Studies find that more people who take staycations find it more affordable than other options. So, it’s only natural to want to make sure you get the best value for your money.
With a hotel staycation, you might find yourself dealing with more limits, especially if you want to remain within the hotel. If that’s the case, how do you make sure you get the most out of your trip?
Here are a few things to consider when choosing the ideal place for a hotel staycation.
Prioritize Hotel Facilities
One of the first things you want to look into is the hotel facilities. You want to be sure it includes a broad range of activities that can take up time in your day, from a pool area to a fitness center.
These help keep you entertained during your stay, even when you don’t leave the hotel! Moreover, it’s one of the primary reasons you may feel motivated to book a room.
Consider Package Inclusions
You might come across hotel packages that offer a good deal, even when it comes to activities. It could be anything from free access to a bar or an evening at the spa.
Note that these packages will vary based on the hotel’s facilities. So, you want to take your time to look into what they have to offer and whether they’re to your liking.
It’s also good to check if the extra activities in your package are paid options for regular hotel visitors. This way, you can determine if you’re getting a good value for your money.
Get a Room with a Good View
If you’re interested in activities you could do in your hotel room, you may want to pick a place with a good view, especially if you’re in a different city. Not only does it allow you to appreciate your room, but it also lets you see what the city has in store for you.
With this, it can feel like you’re roaming around the city without really leaving your hotel room. You can also use it as your guide to what you want to see if you decide to go around the following day.
Look Into Hotel Amenities
Amenities can make or break a hotel staycation, particularly because you will likely spend more time in your room. So, it’s best to pick a place that offers exactly what you’re looking for.
For example, if you’re going on a movie night, you want to be sure the hotel has a TV with on-demand video services. On the other hand, if you’re having a game night, pick a place with enough seats or fast and free Wi-Fi access.
Build the Perfect Hotel Staycation with the Right Place
Are you looking to unwind or relieve stress? If so, a self-care day at a hotel is a great place to start. This way, you can travel while giving yourself the perfect me-time.
Self-care can do more for you than you think, especially mentally. But the question is, where should you begin?
Here’s how to build a quick self-care day checklist to help you make the most out of your time.
Plan a Proper Itinerary
A self-care day at a hotel means you can pick a place out of your comfort zone. It can be in a new city or in a different country. If that’s the case, you want to start your self-care day checklist with a proper itinerary.
You want to try to steer clear of anything that could cause you stress later. So, a clear itinerary can help you stay organized and away from frustration. At the same time, it allows you to see as much as you can during the trip.
Consider Different Types of Exercise
You can stay fit when you travel in lots of ways. At a hotel, you can do it in your room or by accessing the gym or pool, if any.
Note that getting active is a great way to stay healthy even when you’re away from home. You can also fulfill it by doing different activities around the city, such as biking, hiking, or even something as simple as strolling.
Explore Food Around You
If you’re writing a self-care day checklist, you should include food. Be sure you take your time to enjoy and explore different food around you while seeing the area.
Even so, you shouldn’t force yourself to eat food you aren’t fond of. Instead, it means taking time to figure out what you like and not restricting yourself from eating as much as you prefer.
Keep Your Room Clean
A hotel room can get messy sooner than you think, especially if you’re planning on staying for a while. So, it’s important to remind yourself to keep your room clean.
Evidence finds that cleanliness can affect your mental health in different ways. Either way, it’s enough to add to your checklist since it also determines how comfortable your stay will be.
Focus on Your Hobbies
If you’re staying at a hotel for a self-care day, it helps to use it as a day to enjoy your hobbies, especially if it’s something you can do in the room.
You also want to consider activities that allow you to stay relaxed throughout your trip. It’s also important to make sure it’s easy and possible to do alone.
Start a Quick Self-Care Day Checklist at a Hotel
You want to consider making a self-care day checklist for your next solo trip or hotel staycation. It’s a great way to make sure you focus on yourself while ensuring you don’t waste a single second of me-time. Moreover, it keeps you more relaxed since you already have everything planned out from the start!
Chicago is one of the top cities to see in the U.S. and has been for a few years now according to a survey. But with the diversity it has to offer, there’s no surprise why lots of people feel this way.
One thing about the city is that it has lots of museums dedicated to anything from science to art. Moreover, it’s worth a visit no matter how old you are!
If this is something you’re interested in exploring, here are some of the top museums in Chicago dedicated to science and art.
Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is more than just a place to see works, it’s also the most popular cultural building in the city. One way to know you’re at the right stop is the iconic bronze lions by the steps.
Here, you can find over 300,000 pieces made by historic names and more. It goes from paintings and sculptures to full exhibitions, making it perfect to tickle the inner art geek in you.
The Field Museum
The Field Museum is a must-see if you’re into artifacts from the oldest possible time you can remember. It exhibits pieces of natural history that are perfect for those who love both science and history.
The museum features everything from dinosaurs to ancient Egyptian tombs. With its range, it has something to offer for everyone, regardless of what you’re interested in.
If you’re going with family, you can also look into other family-friendly museums around the area to really make the most of your trip.
Adler Planetarium
Next to the museum, another popular attraction for those who love science and nature is the Adler Planetarium, which is also one of the city’s top attractions.
The planetarium features several permanent exhibits and a mesmerizing sky show at the Grainger Sky Theater, but the experience doesn’t stop there. You can apply everything you learned about space and skies when you head to the Dome Observatory. It houses the largest telescope for public viewing in the entire city!
Shedd Aquarium
If you’re in the mood to see some interesting sea creatures, the Shedd Aquarium has exactly what you’re looking for. They allow you to get up close and personal with different aquatic animals.
A few to note include frogs, rays, jellies, penguins, otters, and even beluga whales among others. With all the water creatures you can find, you can easily spend an entire day at the museum.
Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry is a great place for people who enjoy interactive exhibits. It features exhibits that stimulate tornados, mazes lined with mirrors, and displays of old-age submarines from the 1900s.
Keep Your Trip Engaging with the Top Museums in Chicago
You can explore the city’s best exhibits while keeping yourself fun and engaged by checking out the top museums in Chicago. While the city has lots to offer, it also makes an ideal place for people who love both art and science!
A vacation can be anything you want it to be, from a relaxing two-night beach trip to a whole day of fun and high activity. What matters is knowing the best places to see!
Chicago offers lots of parks that can help you stay fit during your visit. It’s a great way to get active while seeing more of the city.
Here are some of the best parks in Chicago that offer you a plethora of activities.
Maggie Daley Park
Maggie Daley Park is one of the most popular parks in the city for a lot of reasons. One of them is the quarter-mile skating ribbon that wraps around a climbing wall about 40 feet tall.
At the same time, it features themed sites and structures, like a giant pirate ship playground and a mini golf course that displays miniature versions of Chicago’s top landmarks.
Grant Park
The 606
The 606 is a railway track, converted into a path of sorts. It’s about 2.7 miles long, allowing individuals a quick route to travel from east to west.
Despite simply being a path, it offers several entrance and exit points that connect to different parks and public art exhibits. So, it simplifies going around the city and gives you room to jog, roll, or bike with little interruptions.
Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park offers miles of green where you can lounge and take in the view. But aside from this, it makes a perfect space for getting your exercise through different activities.
Some of them include a skate park, golf courses, baseball fields, and paths for anything from walking to cycling. If you run its length at least 3 times, you can hit the recommended 20-mile run for better health benefits!
Garfield Park
Garfield Park is popular for being a spot that you can catch no matter how far you look. It’s because of its iconic golden dome just above its fieldhouse.
It’s one of the best parks in Chicago for high-activity facilities if you’re on the west side. It includes those for:
- Sports, like baseball, basketball, tennis, and swimming
- Fitness, such as boxing and a fitness center
- Leisure, including a playground and fishing area
Jackson Park
Check Out Some of the Best Parks in Chicago for High Activity
Being in the West Loop means you get access to all kinds of attractions, from fun to educational. But beyond the museums and activities, it also has lots to offer at night!
Contrary to what most people expect, it includes activities like festivals, lounges, spas, and more. So, what should you check out when you’re at the West Loop?
Here are Hotel Chicago West Loop’s recommended things to do at night!
Bottom Lounge
If you’re into punk, rock, and electronic music, the Bottom Lounge is a great place to find people with the same tastes. You can get a broad range of beer options while enjoying live music
Moreover, it sits close to the United Center. So, this makes it a spot you want to check out if you’re a fan of hockey!
Cabra
Cabra, located at the Hoxton Hotel, offers a great combination of good views, ambiance, and food. You can relax in a cozy lounging space while sipping on light and fun drinks paired with Peruvian-inspired cuisine – all while taking in the mesmerizing rooftop view.
Some also recommend visiting the Cabra during the summer if you want a better look at Chicago’s skylines and sunsets.
Union Park
Union Park is known for being one of the top spots for summer music festivals, particularly the Pitchfork Music Festival. But beyond this, it’s a great place to hang out with friends and family if you want to spend time under the sun or stars.
You can also consider checking out the pool, auditorium, fitness center, or basketball and tennis courts for some extra activity.
Emporium Fulton Market
Statistics find that the average individual spends about 9% of their travel budget on entertainment. So, places that offer a broad range of options to fulfill this at a convenient spot.
Emporium Fulton Market is a great choice, especially if you’re into retro games, like pinball machines, air hockey, and foosball. They also have a bar, allowing you to unwind with each game while enjoying beers and cocktails.
Punch Bowl Social
You can take your activities a step further if you want to exert more physical prowess at the Punch Bowl Social. Here, you can find a dining area and bar paired with bowling alleys, karaoke rooms, arcade games, and a VR lounge.
Their space is also the perfect Instagram photoshoot background. So, it makes a great place to spend time with friends and family in the West Loop!
Waydown Bar
Another great place to catch Chicago in its glory, whether during the day or night, is the Waydown Bar at the Ace Hotel. It offers one of the best skyline views of the city, giving you a wide-lens perspective.
You can also enjoy events, performances by DJs, artisan exhibitions, and coffee talks with local creatives as you sip on drinks through the night.
Blind Barber
During the day, the Blind Barber is quite literally what you expect it to be. But at night, it turns into an attraction for those who enjoy the nightlife, making it one of the coolest places around.
They have drinks, dance parties, and even several performances you can witness throughout the evening.
Consider These Things to Do at Night at the West Loop
When considering things to do at night at the West Loop, you want to look into places that offer a broad range of activities and cuisine. You can go somewhere social with excellent drinks or with a great view and calming ambiance. This way, you can get the most out of your trip from morning to night!
You probably have come across marketing promotions from hotels about free stays or large discounts with points, but you might not always know what it means.
If you ask around, most people will tell you it boosts your savings. Now, you want to know how to earn or redeem them.
But before all that, let’s get the biggest question out of the way, how do hotel points work? Here’s a quick overview!
What are Hotel Points?
Simply put, hotel points are the rewards you get from hotels when you choose to book them during your trip. You can think of it as their way to thank you for selecting them.
Evidence finds that about 44% of travelers consider loyalty programs when choosing a hotel. Because of this, hotels are likely to provide you with a range of options and several deals that are enticing, even at first glance.
These rewards can be used for several purposes, including rate discounts, coupons, and more. This way, you can increase your savings or upgrade your next stay.
How Can You Get Points?
- Booking: One of the most common ways to earn points is by booking with a specific hotel. The amount you get will depend on your room rates and how much you spend on other hotel amenities or facilities.
- Credit Card Use: If the hotel is partnered with a credit card company, you can use them to book your stay and earn points. Some may also reward you with hotel points as long as you spend with a specific credit card.
- Transferable Points: Select institutions offer transferable points, allowing you to use accumulated points from different programs for your hotel stay.
- Spending: Shopping or dining at partnered locations or using a hotel credit card allows you to rack up your points or acquire discounts.
- Purchasing: Some hotels allow you to buy points. Note that there’s usually a limit to how much you can buy in a year, but it’s one of the easiest and quickest ways to acquire them.
- Loyalty Programs: Hotels tend to have their own loyalty programs. So, they credit the points directly to your card or account whenever you book or purchase from them or partner companies.
Tips for Maximizing Hotel Points
There are lots of ways to maximize your points and enhance the quality of your stay. With the right strategy, you can gather enough to ensure a luxury experience on your next booking!
Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Pick the Right Card: You want to pick a card that you’re likely to use often. This way, you can easily rack points without the pressure of spending for the sake of it. Note that these can be hotel-specific or partnered credit cards.
- Review Transfer Rates: Take your time to compare the transfer rates before you convert your points. It allows you to get the best deal available and helps you make the most of each point.
- Consider Extra Offers: Some hotels offer a free night or discounted rate when you book rooms using your points, allowing you to save while enjoying a longer stay.
- Know the Limits: Hotel points aren’t going to stay with you forever. So, it’s good to know the validity. Instead of spending them as soon as possible, be strategic with how you save and spend them. You can also combine them with someone else’s points, if applicable.
In Summary: How Do Hotel Points Work?
In 2023, about 12 million group hotel rooms were booked all around the world. It goes to show how often people travel with friends and family.
But finding the right hotel room for a big group takes a lot of checking. After all, you want to find a good deal while making sure it meets your needs.
The question is, how do you know you have a good range of options? Here are a few tips to consider before you book big hotel rooms for your next stay!
Check All Possible Options
First of all, you want to consider as many options as possible. While most places will have group-friendly rooms, it’s important to remember that the cost increases with more amenities. So, you want to compare each offer to find the best one.
It also helps to consider the indicated carrying capacity for each room. This way, you can get a general idea of how many people can fit in the space while keeping it comfortable for everyone.
Know Exactly How Much Space You Need
Numbers mean a lot when deciding how big of a room you need. But beyond this, you should also know exactly how much space you need – or at least a good estimate.
For example, you might need more floor space for a five-person group with individual bags. On the other hand, if you have shared belongings, you can go for a smaller space.
Pick a Room with Multiple Spaces
A room with multiple spaces is a great choice when booking big hotel rooms for a group. With this, you can enjoy your space comfortably without spending more than you can afford.
A few examples include a room with a kitchen space, a living room-like area, or an extra bathroom. More floor space is also good if you want to set extra beds.
When choosing a room like this, be sure you get the opinions of the people you’re staying with. This way, you can go for an option that fits everyone’s needs.
Look at the Included Amenities
Hotel amenities can be one of the reasons you choose one place over the other. If you’re booking big hotel rooms, they play a bigger role than you think.
The amenities you get access to increase the comfort and satisfaction of your experience. At the same time, it makes a group staycation easier to deal with.
Note that this includes anything from an extra bed, bathroom, free breakfast, and more.
Book the Perfect Big Hotel Rooms with These Tips
Anyone can find the best big hotel rooms for their needs if they know what they’re looking for. When you understand your needs, you can locate the perfect deals for everyone going on the trip.
Remember that you should always consider how the benefits line up with the cost of the room. So, you can easily determine if you’re getting good value for your money while ensuring the quality of your and your family or friends’ experience!
Are you planning a staycation but have a tight budget? Perhaps you want to allocate more funds to spending and experience in your destination. If so, we have the perfect tips!
Statistics showed that almost 90% of Americans went on a staycation in 2023. It further proves how common it is for people to go on such trips. Still, you might wonder how to get the best value for your money at this time.
Keep reading to learn a few tips and help you find the best way to save money on hotels!
Scout Your Options
It’s important to consider what options are available during the time of your travel. Keep in mind that room prices vary based on the time of the year or location. So, you want to take your time to consider the best deal.
If you want to guarantee lower costs, it helps to book a room past peak seasons. This way, there’s less competition and likely a higher chance to grab big discounts. You can also consider neighborhoods or towns with lower demand.
Despite the benefit of a low price, you should still understand the area. Make sure you find a reliable place, especially in a city you’re new to.
Find Coupons and Cashback Deals
If you have a membership somewhere, you can see if they have offers dedicated to travel. Usually, you can use these when you book flights, hotels, or other related services.
Coupons are a great way to enjoy discounts, but with cashback deals, you can get a return from your travel expense in the form of points or credits. So, you can use it for future travels or to pay off the costs you incurred during your stay.
Some hotels also offer gift cards, which you can buy early, receive from others, or earn as a reward on different apps.
Use Program Reward Points
It’s common for loyalty programs to reward their members with points for different uses. If you accumulate enough, you can save lots of money when booking hotels.
While the benefits vary from place to place, you can get deals as good as an extra night for free or waived fees when you pay your booking in points. Besides reducing costs, you can also use these to upgrade your stay.
Because of this, most people believe it’s the best way to save money on hotels, especially if you’re an avid spender elsewhere.
Pay with Credit Cards
Similar to most loyalty programs, you can pay with your credit card to gather points or free stays. You can also get these rewards upon signing up for the card or reaching a specific spending minimum.
It’s important to read the fine print or clarify the details before you start going on a spending spree. This way, you can ensure you meet the qualifications and understand how long the offer stays valid.
Get the Most Out of Low-Cost Choices
You can find low-cost options when you book directly with the hotel or make the most out of exclusive offers from OTAs. Through this, you can maximize your savings while maintaining the quality of your stay.
For example, a longer stay means you can get 20% off on the following nights. Another is getting a free room upgrade when you book within a certain period.
Consider the Extras
Beyond booking rooms, the hotel amenities and facilities can determine how much you spend in total since it lets you know what else you have to pay for.
You can book a room with free breakfast or dinner to save on meal costs or free access to the pool or entertainment spaces to save on leisure expenses. The room you pick also helps you save by picking a place with extra space or a kitchen area.
Maximize Your Stay with the Best Way to Save Money on Hotels
The best way to save money on hotels can vary based on what’s accessible to you. What matters is knowing the right tips and how to apply them. With this, you can get the most out of your staycation and put more funds towards bigger activities!
Not every date you have has to be at a fancy restaurant or all day outdoors. Whether it’s rainier than usual or you’re on a budget, indoor date ideas are a great way to switch things up.
Evidence finds that planning date nights can promote closeness and further establish relationships. After all, it’s about keeping the spark in your heart alive. But beyond the typical Netflix watch party, what else is there to do?
Here are a few indoor date ideas to make every evening special!
Have a Game Night
Game night is a great way to come together, whether it’s a time with friends or family and partners. Luckily, there are lots of fun two-person games to choose from.
You can go for something chill, like a classic Truth or Dare, or go for something more competitive, such as Uno or chess. It can also be an online or virtual game you both enjoy.
For more thrill, add in an incentive for the winner or get some drinks in while you go through each game.
Camp Indoors
If you have the house to yourselves, why not try camping indoors? All you need are a few sheets, blankets, and pillows to create your fort.
To bring the vibe together, you can add fairy lights or roast marshmallows and make smores over an indoor fireplace. This way, you can get cozy and spend time sharing stories, watching movies, listening to music, and more.
Plan a Staycation
Indoor date ideas don’t always have to be from the comfort of your home. You can consider booking a hotel and spending a staycation there. This way, you can enjoy the hotel’s amenities together, like the pool or gym.
If you pick a place that’s further from your hometown, you may still want to go around the day after. So, try to pick a place that offers access to more romantic getaways you can explore after your indoor date night.
Enjoy Stargazing
Another indoor date option when traveling is stargazing, especially if you select a place that has a rooftop or balcony. You can also book a room made specifically for this and enjoy the stars through the open roof.
Either way, you can add a romantic touch to stargazing by creating a makeshift sky with apps or lamps. While it’s a simple gesture, it can really keep the mood together.
Book a Spa Date
You and your partner can destress together with a spa date. Not only do you get to spend time indoors while going on a brief trip, but you can also release tension.
If you’re on a budget, you can also spend a spa date at home with a little bit of self-care. Put on robes and face masks, take turns giving massages, and dip your toes in the water.
Get Creative
You and your partner can get creative with indoor date ideas in lots of ways, like painting or creating a scrapbook. It can be simple arts and crafts or bigger tasks, like a home improvement project. If you’re up for a real challenge, you can even cook or bake something for the first time together!
Recreate Your First Dinner Date
A study finds that relationship nostalgia can increase positive feelings in couples, particularly in the short term. So, you may want to recreate your first dinner date with your partner at home.
Try to put on the same clothes and set the table the same way. You can also prepare the same meal and drinks or put on the same music to capture the vibe and memory.
Spark Romance with These Indoor Date Ideas
Indoor date ideas are just as diverse and fun as outdoor dates. It’s also perfect for couples who want to spend time together more freely or who are on a budget. After all, date nights are meant to keep you and your partner closer more than being about where and how you spend it.
When it comes to planning a fun day, Chicago is a great place to be. You have places to see for everyone in the family to enjoy, even the little kids!
It can be overwhelming to go through all the possible attractions you can visit. So, Hotel Chicago West Loop offers a couple of places to help you build your itinerary.
Keep reading for a list of kid-friendly vacation ideas you can do in Chicago.
Check Out Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the nation. Moreover, it’s free for the public, so you can take your little ones anytime during the day.
Not only do they feature North American animals, but they also feature a farm. Your kids can get a step closer to what country life is like while getting close to goats, cows, and even ponies.
Have Fun at Millenium Park
Millenium Park is a must-see spot when you visit Chicago, especially when you’re looking for a budget-friendly trip. It’s free for all, showcasing lots of events, from concerts and festivals to film screenings.
Kids can also dip their toes in the cool waters at the Crown Fountain. They can even go on a scavenger hunt at the Lurie Garden during spring. You can also wrap it up with a commemorative photo by The Bean.
Enjoy the Underwater World at Shedd Aquarium
You can find lots of parks and museums in Chicago, but the Shedd Aquarium is a great place to start. It also gives you access to nearby attractions, like the Adler Planetarium and Field Museum.
The aquarium features a unique 360-degree view of an array of sea creatures of all colors and sizes. They can even check out talent shows with dolphins and beluga whales.
Here, kids can get up close and personal with the aquatics from all around the globe. Some of them include joining a shark feeding tour and interacting with stingrays.
Explore Art and Architecture at the Art Institute
Let your little ones showcase their inner creativity at the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the biggest art galleries in the world. It’s the perfect place for kids who adore art, featuring a collection of paintings and exhibits of art from around the world.
Moreover, they offer audio guides for kids aged 5 to 10 to help them stay immersed as they go around the museum. If your child is a budding artist, you can consider letting them join art classes at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Witness the Iconic Navy Pier
You can’t leave a Chicago trip without visiting the Navy Pier. It holds the famous 150-foot tall Ferris wheel just above the Pier Park. At the same time, you can find a broad range of unique rides, such as climbing walls, remote control boats, and more.
A survey finds that most kids want to do new things when they go on trips, especially if it’s activities they usually can’t do back home. This makes the Navy Pier an ideal spot for kid-friendly vacation ideas!
Beyond the fun activities, you and your little ones can cool off at the Chicago Children’s Museum. You can also grab a bite from the shops, restaurants, and food carts to recharge your energy.
Get Active at the Maggie Daley Park
If your family’s in the mood to get active, you want to visit Maggie Daley Park. You can take bikes or roller skates to go around or take your time with a calm walk.
Among others, you can also find a play garden inspired by popular magical stories, like Alice in Wonderland and Charlie and Chocolate Factory. Another is a mini golf course that showcases Chicago’s must-visit attractions with each obstacle.
