was abit problematic when you have two phones to charge!

maman

Like others I clicked on this thread to find out what was the problem with OP's holidays only to find that it's really about the quality of hotels/Trip Advisor.


I rate holidays (and I can honestly say that I've never had a holiday that I didn't enjoy) by enjoying the company of my companions, the unique culture of the place visited, the memories created and the leisurely times spent in a variety of bars/coffee shops and restaurants.


I'm often happy to stay in chain hotels as although basic you know what to expect. I've stayed in Ibis all over France occasionally upgrading to Mercure. Premier Inn suits me fine.


For other hotels I want a clean room, comfy bed, pleasant staff and a good breakfast. If I also get space and a decent view from the window that's great but it wouldn't spoil my holiday if it didn't happen.

jackieblack

gettingtheresometime wrote: »

Only issue I had with it was there was one plug which was abit problematic when you have two phones to charge!

I always pack a 4-gang extension lead whenever I travel anywhere. Weighs next to nothing and avoids any not enough/inconveniently located plug issues