How To Find The Ideal Town Center Hotel
Hotels located in a city's town center or downtown area typically provide access to a host of amenities without having to travel far. However, not all town center hotels offer all the amenities you might need for your stay. As you begin to research places to book for your trip, use the following guide to ensure you have the best time possible, whether you are traveling for business or fun.
Parking
Parking can be at a premium in some town centers, which means that you may end up paying a lot for the privilege of parking in the hotel's garage. Be sure you know what the parking situation is in advance, including the total cost per day and if you'll be charged for the entire trip or for every time you exit the garage. Some hotels in the town center may offer free parking, while still others may not have a dedicated parking lot for guests. If no lot is available, check to see if there is a valet service. This will prevent you from having to search an unfamiliar location just for a place to park.
Walkability
The key benefit of staying in the town center or downtown area is the easy access to local attractions. Don't just assume that everything you want to see will be close to your hotel. Town centers can sometimes be quite large, and popular amenities, such as athletic stadiums, might not even be located in the town center area. It may be a good idea to map out all the attractions you want to see and then look for a hotel situated close to all of them.
Access To Public Transit
Access to public transit is essential, particularly if you don't feel like driving to every location on your itinerary. Check to see which types of public transit are available and how closely they are situated to the hotel. Train stations and bus stops located nearby can make it easier to visit popular attractions, and taxi cab stands take the hassle out of figuring out a route to your chosen destinations. Some hotels may even have dedicated stands for rideshare services, so don't forget to see which car service options are easily accessible from your town center hotel.
Nearby Restaurants
Even if your town center hotel has an in-house restaurant, it's a good idea to choose a location with plenty of eatery options nearby. A national chain coffee shop ensures you can have your morning pick-me-up of choice just a few steps outside of the hotel doors, and nearby fast food restaurants make it easy to satisfy picky eaters in your family. Ask the concierge about reservations at swankier locations near your hotel. With plenty of options available close by, you won't have to depend on pizza delivery or room service during your stay.
