How to choose an area to stay in when you don't know the city

In an unfamiliar city, the area you stay in shapes the trip more than the hotel itself. A cheaper room far from everything can cost you hours and taxi fares every day; a room in the busiest street can cost you sleep. A few questions, asked before you book, usually settle it.

Start with why you are going

A business trip wants to be near the meeting, or near a metro or railway station. A family holiday wants calm, space and easy meals. A short stopover wants to be near the airport. A first visit to a holiday city is often best spent near the main sights, even if it costs a little more. Decide the purpose first, then look at the map.

Look at how you will move around

• How far is the hotel from the airport or station, and how will you get there at night?
• Is there a metro, bus or taxi stand close, or will every trip need a booked cab?
• Can you walk to food, a pharmacy and a shop after dark?
• Are the places you want to see in one direction, or spread across the city?

Read the address, not just the name

Hotels often put the city name in the title even when they are well outside it. Look at the street, the nearby landmark and the distance to the centre on the map. A hotel "near" the airport can still be a long way from the city. If the listing does not say, the map will.

Be careful with very busy and very quiet

The liveliest streets have the best food and the most noise. A quiet suburb has the opposite. If you are a light sleeper, ask for a room away from the road. If you plan to be out late, think about how you will get back.

On Tripzoy

Our city pages list the main areas of each place and who each suits, and the hotel page shows the address before you choose a room. Prices are for the whole stay and all rooms, and the cancellation policy of each room is shown before you pay.