I booked my accomodation via agoda.com
and Booking.com
I have had numerous experiences in staying in hotels/apartments in Europe. Sometimes up to 4 hotels in one area for example in Athens. I changed accommodation many times just to have a variety and to experience the different types of accommodation so that I can share with travellers like you.
The facilities I looked for in accommodation are (in order of priority):
1) internet
2) near railways station
3) balcony
Reason for the orders of priority:
1) As I travel and book my flights/train and hotels via the internet, internet facilities in the room is a must for me. The hotels that provides internet facilities in the lobby and not in the room are good but not good enough as it is not as convenient ( provided you travel with your own laptop).
2) Because I travel in and out of cities and at different times of the day, I find that it is more convenient to walk to my hotel/apartment then to take a taxi in odd hours of the day. I also don’t have the hassle of trying to find a taxi and haggle for a price or have the fear of being cheated on the price of a taxi fare. I also find that if I am near a train station, I can visit sites more easily via the train.
3) Balconies are great especially if you are a smoker. If you are not a smoker, it is wonderful to be able to sit outside and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere in each new city ( if you face a street or view).
