Work is stressful. Life is chaotic. Neighbors are nosy. Sometimes you just need to get away. And when you do, few things are better than a weekend getaway with your significant other. The question is, do you know how to find the perfect romantic hotel to maximize the weekend and create an unbelievable experience for the two of you?
Not all romantic hotels are the same, but they do share some similar characteristics. As you search for the perfect spot, consider the following factors?
1. Location
Nothing kills a romantic vibe quite like pulling into a sketchy area of town and realizing that your hotel is located smack-dab in the middle of it.
Start with the location of the hotel. It doesn’t matter what the hotel looks like on the inside, if it’s not located in a good area of town. Read reviews, check the map, and use Google Street View to get an idea of the surroundings.
2. Lobby
You probably won’t spend a whole lot of time in the hotel lobby, but it sets the first impression. You want the lobby to scream “wow.”
“Wow” can mean a lot of different things to different people. For example, it could mean quaint and cozy, or posh and luxurious. You know your significant other better than most. Go for the vibe that meshes with their personality.
3. Privacy
Nothing kills a romantic mood quite like other people. Make sure you select a hotel (and hotel room) that has ample privacy. If possible, get a corner room that’s away from the elevator and lots of foot traffic.
4. View
Most hotel rooms aren’t very big (unless you’re splurging on a suite). However, this typically isn’t an issue – especially if there’s a good view.
A hotel room with a balcony is one thing. The question is, what does the balcony overlook? If it’s perched high above a ratty parking lot, it can actually take away from the look and feel of the room. If, on the other hand, it gives you a view of a quaint downtown street, mountains, the ocean, or some other beautiful landscape, it can make the room even more romantic.
When booking a hotel room, ask about the view. You may even be able to work your way into a room with a view at no additional cost. It never hurts to ask!
5. In-Room Amenities
What’s inside the room counts as much as anything else. When booking a hotel room, keep an eye out for amenities like:
- Fireplace. If you’re traveling during the winter, nothing says cozy and romantic quite like a fireplace in your room. Many older hotels and B&Bs have wood-burning fireplaces in rooms. Newer hotels often have electric fireplaces, which are still quite romantic.
- Tub for two. A classic staple of a romantic bedroom, tubs are excellent for relaxing and enjoying each other’s company. The key is to book a room with a Jacuzzi-style tub – otherwise you’ll find it impractical to use.
- Luxurious bedding. Rough bedding and stiff pillows can really put a strain on your romantic getaway. Sleep is an important aspect of any trip, so read reviews and look for hotels that offer quality mattresses, high-thread count sheets, and down pillows.
Most hotels have a wide array of rooms. When booking, it always helps to call and ask about what will be available in your specific room.
6. Romantic Touches
If a hotel knows that you’re visiting for a romantic weekend, they should offer to provide some additional amenities. Look for a hotel that’s willing to put out things like wine, chocolates, or, if you’re feeling cheesy, some rose petals.
Start Planning Your Romantic Weekend Getaway
“No matter where you go, what you plan, or how much you spend, you can make your getaway romantic by embracing the spirit of the occasion,” travel expert Erica Silverstein writes. “If you can focus on your partner and spend as much time together as you can, you’ll find that you’ve become a clued-in expert at the art of planning a romantic getaway.”
Keeping this in mind, it’s never too early to plan a romantic weekend getaway. In fact, the sooner you start planning, the more likely it is that you’ll find the perfect spot for you and your significant other.
The hotel is just the start. Even if you do plan to spend most of your time in the room, it’s nice to do a little research on restaurants, shops, and even some different activities you can do together. Take your time planning and you’ll have a wonderful time.
