Planning accommodations for a road trip can be a daunting task, but with the help of technology and savvy strategies, I managed to streamline the process. In this blog post, I will share my experience of using the Hilton App, Marriott Bonvoy, and Booking.com to efficiently plan my accommodations while considering key factors like convenient location, desirable amenities, and safety.
1. Location, Location, Location
When planning my itinerary, my top priority was having the flexibility to explore early-morning attractions before heading to the next destination. To do this, I ensured my accommodations were near the places I wanted to visit.
Thanks to the Hilton App, Marriott Bonvoy, and Booking.com, finding hotels in prime locations became effortless, ultimately saving valuable time and eliminating the need for extra travel.
2. Essential Amenities
Understanding my personal preferences and needs, I carefully selected accommodations that offered specific amenities. A fitness center, free parking, and complimentary breakfast were the key factors influencing my decision-making process. Although free parking wasn't always available in cities like Chicago and New Orleans, the convenience of being centrally located made up for it and eliminated the hassle of commuting.
Why a fitness center? I wasn't about to be a miserable person, just because I'm on the road does not mean that my health and fitness routine is about to go down the drain. It's just as important to me to keep at it and be flexible with my workouts even when I'm on the go!
3. Maximizing Loyalty Benefits
As a "points person," my loyalty to certain hotel chains has unlocked numerous perks and enhanced my overall experience over the years. Through my AMEX Platinum card, I gained Hilton Gold Member status, granting me additional advantages such as room upgrades and late check-out. Moreover, my access to Marriott Gold Elite status provided exclusive benefits at their properties. Lastly, as a Booking.com Genius Level 3 member, I enjoyed exclusive discounts, room upgrades, and other special perks.
I realize that not everyone will have all the options, but whatever options you do have, try maximizing them to your advantage! It can add up before you know it!
4. Best Bang for My Buck
A road trip is as much about exploration as it is about making smart financial decisions. By leveraging the Hilton App, Marriott Bonvoy, and Booking.com, I was able to find accommodations that offered the perfect balance between cost-effectiveness and comfort.
This allowed me to optimize my travel budget while ensuring I had all the essentials and desired amenities covered.
5. Safety First
While technology can simplify the planning process, ensuring personal safety is ultimately my responsibility. Some may think that I am paranoid about this, but I'll share later why safety has been so forefront to me over the years.
How to make sure the location of the hotel that I looked at was truly the best option? I conducted thorough research on the location and surroundings of each property to guarantee I stayed in safe areas. By doing this, I could enjoy peace of mind throughout my journey, knowing that my well-being and my car would be in good locations.
In the age of technology, planning accommodations for a road trip has become more convenient than ever. The Hilton Honors app, Marriott Bonvoy, and Booking.com proved to be invaluable tools that allowed me to find the perfect accommodations, considering my desired locations, important amenities, and loyalty benefits.
By making informed decisions and prioritizing safety, I had more or less a hassle-free and rewarding road trip experience with my accommodations.
It was all fun and games until I needed to make a few cancellations last minute...
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