How do I enjoy holidays more?

melanzana

OP I hear you. But I think sometimes when going away we have to just hope for the best!

The necessities for me are a clean room a decent shower and a terrace or balcony. I sleep at the drop of a hat and would sleep through an earthquake, lucky me... so as long as the linen is clean it's all good.

I also like to stay in the thick of things. No point in going to a city if you have to take a train/bus/taxi to get to the centre of operations every day! Obviously those needs are different if going rural or beachside.

I have never had a bad experience ever (well that's put the kibosh on it for sure now!). I am accepting of the little things that can go wrong, but as long as cleanliness and a balcony are part of the package, I'm good to go.

In fairness, what does 4/5 star give you in comparison to 2/3 really? I have never used a gym/swimming pool/spa or anything like that even if they are there. Much rather be out and about experiencing things.

I can see that there are many more like me on this thread too, which is a comfort!

OP sorry to say it, but you sound like Victor Meldrew. Just go away, do the research, find lodgings and as long as it is clean and comfortable enjoy it!

I'd much rather have an extra few quid in my pocket than pay for high end. There isn't all that much difference in the long run.

Kynthia

It seems like you enjoy a variety of holidays and that one type you want to enjoy more is the relaxing, all-inclusive resort holiday. I've not really done that myself, partly due to budget and partly as I can't bear beach holidays. However if I was looking to book these are the things I would consider.

Trip Advisor has it's place but you have to remember that people are reviewing how good a place was compared to what they were expecting. So a fish and chip shop can get hundreds of five star reviews for being a fantastic fish and chip shop. This might result in it being the best rated restaurant in a town but if you were looking for a fancy night out you wpuld probably be dissapointed if you went there do to it's ranking. So once I had chosen a few resorts to seriously consider I would check their reviews but I wouldn't use trip advisor to give me my short-list.

Not everyone enjoys the same things, has the same priorities and has the same standards. So you have to read trip-advisor reviews to see whether the things a hotel is being praised or criticised for align with what you you want from a hotel. Somewhere might have less than perfect reviews due to poor children's facilities, but you don't have children, or the entertainment is cheesy, but you love cheesy entertainment, etc. Also places with thousands of good scores must appeal to the masses, which can mean it lacks character or individuality. Sometimes to find somewhere you really love it needs to be interesting enough that others might dislike it. Therefore it may not be the top-rated resort on Trip Advisor.

Try to understand the local star rating system as usually it's based around facilities included rather than luxury and service. Therefore a hotel could have a much higher star rating because rooms have two bedside lamps, and there is a restaurant and a lift. Yet it could be a plain and soulless business place yet a small place without these facilities and therefire a lower star rating could have more luxurious furnishings, have a boutique feel, and have much better service. So more stars doesn't necessarily mean more luxury and countries differ from one another.

Tarry

I self cater on my holidays and enjoy exploring the local area. I'm happy.

FerienChatter

More of a Villa type myself. Total privacy and quiet, warm welcoming by the hosts upon arrival (foods, free drinks, vegetables, fruits, stuff in the fridge to make breakfast-all for free) sea views, private pool. Couldn’t ask for anything else to enjoy my vacation to the fullest with my family or friends.

jamiehelsinki

I used to choose higher rating hotels for holidays but always got fed up of using the same restaurant and bar. Now I just go on a room only/ self catering basis usually about 3 star and take more spending money to compensate and enjoy.
I eat out at different restaurants each meal time, try different bars and it's great because I do things at a time I want to, not because it's feeding time at the zoo.

pearl123

Gloomendoom wrote: »

I'd agree with all that although I'm at the other end of the scale. I'm not keen on hotels and I'd rather rent a flat or house if I'm staying anywhere for more than a couple of days. An apartment hotel is a reasonable compromise.

I also enjoy a full English and a nice cup of tea. I've cooked them myself in some quite interesting locations

I try and go on self catering holiday. I think the represent better value for money than hotels and B&B's. I've always used holidaylettings.co.uk, but I would also try similar.
The one thing I will say is I do extensive research and I certainly would not just read reviews on tripadvisor. I also google the property on google maps just to see if it is a dump.

To me it is all about research. I do like a certain standard, but only because I put up with some truely appalling accommodation in my twenties.
If you are not enjoying your holidays perhaps try somewhere else or break the mold. If they are always abroad try the uk. Also you sometimes get what you pay for!

pearl123

The company bellow has self catering holidays with offers.
https://www.holidaycottages.co.uk/