How To Choose The Perfect Hotel In 5 Simple Steps For Solo Female Travellers

How to choose the perfect hotel in 5 simple steps! Selecting the ideal hotel can often feel like embarking on a research expedition, but fear not – I’ve navigated this maze before! 

Of course, you want fantastic accommodation in a fantastic location without draining your bank account. Don’t we rather spend our pennies on unique experiences? But with your budget in mind, there are ways to find the best place to stay!

In my experience, it can take some time to research areas and combine them with your activities to find the best spot. But most importantly, your accommodation should be your safe space, especially when you’re travelling alone!

Here are 5 simple steps on how to choose your perfect hotel for solo female travellers:

1. Determine Your Budget

To determine your accommodation budget, begin by scouting prices on Booking.com or any other hotel search engine. Keep in mind that costs vary greatly by destination; Tokyo is likely to be pricier than Bangkok. 

Personally, I tend to favour mid-range boutique hotels, especially those with convenient locations near public transport and plenty of activities nearby.

2. Explore Neighbourhoods

Take the time to get to know the various neighbourhoods in your destination and consider your sightseeing plans. 

Do you crave the vibrancy of a bustling area or a quiet street? Align your preferences and priorities to streamline your search.

If you enjoy going out for drinks in the evening, or perhaps you want to go shopping? All these activities are important to understand where to stay. 

When going out for drinks, staying in an area known for plenty of bars and restaurants might be convenient, so walking home after a night out is easier.

I use Google and type in “Where to stay in destination X” or “Which neighbourhood to stay in as a solo traveller in destination X?” and read up on information from other bloggers!

3. Review Options

Return to Booking.com and refine your search using filters such as your preferred neighbourhood, minimum star rating, and amenities like air conditioning and maybe a swimming pool, fitness centre or balcony.

A free cancellation policy is non-negotiable to me. Travel plans can change, especially when travelling solo and visiting multiple destinations. I highly suggest you do the same. Being somewhat flexible in your travel plans just gives a little peace of mind.

Then, start sorting options by price range from low to highest, which helps narrow down the choices within your budget. Go over the options; if you can’t find anything suitable within your budget, you might be aiming too high.

Start removing the least important filters (for example, a balcony or a swimming pool) and search again. As long as you’re willing to pay, you’ll find everything. 

But if you’re on a budget, you gotta make choices!

4. Read Reviews

Delve into reviews, paying particular attention to feedback from solo female travellers. Safety and comfort are essential, so prioritise accommodations with consistently positive reviews in these aspects.

Nothing is more awful than getting to your accommodation and realising it’s (bluntly said) crap! You don’t want to find something else last minute or stay somewhere where you don’t feel comfortable.

Sticking to your budget is definitely important, but feeling safe is essential! Pay for a reliable accommodation in a safe neighbourhood. 

5. Check Important Facilities

Before finalising your booking, check out essential facilities such as proximity to attractions, accessibility from the airport or train station, check-in/out times, confirm it’s a private bathroom and the cancellation policies. 

Make sure that the room meets your size to avoid any unwelcome surprises upon arrival. I see a lot of comments from travellers complaining about the room size (especially in New York or Japan), while the size of the room is always mentioned!

These days, check-in times are later than ever, sometimes around 15:00, which sucks if you’re arriving early in the morning from an international flight. I can tell you that roaming around the city jetlagged and in desperate need of a shower is no fun.

Paying for an early check-in or even a late check-out (when your flight is in the evening) is worth it if you ask me!

These steps have consistently led me to find great accommodations during my solo adventures. It’s worth dedicating time and effort to finding a place that aligns with your needs, even if we’re bougie on a budget. 

For me, important considerations include a prime location, cleanliness, a comfortable bed, and peace and quiet. Moreover, I’m willing to pay for early check-ins or late check-outs before or after a flight – a refreshing shower and a quick nap are essential when travelling!

I hope these 5 simple steps on how to choose the perfect hotel will help you find your perfect home away from home on your travels. Remember that if a place feels off, don’t do it! Always trust your instincts. 

When it comes to travelling alone as a woman, safety comes first! Let me know how you get along in the search process! I’m always here for questions!