How to Choose Accommodation That Works: A Guide for Travel at 60+

When it comes to travel planning, knowing how to choose accommodation that actually works for you can shape your entire experience, especially when travelling in your 60s and beyond.

In my younger days, I thought that as long as a room had a bed and a locking door, I was adventurous enough to handle the rest. I didn’t mind hauling the suitcase up three flights of narrow stairs if it meant staying somewhere inexpensive or unusual. I figured I’d be out exploring all day anyway, so how much could the “where” actually matter?

The answer, as I’ve learned through several experiences where my “perfect” choice was anything but, is: it matters more than almost anything else.

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More Than a Place to Park Your Suitcase

As my travel style has evolved into a more intentional “slow travel” approach, I’ve had to admit that my needs have changed. When we travel independently in our 60s and 70s, accommodation isn’t just a place to park our suitcase. It’s our sanctuary, our recovery zone, and — most importantly — our safety net.

If your accommodation doesn’t support your physical needs and emotional energy, your itinerary will suffer. The right choice is the difference between waking up energised and waking up with a bad back and a desperate need for pain relief and coffee.

Over the years, my priorities have shifted from “What looks okay?” to “What actually works for this trip and my life?” Here’s to how choose accommodation that supports your adventure instead of sidelining it.

Choose Accommodation as a “Home Base” – Not Just a Bed

When you’re travelling independently in your more “mature” years, accommodation takes on a different role.

In a foreign city, your accommodation is your psychological cushion.

Travel at any age can be physically demanding; and sometimes more-so as we get older. A well-located base allows you to put your feet up and recharge throughout the day. If you’re constantly battling a cramped, cluttered space or a room that smells of stale smoke, you aren’t resting; you’re merely enduring.

When your “base” feels right, the rest of the journey feels easier.

At this stage of life, comfort isn’t a luxury — it’s what makes travel enjoyable.

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Location: Your Connection to the World

How Long Will You Be Staying?

Also consider how long you will be staying. Most people can put up with sub-optimal surroundings for a night or two (at most), but if you’re planning a longer stay, then comfort and convenience are important.

• Short stays (1-4 nights): Prioritise proximity to transport and convenience for the things you want to do. A hotel is usually easiest – easy check-in, breakfast often included, and no “settling in” required.
• Medium-length stays (5-10 nights): This is where you could choose between an apartment or a hotel. You may want more living space, perhaps a small table, chair or sofa. Having a small kitchen for an evening meal is ideal when you don’t feel like dining out or want to save money.
• Longer stays (11+ nights): In my experience, apartments (e.g. Airbnb or similar) are ideal for longer stays. They offer all the conveniences of home, and often come with discounted rates for longer stays. Also, as long as you’re near reliable public transport, being a little further from the action may be workable.

Choose Accommodation That Suits Your Style Preference

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Different trips and destinations often call for different accommodation styles. Think about what you need, and your preferred travel style and destination.

• Hotels: Often the most convenient and budget-friendly. Hotels near a transport hub are ideal if arriving or departing very early or late.
• B&Bs: Offer home-style charm with breakfast included.
• Private Rentals: e.g. Airbnb. Usually have cooking and (often) laundry facilities, and are more spacious. However, some may not be as conveniently located.
• Alternative: Accommodation in monasteries, castles, or ashrams offer a quiet, immersive experience.
• Camping or Glamping: These are the “outdoorsy” option, from basic tents to luxury yurts.

Budget vs Convenience

It’s tempting to choose a cheaper rate on the outskirts of a city, but “cheap” often comes with a hidden cost: time. If you spend your peak energy hours commuting to sights, you’ve already used up half your “active” battery before the day begins.

Being “central” doesn’t have to mean “expensive”. Look for neighbourhoods well-located for tourists, public transport, and the main sights. You’ll often find better value, authentic food, and a local slice of life, all while still staying within striking distance of the main attractions.

Needs vs Wants: Prioritising Function

We’ve all seen the glossy hotel photos of marble lobbies and rooftop infinity pools. They look (and probably are) lovely, but I’ve learned to ask myself, “Will this actually make my stay easier or more memorable?”

“Luxury” is often a distraction from “functionality”. You don’t really need a gold-plated tap, but you do need a bathroom with a proper door and an easy-access shower. Views and marble bathrooms are great, provided they don’t compromise what’s really important.

• Comfort and Practicality: I used to think I could sleep anywhere. Now, I’m more picky about beds. In Japan, for instance, my back cares less about the “cultural authenticity” of a tatami mat at 3:00 AM than it does about a supportive Western-style mattress.
• Peace and Quiet: A room overlooking a bustling piazza sounds romantic until the local bars stay open until dawn. I now specifically request a “quiet” room. A good night’s sleep is the fuel for your journey; don’t trade it for a view you’ll only look at for five minutes each day.

Define Your Non-Negotiables Before You Choose Accommodation

Being honest with yourself doesn’t make you a “difficult” traveller. It’s being smart. We all have those little things that, if missing, can turn a dream trip into a daily frustration.

Having said that, it’s also worth keeping in mind that travel is about enjoying “new experiences”. Getting frustrated because things are “not the same as at home” sort of defeats the purpose of travel, in my opinion.

So consider how these essentials resonate with you:

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• Connectivity: High-speed Wi-Fi is vital for checking nearby attractions, opening hours, mapping routes, and emailing or video-calling family.
• Lifts (Elevators): If your room is on the fourth floor, never assume there is a lift. Always check before booking.
• Laundry: If you’re travelling for more than a week or two, rinsing clothes in a basin can get tiresome. Many hotels now offer coin-operated laundry facilities as an alternative to their expensive in-house laundry service. Check the “amenities” list on your hotel booking site.
• 24-Hour Front-of-House: Having someone available 24/7 offers peace of mind if a bathroom basin clogs or you need a taxi in the early hours.
• Flexible booking/cancellation policy: Many hotels offer flexible booking and cancellation policies. It may come at a slightly higher cost, but if you think a change of plans may be on the cards, the flexibility is worthwhile.

The Emotional Experience

Some places just feel welcoming. Others, less so. I noticed this during my recent stay in Tórshavn in the Faroe Islands. I arrived early, cold and a little travel-weary after a rough ferry crossing from Denmark. Before I’d even checked in, the staff offered me coffee and a warm place to sit. Later, I learned that the hotel hosted an evening “happy hour” and free glass of wine by a roaring fire — a simple way to meet other travellers and unwind at the end of the day.

Nothing about that hotel was extravagant, but everything about it was thoughtful. When you’re genuinely happy to return to your room at night, it changes your outlook on your entire trip.

Accommodation Booking Sites Worth Knowing

• Booking.com – Hotels, apartments, flexible cancellation policies
• Expedia.com – Hotels, apartments, flexible cancellation policies
• Airbnb, Vrbo – Private rentals, longer stays, local feel
• Hostelworld – Budget options, solo-friendly, private or shared rooms
• TrustedHousesitters – Free accommodation in exchange for house/pet sitting
• Hotels Combined, Trivago, Skyscanner – Price comparison across platforms.

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How to Read Accommodation Reviews (And What to Ignore)

Reviews offer essential clues about accommodation if you read between the lines. Look for patterns rather than isolated complaints, and decode the “real estate” speak:

• “Cozy” usually means small.
• “Vibrant” often means noisy.
• “Historic” can mean outdated plumbing or no elevator.

To get an accurate assessment, I use the star rating as a rough guide and look for specific details related to my needs:

• Solo travellers: Reviews from solo travellers are relevant for independent travellers.
• Prioritise “recent” over “5 years ago”: A glowing (or terrible) review from five years ago is irrelevant if the hotel has changed ownership or upgraded its facilities. Recent reviews are a better indication of what the hotel is like now.
• Location: Many reviews offer better insight to convenience (e.g. to public transport or shops) than simply looking at a map.
• Check your “non-negotiables“: Check the list of facilities offered, e.g. non-smoking rooms, free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee makes, elevator, breakfast included, parking, disability facilities, etc.

Reviews can never tell you exactly what a place is like, but they do provide helpful insight, if you learn to filter out the genuinely useful from the unnecessarily critical.

How to Choose Accommodation That Works For You

Ultimately, choosing the right accommodation is about more than just finding a place to sleep — it’s about giving yourself permission to travel in comfort. We no longer have to prove our adventurous spirit by enduring discomfort; we’ve earned the right to be discerning.

By prioritising your needs — accessibility, safety, and comfort — you aren’t narrowing your horizons; you’re expanding them. When you wake up in a room that supports you, you step out into the world with the confidence that makes independent travel a joy.

So, next time you’re hovering over that “book now” button, remember: your accommodation isn’t just a base for your trip. It’s the foundation of your next great adventure.

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• Independent Travel vs Group Tours: How to Decide What Suits You
• How to Plan Independent Travel After 60 (Without Feeling Overwhelmed)

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