| Mexico: The Land of Beautiful Beaches and Margaritas | | | | - How is their customer service history? Have they |
| Mexico is one of the most visited places in the world. | | | | received positive ratings from independent |
| With its warm hospitality, all inclusive resorts and | | | | organizations? |
| great weather, it's easy to see why. But, there are a | | | | - If the hotel is part of an international franchise, find |
| million choices. If you've never been, (or even if you | | | | out how the chain rates this property within their |
| have), how do you select the ideal hotel in Mexico | | | | organization. |
| for your specific needs? Plus, how do you ensure | | | | - Is the hotel located in a safe part of the city or |
| you will receive the level of quality that you're | | | | area? |
| expecting? As in many developing countries, there is | | | | - Is any major construction going on in the area that |
| a whole range of different properties to choose | | | | could impact your stay? |
| from, some of which can be limited in terms of | | | | - Will there be any large groups at the Hotel during |
| modern conveniences they provide. But then again, | | | | the time you want to go? |
| this may be exactly what you're looking for! | | | | - Do they have a concierge, shuttle, laundry service |
| Regardless, here are some tips on how to find a | | | | or other extra service? |
| quality hotel in Mexico and advice on how you can | | | | - Is one side of the hotel better than the other? |
| ensure you are prepared as you search for that | | | | - Is public transportation located close by? |
| perfect Mexico vacation getaway. | | | | - What types of restaurants to they offer? |
| Doing it Right: The Hotel Selection Process | | | | - Is there a fitness and aerobics room? |
| Amenities, Price and Location. Those are the three | | | | - What are the local attractions? |
| most important considerations as you plan your trip | | | | - Is this a new hotel or have they gone through a |
| to Mexico and book your hotel. And if you can plan | | | | recent remodel? |
| far ahead, it just makes things that much easier. So | | | | - What is their cancellation policy? |
| where do you start? | | | | - Do they offer smoking/nonsmoking rooms? |
| The Internet: Using online travel reservation services | | | | - Do they have agreements with airlines, rental car or |
| to compare hotel amenities, prices and check | | | | other partners? You could benefit. |
| reviews. | | | | - Is the airport close to the hotel's location? |
| - If you have a certain hotel chain that you prefer, | | | | Other General Recommendations |
| such as Marriott, check their website first for specials | | | | - Be flexible if it's feasible for you. The hotel sets |
| and discount rates. The top hotels will guarantee their | | | | their prices by supply and demand, so it helps to |
| rates as the lowest available. This gives you the | | | | know when the peak season is. If you don't know |
| security of knowing that you are getting the best | | | | when the best rates are, just ask them. |
| price and are booking through a reputable source. | | | | - Frequent customers of chain hotels can register on |
| - Many hotels will offer vacation package deals which | | | | the hotel's web site to save time and effort. By |
| bundle your room with meals and other hotel | | | | doing this, your hotel room preferences will be |
| amenities. Depending on your needs, this can be a | | | | automatically included when you reserve your room. |
| great way to increase convenience and save some | | | | - By calling the hotel directly, rather than the chains |
| money. | | | | 800 number, you might get a room at the last |
| - Check out property pictures, maps, and video clips | | | | minute, or during peak travel times. The front desk |
| from hotel websites. | | | | at the hotel are more hands on when it comes to |
| - Find out how other travelers reviewed the | | | | the hotel's capacity and can check for cancellations or |
| property. This information can be found at various | | | | no-shows. |
| websites, such as offer this. | | | | So there you have it, the best advice to finding your |
| - Check The Mexico Hotel Guide, TravelWeb, and | | | | perfect Mexico hotel! Keep in mind; there are many |
| PlacestoStay all of which have lots of independent | | | | great hotels in all areas of Mexico. From Cancun to |
| hotel information. | | | | Puerto Vallarta, there are plenty of reputable hotels |
| Don't Pay Too Much! Look for the deals. | | | | that you will want to return to again and again. If |
| - If you have some flexibility, determine if they offer | | | | worse comes to worse, use a reputable travel agent |
| lower mid-week rates. | | | | to help you find a great hotel. They can remove the |
| - A good way to find local hotels is to read travel | | | | uncertainty when it comes to selecting high quality |
| bulletin boards and look for recommendations made | | | | accommodations. |
| by other travelers, such as those made on | | | | Finally, enjoy your stay! Mexico awaits! |
| Hotel Specific Issues | | | | |