Choosing a hotel used to be all about location — now, as a solo parent and frequent traveler, I know the real deal-breakers are space, breakfast, and a good bathroom.

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Location Still Matters — But It’s Not Everything

There was a time when I picked hotels almost purely based on location. The closer to the action, the better. And while being central is still important, it’s no longer the only thing I care about — not even close.

Traveling with a child, or simply traveling smarter, has taught me to think about hotels differently. These days, I’m looking for a mix of comfort, practicality, and a few small luxuries that make a big difference.

Here’s what’s at the top of my hotel checklist now:

1. Space for Two People

It doesn’t have to be a huge room, but it needs to be functional.
A cramped space can turn a great trip into a stressful one fast. I look for:

• Enough room for both of us to move around without bumping into each other.
• A real seating area (even a small one) so we’re not stuck lounging only on the beds.
• Options like twin beds, queen beds, or even a small suite if the price makes sense.

A little extra square footage gives us breathing room, especially after long travel days.

2. Breakfast Included (Always)

Breakfast is non-negotiable.
Not only is it convenient, but it’s also one less thing to plan and pay for each day. A good breakfast setup means:

• We can fuel up before a full day of sightseeing without the stress of hunting down a restaurant.
• It’s often a chance to try local pastries, fruits, or specialties without spending extra.
• It’s easier to keep a morning routine with a child when you can simply roll out of bed and eat.

Bonus points if the coffee is actually decent.

3. Plenty of Outlets

Modern travel comes with devices — phones, tablets, laptops, portable chargers, and more.
Hotels that understand this will have:

• Outlets near the bed (not hidden behind the headboard).
• Easily accessible plugs in common areas.
• Sometimes even USB ports built into lamps or furniture.

It sounds small, but scrambling for outlets after a long day is a frustration I no longer tolerate.

4. A Nice Bathroom

It doesn’t need to be fancy — it needs to be clean, functional, and comfortable.
That means:

• Good water pressure in the shower.
• Enough counter space for two people’s toiletries.
• A door that closes fully (you’d be surprised how many modern bathrooms think it’s “artsy” to skip this).
• A general feeling of cleanliness and upkeep.

A bad bathroom can genuinely drag down the whole hotel experience, especially when traveling with a child.

Travel Smarter, Stay Happier

These days, my hotel priorities are simple but intentional:
Space to breathe. Breakfast to fuel up. Outlets to stay connected. A bathroom that makes getting ready easy, not stressful.

Location still matters — but comfort, functionality, and those small everyday conveniences matter more.

Because when you’re traveling — especially with a child — the hotel isn’t just where you sleep. It’s where you rest, recharge, and reset for the next day’s adventures. It needs to work.