What to look for when choosing a hotel room: Tips for staying comfortable

     

     When it comes to traveling, do you have a checklist of must-haves for a hotel stay? I definitely do. At the top of my list is the room must have a coffeemaker, offer Wi-fi Internet and be super clean and chic. I also prefer, but don’t require, a hotel room to have a microwave and refrigerator if my stay is going to be more than one or two nights.

     A quick Google search found the following to be the most requested amenities travelers want or expect in a hotel stay:

• Basic toiletries, such as shampoo, conditioner, bar soap and tissues

•  Continental breakfast
  

• Free Wi-Fi and cable TV

•  Microwave
• Refrigerator

• Coffeemaker

• Hairdryer

• Comfortable bed with comfortable (and many) pillows

• Extra blankets and towels

•  Affordable rates for the location

• Ice machine, ice bucket and vending options

     These days, most hotels offer cable television with at least one premium channel, such as HBO or Showtime, so that isn’t as important to me. But I think, on average, travelers have at least a couple convenience items they prefer or require a lodging establishment to provide. 

     But what if you can’t find the “perfect” hotel or motel when you are traveling? Here are a few things to consider bringing if your hotel choice doesn’t offer a lot of amenities to your liking:

• If space allows, bring an extra pillow and blanket with you to make you more comfortable and feel at home. This is easier if you are driving, but even if you fly, some planes will let you bring a pillow (stuff a throw blanket inside the pillow case) or allow you to check it with your other luggage.
  

• Buy travel toiletries that won’t take up lots of room in your suitcase. You even can find travel hairdryers that are small, too.

• If your room doesn’t have a coffeemaker but the hotel provides a continental breakfast, bring a travel mug and fill it up with the coffee in the lobby. That way you aren’t carrying multiple Styrofoam cups back to your room.

• Have a refrigerator but no microwave to reheat leftovers or
  cook frozen dinners? No problem. Buy or bring with you things
  you can eat cold, such as sandwich materials, cereal and salads. Keep some snacks around, too.

• And what about those ice machines? Some places don’t have them. Bring your own cooler and purchase a bag of ice to keep things cold or frozen.

     That’s why when I travel through the Gulf Coast and Southern states, Muskogee Inn in Atmore, Ala., is always my go-to hotel. Each room is furnished with a microwave, refrigerator, satellite TV with HBO, coffeemaker, hairdryer and ironing board. Everything I need to feel at home. Free wireless Internet access also is available. Plus there is a desk area for me to use as a workstation, setting up my laptop or tablet with ease. And if I don’t feel like going out to eat, there is an onsite restaurant right off the lobby. I can choose to grab a table inside the restaurant or order my food to go, take it back to my room and enjoy it while watching TV.

     I especially love staying there in the summertime when I can use the pool. Muskogee Inn has a huge outdoor pool and courtyard area, complete with a deck and cabana. And if I ever need help with anything, the staff is more than willing to lend a hand.

     However, just like travelers, not all hotels and motels are the same.

     After another quick search for extravagant and more upscale lodging (think condos and luxury hotels), I found a few additional expectations travelers have:

• Room service

• Stocked refrigerator (alcohol seems to be the No. 1 stocked item, with other features including milk and juice cartons, sodas and bottled water)

• Pool and/or workout room
  

• Kitchenettes with stove, dishwasher, plates and silverware available

• Suites or adjoining rooms that resemble a small apartment

• A gorgeous view (skyline, a body of water, mountains, woods and country hills)

• Laundry facilities

• Recreations, such as tennis or basketball courts, children’s play area, etc.

     I know a few friends who will only stay at hotels that offer every essential imaginable (and I mean EVERYTHING) so they pack clothes, shoes and nothing else.

     One of the best things about Muskogee Inn is it is right off the interstate and within walking distance to Wind Creek Casino. So whenever I feel the urge to play (you get a free play with every stay, too!), I book a night or two and head out for some fun. The casino also has a movie theater, bowling alley, sports bar and an arcade area. Plenty of fun for the whole family.

     There are other entertainment venues as well. Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve isn’t far from the hotel. I enjoy hiking the trails there and getting in tune with nature. They also have camping, kayaking, canoeing, tubing and even horse trails … the whole works!  

     Whatever your preferences, a good hotel stay provides a memorable experience to your trip, so picking the right one is important. And not only does price factor into the equation, but being comfortable while away from home also helps make your vacation or business trip more pleasing.

     So what are your “must-haves” for travel lodging?