The American territory of Guam has a unique history, culture, and geography that are all much bigger than the island’s rather modest size would suggest. Its beaches, unique culture, the sizable US military presence, its upscale shopping centers, and investor-friendly laws make it a destination for visitors from all over the Asia-Pacific.
While this popularity means there is no shortage of accommodations, finding the best hotels in Guam can sometimes be a challenge. Here are some ways you can ensure you’ll find the right hotel for your needs.
Always Consider the Location
Guam is only 32 miles long, but that doesn’t mean the hotel’s location doesn’t matter. You’ll always want a hotel that’s geographically close to the places you need to visit. While renting a car is no problem in Guam, you can save a lot of time and money simply by booking a hotel that’s a walking distance away from your main destination. Booking a hotel close to the places you need to visit also means lower rates for cabs and ride-share services as well.
Find Out the Types of Clientele the Hotel Is Popular With
Tourism is an important industry in Guam, accounting for about a third of all jobs on the island. That said, there isn’t a huge variety of visitors.
Guam is quite popular with tourists from Korea, China, and Japan as well as with retired military personnel and their relatives. Business travelers from Asia and the mainland US account for the third common group of travelers to the territory.
Tourists of other types are less well-represented. The general age of travelers to Guam skews a bit older than most other tourist destinations as well, and as such, it is not generally on the radar of younger backpackers and honeymooners.
This means that hotels generally cater to one or two types of the most common tourists. That isn’t to say that there isn’t something for everyone in Guam. It’s just that if you don’t fall into the previously mentioned categories, you may have to look a bit harder for accommodations that are a perfect match for you.
Look at Recent Reviews
We all look at reviews before booking hotels these days. However, reviews can be deceiving. Service levels in hotels, particularly on the budget and mid-tier options, can fluctuate dramatically depending on the management. A hotel that was excellent last year could be pretty awful today and vice versa. We recommend giving more weight to reviews that are less than a year old so that you have a more accurate picture of what to expect.
Always Consider Negative Reviews
While they shouldn’t necessarily be a cause to avoid a hotel, negative reviews can be informative. They can help you spot hotels that do bait and switch tactics, such as the ones that imply free breakfasts and WiFi but then actually charge for them. You’ll also get a clearer picture of the possible drawbacks of choosing a particular hotel.
Make Sure It Has the Right Perks and Amenities
You’re going to want a hotel with reliable air conditioning in Guam, given that the island has 60-90% humidity all-year-round. You’re also going to want to check if the Wi-Fi in your hotel is reliable, especially if you’re in Guam on business. Parking can also be important if you’re planning on renting a car. Of course, free breakfast at the hotel is always welcome as well. It’s also worth noting that some hotels in Guam give discounts to active or retired military personnel.
Always Find the Location on a Map
Circling back to the first point, you want to be extra sure where the hotel is on a map. There is no public transportation in Guam, save for taxis which can be quite expensive. Make sure to take note of the relative distances between the hotel and the points that you want to travel so you can decide whether or not walking is something you might be able to do.
Book Early
Guam can be packed with tourists at certain times of the year, making it especially important to book your hotel accommodations in advance. While chances are that you’ll find a place to stay regardless of how short-notice your trip is, booking ahead of time can greatly improve your chances of finding a hotel that perfectly suits your needs.
Expect to Pay a Little Bit More for Everything
Guam is an island in a relatively remote part of the Pacific. Transportation and fuel costs mean prices are almost always higher for most things than they would be in the mainland US or Asia — including for hotel accommodations. While there are budget options available, always consider that you will have to rethink your concepts of what is cheap or expensive when you plan a trip to Guam.
We hope that you’ve found these tips for finding hotels in Guam useful. Be sure to take your time narrowing down your options and read more about Guam before you book. Come back soon for more tips and updates!
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