Pay first for the bed, then for quiet, then for a balcony you can really sit on. Treat a bathtub and a view as pleasant extras, and skip features that are only decoration. The list below ranks seven features.
This guide is part of our budget topic, where each feature is tested against how many times you will use it.
How do we test a feature?
Ask one question: “How many times will we use this?” A feature you touch every day deserves more of your money than one you use once.
Then ask whether the hotel can confirm it in writing. A feature you cannot verify is a hope, not a purchase.
What is the ranking?
| Rank | Feature | Verdict | Question to ask |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bed size and mattress | Pay | One bed or two pushed together? What size? |
| 2 | Quiet position | Ask first | What is above, below and beside the room? |
| 3 | A balcony you can sit on | Pay if used | How deep is it, and who can see it? |
| 4 | A good shower and bathroom layout | Ask | Is the shower separate and with good pressure? |
| 5 | A bathtub | Maybe | In the bathroom or open in the room? |
| 6 | The view | Maybe | Which floor and what obstructs it? |
| 7 | Decoration and extras | Skip | Is it free if we ask? |
Why does the bed come first?
You spend a third of the trip asleep. A comfortable bed, large enough for both of you, changes every morning.
Ask for the size in words and the type of bed. Our guide on honeymoon suite versus standard room shows how to check this with the hotel.
Why does quiet come second?
A beautiful room that you cannot sleep in is a poor purchase. Noise from lifts, restaurants and corridors can undo the best bed.
Rather than paying for a label, ask for a quiet position. Read how to request a quiet room and get it, which can be free.
When is a balcony worth it?
When you will sit there and no one can look in. A deep balcony with a screen or a corner position can be a place for morning tea and evening talk.
A narrow balcony facing another building is wasted money. Our note on balcony privacy, neighbours and views helps you check.
When is a bathtub worth it?
A tub suits couples who like long baths and plan quiet evenings in. If you will be out until late, you may use it once.
Check whether it is a proper tub or a small soaking one, and whether it is private. If it is open to the room, think about whether you would be comfortable.
How does the view fit in?
A view is nice and sits below the first four. It matters most if you spend time in the room. See sea view versus garden view for how to weigh it.
If you have spare money after the first four, compare a view with an activity before you decide. Read upgrading the room or spending on activities.
How do we split the money between features?
Follow the ranking from the top. Pay for the bed and quiet first, then check what remains.
If there is money left, choose one extra, not three. One feature you love beats three you barely touch.
What should we do next?
- Number your top three features from the list.
- Ask the resort the question beside each in writing.
- Pay for the features that pass your how-many-times test.
- Send us the replies, and we will compare the rooms as a total for two.