Accommodation and stay: Finding your own space away from home

Finding the right place to stay in the USA is a breeze. The accommodation options are aplenty, whether for a shorter stay or an extended period. From budget hotels and motels to mid-range and luxury hotels, there’s a room suiting all tastes and preferences. There are a variety of options, including apartments, houses, condos, and even unique properties like cabins or villas, allowing you a more homely experience. Couchsurfing is a concept where you can stay with hosts who offer a spare couch or room for free.

Type of Travel

Your preference for accommodation might vary depending on the type of your trip. If you are a solo traveller planning to visit a list of places in the USA, you might prefer budget-friendly accommodations that suit your pocket. However, if you are travelling with your family, you might look for comfortable stays that are safe with various amenities attached to them. If you are travelling to the USA for business purposes, staying at a location close to your work meets your purpose. If you are a student who would be putting up for an extended period of time, you might look for a more homely stay, which is budget-friendly, too. Different kinds of travellers have different needs. So, we have listed the popular accommodation options available in the USA.

Type of Accommodations

The US offers a range of accommodation options catering to the diverse preferences and tastes of visitors. Let’s take you through the many options to choose from:

• Hotels: Usually, hotels are the most common and traditional type of accommodation, ranging from basic rooms to lavish suites. If you are looking for amenities like a restaurant, bar, spa, fitness centre, and swimming pool, hotels are the best option. You can choose a single room, double room, family room, or suite, depending on your stay and the number of people accompanying you. Ideally, if you are travelling with your family for a vacation in the USA, staying in a hotel is the most convenient option. You can choose a hotel depending on your budget and enjoy your stay peacefully.
• Motels: These are budget hotels offering only basic amenities. They are mostly located on the highways away from city centres and ideal for travellers who need a convenient and affordable place to spend the night.
• Bed & Breakfast (B&B): This is a popular stay option in the US, offering a personalised and homely experience as they are usually small inns or residences. The owner of the accommodation typically rents out a few rooms to guests with breakfast. From simple rooms with shared bathrooms to luxury spaces with private baths and other amenities, you have options to choose from. B&Bs usually have a list of dos and don’ts, so check the policies before booking your stay.
• Hostels: For budget travellers and students, hostels are the best option. Most hostels provide dormitory-style accommodation or bunk beds perfect for educational trips and group tours.
• Apartments: These are a popular option for visitors looking for a home away from home and offer space and privacy with a separate living area, bedrooms, and kitchen. These rental properties range from basic rentals to high-end luxury villas and houses, and the amenities vary depending on the property and cost. Apartments are popular among students and those travelling with families or in groups. These are self-catered or non-catered accommodations which do not provide food.
• Boutique Hotels: These are perfect if you are looking for a more luxurious and personalised stay. Amenities like spas, unique room features and fine dining restaurants are a part of boutique hotels.

Accommodation for Immigrants

If you are visiting the USA on an immigrant visa and have to stay for a longer period of time, you can either rent or lease an apartment, studio, condo or a house. Most new immigrants look to rent or lease an apartment depending on the budget and various other factors like the number of people who will stay together, distance to commute for work, etc. If you are looking to rent an apartment, keep the following things in mind:

Figure out how much you can afford in rent and other utilities that you are looking for, hunt for houses, or look up ads in various classifieds to find the right accommodation. Be sure to include the utilities that you need.

Before you rent or take an apartment on lease, check for what kind of city or neighbourhood you would like to stay in. Also, consider commuting time to work and back.

Make a note of features that are important to you, such as parking, pet policies, proximity to public transportation, security, laundry facilities and number of bedrooms and bathrooms.

If you are taking an apartment on a lease, read all the necessary documents before signing. Check if all the facilities you are looking for are included in your agreement.

Accommodation for Students

If you are entering the USA as a student, there are various accommodation options that you can choose from without burning a hole in your pocket.

Check your university website for the options. You can find the best ones listed over there, which are budget-friendly and give you the atmosphere to connect and build friendships with fellow students. Depending on your budget, you can look for shared dormitories in universities or rent private rooms with other students.

Check on the neighbourhood before you select an off-campus place. Make sure it has low crime rates, and the house has amenities that will make living easier.

Make sure your off-campus housing isn’t too far away from the university of your choice.

Always ensure that your rent encompasses all the facilities you use while staying on a property so you don’t have to pay out of pocket later.

Tips to Choose the Right Accommodation

While options are aplenty, there are multiple factors you have to consider when selecting accommodations for your trip to the USA. It includes things like:

• Budget: Accommodation in the USA can be very expensive, and accommodations take a huge chunk out of your travel budget. So, choosing the right stay options offering the best value for your money is highly advised. For instance, if your budget allows it, you can go for luxurious stay options like resorts, guest houses, villas, etc. Otherwise, you can always go for cheaper alternatives like motels, hostels, 3-star hotels, bread and breakfasts, etc.
• Total number of travellers: If you are travelling solo, you can easily find a stay option that meets your specific needs. However, if there are other members involved, you also have to consider their preferences and safety when deciding upon the stay option. In this case, going with a more established option, such as hotels and homestays, is highly advised.
• Amenities: If you want the most comfort during your stay, going with accommodation choices that offer the most amenities is always a better option. It can include fitness centres, laundry services, in-house restaurants, swimming pools, spas, massage centres, etc. However, this can cost you a ton of money. On the other hand, you can find many accommodation choices that offer essential amenities, like Wi-Fi, parking, in-room meals, etc., within your ideal budget range.
• Accessibility: If you want a stay option that is easy to reach and has great access to the local public transport and other services, staying near the main tourist destination is the way to go. Booking accommodations far away from the main tourist destination can be cheaper but will involve unnecessary travel tampering with your trip experience.

Take-Home Message

Booking the ideal accommodation needs little planning and budgeting too. So, whatever the purpose of your travel, ensure that you research the types of accommodation that suit your preference and budget.

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