Finding the right accommodation for your trip is a bit like choosing the right pair of shoes for a hike: if the choice is wrong, the experience suffers. Comfort, location, budget, security—all these elements matter. Whether you're off for a weekend in the city of Athens, a wilderness adventure in the islands, or a long stay in Greece, here are the essential criteria to consider when choosing accommodation.
The Type of Trip
The first thing to consider is the nature of your trip. A city getaway as a couple, a business trip, a road trip with friends, or a family vacation all have very different needs. A romantic weekend will require a warm, quiet, well-located place, while a stay with friends may need more space, a fully equipped kitchen, or even several bedrooms. The style of accommodation will also vary: a charming hotel for couples, a youth hostel for solo travelers, or a rural gîte for nature lovers.
The Budget
Accommodation is often the biggest expense of a trip, second only to transportation. Therefore, it’s important to clearly define your budget before booking. This will help you avoid unpleasant surprises and prioritize your needs.
Inexpensive accommodation can sometimes offer excellent value for money if you're willing to make a few concessions on comfort. Conversely, more expensive options that are ideally located and well-equipped can save you money on transportation and meals.
Quality of Bedding
The quality of bedding is an essential aspect to consider when choosing your travel accommodation. Indeed, restful, restorative sleep is the best way to maximize your trip experience. If you're traveling for business, a good night's sleep is essential for working efficiently. If you're interested in new-generation sleeping options, Epeda is a site worth exploring.
Location
This is undoubtedly the most important criterion. A central location often allows you to make the most of your destination, with easy access to tourist sites, restaurants, and public transportation. It also helps you avoid time-consuming commutes and extra cab fares.
You should also consider the neighborhood: Is it lively? Quiet? Safe? Close to the places you want to visit? An apartment on the outskirts of town may be suitable in a small town or if you have a car, but it can quickly become inconvenient in a large city.
Comfort and Services
The level of comfort needed varies from traveler to traveler. Some will be satisfied with a clean bed and a hot shower, while others will seek a fully equipped kitchen, high-quality bedding, or fast Wi-Fi. Don't forget to consider the little details: noise levels, lighting, heating, air conditioning, cleanliness, and bedding quality.
Certain services can make a significant difference, such as:
- Breakfast included
- Laundry or kitchen facilities for longer stays
A nomadic traveler or teleworker, for example, will prefer accommodation with a dedicated workspace and a stable internet connection.
Reviews and Recommendations
Reviews from other travelers are an invaluable resource. They offer a realistic idea of what to expect. An accommodation may look perfect in photos but reveal its flaws in the reviews. This is one aspect of travel review sites. There is another, less obvious side that is not widely known. Read this older but excellent and still valid Medium.com post about it.
Read recent reviews, paying attention to cleanliness, hospitality, comfort, and whether the actual experience matches the photos. If multiple reviews mention recurring issues —such as noise, questionable cleanliness, or lack of equipment— it's best to consider other options.
Flexibility
We cannot stress enough the importance of flexible cancellation policies, especially given that unforeseen travel events have become more common. Make sure you can cancel or modify your reservation without penalty. This is particularly important if you book well in advance.
Some accommodations also offer self check-in options via a key box or digicode, which can be very convenient if you're arriving late.
Type of Accommodation
Today, there is a wide variety of accommodation options: hotels, inns, rentals, gîtes, guesthouses, and unusual lodgings. Each has its own advantages. If you're seeking an authentic experience, consider staying in local accommodations such as bed and breakfasts, homestays, or even farm stays.
Unusual lodgings (what about a treehouse? or a yurts?) and similar options—are becoming increasingly popular. They offer a unique experience while allowing you to stay in harmony with nature and local culture.
Specific Equipment
Depending on the length and purpose of your stay, you'll need to select appropriate amenities. Here's a list of commonly useful features:
- Fully equipped kitchen: convenient for preparing your own meals especially for families or subjects to allergies.
- Laundry facilities: essential for longer stays
- Internet connection quality (Wi-Fi): vital for teleworkers
- Parking: important if you're traveling by car or bike
- Air conditioning or heating, depending on the season
Be sure to check whether these amenities are included and whether they are free of charge.
Length of Stay
Accommodation suitable for a one-night stay may not be appropriate for a week or more. For longer stays, choose accommodations that are more comfortable and well-equipped for daily life—such as a washing machine, lounge area, and fully equipped kitchen. Some platforms offer discounted rates for extended stays, which can be a great way to save money.
Ecology and Responsible Tourism
Finally, if you are concerned about your environmental impact, consider selecting accommodations committed to eco-responsible practices. This may include the use of renewable energy sources, waste reduction initiatives, eco-friendly cleaning products, or water management systems.
WATER
450-800 litres per day
is the average tourist consumption
Holiday resorts need to commit to strict water management procedures if they want to reduce their environmental impact.
CHEMICALS
60% of chemicals
on the EU market are hazardous to human health and/or the environment
Choose Tourist Accommodations that reduce the use of chemicals and pesticides through the purchase of EU Ecolabel-certified products.
PLASTIC
41.5% of plastic waste
in the EU was recycled in 2018
450 years is what it takes for the ocean to break down plastic. Seaside holidays can only be sustainable if we curb down plastic litter that harms marine life & pollutes our oceans and rivers.
More and more platforms are showing this info, and labels like Green Key or EU Ecolabel can help you pick a more eco-friendly option.
✔ How to organize your holidays in Athens
Ferry to the islands: Book your ferry to to Santorini, Mykonos and other islands.
Hotels: Discover our selection with the best hotels and accommodation in Athens.
Tours and Activities: Explore the city with some amazing tours and activities.
Car rentals: Discover the the surroundings on your own by booking your car.
