Independently,Owned,Chain,Hote travel,insurance Independently Owned VS Chain Hotel Accommodations
Torres del Paine is among the biggest of Chiles national parks, occupying almost 600,000 acres (242,000 ha) of land in the south on the border with Argentina. It is also among the most important, receiving a significant proportion of domes Like any American, traveling occasionally is just what I love doing and I bet you share the same stuff with me. But traveling does not mean that you would be safe. Escaping from our job and other stressful activities is just something that w
When traveling to an unfamiliar location it can be a difficult decision about where to stay. What are the considerations when comparing chain hotels to independently owned establishments.As you know, chain hotels tend to be the larger, "cookie cutter" type of accommodations. Although, even if you choose a chain hotel, they are not necessarily company-run. There are many "chains" that are actually individual franchises. Usually, these hotels are required to meet minimum company standards in order to remain part of the chain. The key concept here being "minimum standards". That means that not all locations in this chain are necessarily as good (clean, maintained, etc.) as others.Often travelers will pick a chain hotel in an unfamiliar city so they feel like they'll know what to expect - no surprises. We did just that on our first trip to Belize. We reserved accommodations at a well-known chain hotel for our first two nights in Belize City. It was a mistake. We left after only one night for several reasons (not very clean, air conditioning didn't work, etc.) and found, with the help of a guide book, the most wonderful B&B - the Fort Street Guesthouse. It was like something out of a movie - four poster beds, mosquito netting, wonderful ambience, great owners (they sent us Christmas cards for years after our visit) and terrific guests. It made our visit to Belize City memorable.So, let's lay out the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision.Chain Hotel AccommodationsProsYou know what to expect (this is true most of the time but not always)Web-enabled reservations system (frequently)Will accept most credit cardsGenerous cancellation policies (frequently)ConsTends to be a more commonplace experienceOften a sterile type atmosphereMore expensive (not always true, but remember the adage "You get what you pay for.")Independently Owned AccommodationsProsUnusual types of accommodations (like lighthouses or tug boats)A more authentic flavorLess expensive (not always true)A more enjoyable, personal experience mixed with reliable local adviceCan be part of the adventureConsNot always sure what you're gettingLanguage barriersBooking difficulties (often don't have an online reservations system)Upfront deposits (smaller places need to charge some, or all, of the costs upfront)Unable to accept credit cards (smaller properties often can't accept credit cards)Cancellation Fees & Policies (frequently there are no refunds, unless they can re-book the accommodations, if you cancel less than a certain amount of time in advance.)In many countries there are associations that rate independent lodgings such as Bed & Breakfasts and Inns. It's a good idea to see if the property you're looking at belongs to an association or has been rated by a tourism agency.With advanced planning you can make your vacation a memorable experience. If things aren't as you expect, hey, chalk it up to experience! Article Tags: Chain Hotel Accommodations, Independently Owned, Chain Hotel, Hotel Accommodations, Credit Cards
Independently,Owned,Chain,Hote