Hotel Staycation Guide: 5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Hotel

The best hotel staycation must be conveniently accessible. Check if it is located near key roads and major transportation hubs and if the general area is safe. When choosing, also consider what you plan to do during the staycation. If you wish to spend your days relaxing outside, proximity to shopping centers, entertainment hubs, or the attractions you plan to visit is a priority. The best way to find a hotel near the places you like would be through Google Maps since it shows the accommodations within a given area.

Additional tip: Since parking is a common problem in the metro, check if the hotel offers a parking space. If you are commuting, plus points should be given to a hotel with a free shuttle service. That way, transport from one place to another won’t be as tricky, and you get to explore more!

Most hotels offer unique rooms at different rates, so to get the most value for money, look for a hotel room with good amenities at a price that meets your budget. When it comes to the amenities, check first if your room consists of the basics like pillows and bed linens, toiletries and quality towels, power outlets, a television, and a working air-conditioner.

In addition, look for a WiFi connection, tables and chairs, beverages, a minibar, and hangers for your clothes. Does the room also offer a view and a balcony? Things like these could also add to your overall experience, so it’s important to note them. Welcome drinks or snacks and even simple, fresh flowers in the room would also be signs that the hotel is good at making its guests feel welcome.

When it comes to choosing a hotel, giving attention to the value-adds is essential as well. Value-adds are additional services or features that are meant to improve a guest’s experience. Some examples that you can look for are room upgrades, hotel restaurant discounts, flexible check-in and check-out, pick-up and drop-off points, and complimentary breakfasts.

Regarding the last feature, some hotel bookings already include complimentary breakfast, so check if the accommodation you’re eyeing provides that. Complimentary breakfasts make a significant difference in your budget. If your accommodation doesn’t include this, check out the hotel’s dining spot and see if the menu can satisfy your cravings. While you’re at it, also check if room service is available.

Staycation is a beneficial way to manage pandemic exhaustion—mentally-wise. When choosing a hotel, look for an establishment that takes extra precautions on health and safety protocols or has given a Safety Seal certification. Meaning, the hotel is compliant with the minimum public health standards set by the government. The hotel must be recognizing ways to keep staff and guests protected against the COVID-19 virus all the time. Check if the establishment has a permit to operate by the Department of Tourism (DOT) during a lockdown. This permit means that the hotel can accept leisure bookings even for the time being.

When looking at the amenities, consider who you’re traveling with and what you plan to do. For instance, if you’ll spend the staycation with your whole family, look for kid-friendly hotels with amenities kids can enjoy, like kiddie pools and play areas. If you’re with your friends, hotels with recreational facilities and bars and lounges should be on your to-consider list.

And if you do find a hotel with facilities and amenities that tick everything off on your checklist, you must also make sure that these are in good condition. Look at the hotel’s website or social media page, and check out their photos—the more recent these are, the better. Tip: If you want to see more pictures of the place, you can type in the hotel’s location on Facebook and Instagram to see geotagged public photos taken in the area. But be warned: you might have to sort through a lot of selfies.

Before buying something online, most consumers check the reviews. It is beneficial to read about a customer’s experience, especially when choosing your accommodations. Most reviewers usually take time to praise a friendly and hospitable hotel staff, good service, delicious food, and quality rooms.

When checking out a hotel, look at its overall score across multiple review sites like TripAdvisor and booking.com. If the score is generally high, then that’s a good sign. When reading reviews, note the date it was written. Also, pay attention to the topic that is consistently mentioned in reviews. Ignore comments resulting from errors on the guest’s part or ones that do not apply to you. Some travelers leave tips, like the best room to book or a good deal to avail—be on the lookout for that!

Whatever staycation idea you have in mind, Brentwood Suites in Quezon City can surely give you more than what you ask for. It offers 75 prime rooms divided into five room types for all kinds of travelers: the Superior Twin, Premiere King, Premiere Twin, Junior Suite, and Executive Suite. The hotel also has state-of-the-art facilities and amenities like Cafe Elements, which serve impeccable Western and Asian cuisines. Brentwood Suites is also close to major roads like Quezon Avenue and shopping malls like Fisher Mall.

Aside from these services and amenities, another factor that could make your staycation the best one yet: the hotel staff’s hospitality and warm service. Brentwood Suites can definitely give you the relaxing staycation that you long for and need with all its features.

Brentwood Suites is located at 6 Dr. G. Garcia St., cor. Quezon Ave. Brgy. Paligsahan, Quezon City 1103 Philippines. For inquiries, you can reach them through the following numbers: +63 8927 8888, +63 917 848 7612, or +63 908 862 2012. You may also email them at reservations@brentwoodsuites.com.ph

August 2021 Update: Brentwood Suites is currently accepting bookings and operating on a limited capacity due to the pandemic. Please call them at (632) 8927-8888 or e-mail them at reservations@brentwoodsuites.com.ph to make a reservation.