According to Stats SA, last year more than 1.3 million foreign travellers visited South Africa. Why? Simply put, whether you love wildlife, gorgeous scenery, urban adventures, or a mix of all the above, the Rainbow Nation is a spectacular holiday destination. A key part of what can make or break any trip any to Mzansi, is your hotel. South Africa is home to many stunning hotels but what makes them great? Is it location, aesthetics, or value for money? If you are planning a holiday this year, these are the qualities to look out for.

Location, Location, Location
It doesn’t matter if you want an oceanic escapade or a weekend away painting the town red, the location of your hotel is a vital part of ensuring you have a memorable time. Good service and beautiful rooms won’t make a difference if a hotel is located somewhere tourists would avoid.

Leigh Myles, Business Development Manager at the award-winning booking platform Profitroom says, “The best hotels are found in places that suit their purpose. If you are looking for a wellness retreat, find a hotel whose surroundings complement that. It’s also important to think about what distance your hotel is from and major travel routes.”

Bells and Whistles
Amenities and activities are a traveller's best friend. Without them, a holiday is just an expensive trip to a depressing room. That is why any hotel worth its salt needs to load up with as many creature comforts and entertainment as they can. For example, in this day and age, Wi-Fi is non-negotiable. Also, the more you charge the better your offering needs to be. Budget accommodation may be able to get away with providing the bare minimum but if you plan on visiting a three-star hotel or higher, then luxurious spas, state-of-the-art gyms and top-class entertainment must be a standard.

Service With a Smile
Few things can put you in a bad mood faster than sour service. Attentive, helpful, and friendly staff go a long way toward elevating your experience and making sure that you have everything you need to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Good service also ensure that guests can easily access all the amenities and activities they desire.

Fun For Everyone
Holidays are the perfect opportunity to bond with your loved ones. So, when looking for a hotel, it is always crucial to cater to the needs of everyone attending. You may like roughing it but if the rest of your travel buddies prefer the soft life, then all you will get is complaints if you do not do a good enough job of considering them.

Myles concludes, “With just a little prep work finding the perfect hotel can be like meeting the love of your life. You’ll always go back and have a wonderful time each time you do.”