When traveling overseas, it is essential to make all necessary preparations to avoid any hassle that can ruin your overall experience. From booking your flight early to organizing your itinerary, there are just too many things to consider that can make or break your trip.
One of the most crucial parts of your preparation when traveling abroad is choosing a good place to stay. In many tourist destination countries, particularly Malta, there is plenty of accommodation available all year round.
Some of the best hotels in Malta offer cheap holiday deals for tourists that are sure to make their vacation worthwhile. Check out these useful tips for scoring the best accommodation in this stunning island country.
BUNDLE HOTEL AND FLIGHT BOOKING
If you’re a frequent traveler, you probably know that booking hotel and flight together will likely save you a lot of money. Compared to arranging each separately, doing it in bundle might just give you a competitive offer, such as discounts, freebies, and other incentives.
It’s quite easy to do this lately, especially online. There are many websites available that feature comprehensive lists of accommodations around the area you’re visiting. If you prefer to book directly to the hotel, you can do so by visiting its website or calling its hotline.
For instance, hotels like the Grand Hotel Excelsior, Corinthia Hotel St. George's Bay, and The Palace offer tourists bundled flights and room bookings for a discounted price. Some of them even provide free breakfast and other complimentary treats. The good news is, most of these hotels can book direct flights from different airlines, depending on your preference.
RESERVE IN ADVANCE
Timing is everything, especially when booking a hotel in Malta. Since this tropical paradise is usually bustling with tourists, it is essential to know how to time your reservation correctly. Usually, hotels hike up the prices of their rooms, especially during peak season. In Malta, the period of June to September is considered the busiest time of the year. That being said, expect to see an increase in hotel rates and of course, the crowd.
However, you can easily avoid this when you make reservations in advance. Always be on the lookout for seasonal offers. You might also want to schedule your vacation to Malta from March to May when prices are low, and the crowd is less. You can even book at least three to six months in advance as these cheap deals usually sell out quickly.
BOOK WITHIN THE CANCELLATION PERIOD
Another useful trick in scoring a great hotel deal is by booking within the cancellation period. Nowadays, a hotel’s cancellation usually falls between 24 to 48 hours in advance. In some cases, the void room will be available for others to re-book at lower rates. This will be a good chance to snag a better deal. While it might be inconvenient to wait until the last minute, the savings you can get out of it is definitely worth it. You can even use the money you saved for other things like locally produced souvenirs like Malta Miniatures, Filigree, and blown glasses.
SIGN UP FOR ALERTS
Sometimes, it’s quite challenging to keep a close eye on prices and various hotel offers. Fortunately, there are tons of websites dedicated to providing such information to travelers who want to take advantage of good hotel deals.
By signing up for alerts, you don’t have to worry about missing an offer. Usually, these websites will notify you when hotel prices start to drop or if they come up with discounts and other incentives. This is especially useful for those who have a hectic schedule and don’t have a lot of time browsing online for such deals.
MAKE USE OF COUPON CODES
Over the years, coupon codes are becoming more common, especially when booking hotels. In fact, many hotels and websites offer travelers coupons that can be used to get discounts and other incentives on accommodation and even flights.
Do not hesitate to use this offer as it might just sweeten the deal considerably. You can even use the money you save for other things during your travel like souvenirs or food.
PICK A RELATIVELY NEW HOTEL
If possible, it’s best to pick a newly-opened hotel. Since it just starting to get its name out there, it is likely to offer lower rates to attract customers. This strategy is very common for businesses looking to get the word out. Make sure to take advantage of this offer. Who knows, you might even end up in a luxurious room for a considerably low price.
CHOOSE A CONVENIENT LOCATION
When booking a hotel, always consider the location. It is important to choose a hotel with excellent proximity to the other places you want to visit. In Malta, there are hotels conveniently located near establishments, such as shopping centers, restaurants, and even heritage sites. This will be very useful especially if you are planning to spend most of your time exploring the area.
It is also essential to consider ease of going to and from your hotel. Make sure that public transportation is always available near your accommodation so that you can quickly travel and navigate the area any time you want.
The Palace, for instance, is located just five minutes away from Sliema Ferries where you can take a ferry trip to Valletta. The hotel also offers an in-house taxi, making it convenient for guests.
The Phoenicia Hotel is also a great place to stay, especially with its location. The hotel itself is just a ten-minute walk away from some of the most famous sites and establishments in Valletta. You can even access the main bus station and ferry trips within two minutes, adding more ease to your travel goals.
