What Makes a Stay ‘Worth It’ Now? (It’s Not Just the View)

It used to be simple. A five-star rating, a good location, and a pretty view and the hotel felt like a treat. But the way we travel has changed. Now, more of us are asking deeper questions before we book:
Is this stay worth it? Does it feel good, or just look good? What am I actually getting for my money?

In 2025, a stay is not just a bed for the night - it is part of your routine, your rest, your lifestyle. So what really makes a hotel stay feel worth it now?

1. Comfort That Feels Intentional

It is not about luxury for luxury’s sake. It is about thoughtful comfort, blackout curtains that actually work, a powerful shower, soft towels, a mattress you do not want to leave.

Travellers now notice when a space has been designed for rest, not just style. If it looks stunning but you do not sleep well, it is not worth it.

2. A Feeling of Ease

Check-in should be smooth. Requests should be simple. Breakfast should not feel like a battle. What makes a stay worth it now is low-friction hospitality, a vibe that says, "we’ve thought of that for you."

Guests are not just looking for service. They are looking for a sense of flow.

3. Style That Feels Personal, Not Copy-Paste

A beautiful interior always helps, but travellers in 2025 are craving character. People want to stay somewhere that feels distinct, not decorated for algorithm appeal. Local design, original artwork, even imperfections - these things now add value.

A photo-worthy view is still lovely. But a place with personality? That’s what sticks.

4. Pricing That Makes Sense

Today’s traveller is far more price-aware. They know when something feels inflated. With commission-loaded booking platforms and ever-changing nightly rates, value clarity matters more than ever.

What makes a stay feel worth it is knowing you are paying for what you get, not what the platform takes.

5. A Connection to the Destination

The best stays enhance the destination - they do not just exist in it. Whether it is a handwritten note with local tips, a breakfast with regional produce, or a host who tells you where the actual best bakery is, guests want to feel grounded.

It's not only the location that counts, local experience is what we're after these days.

The Secret Stays Perspective

We believe a stay is only truly “worth it” when it delivers comfort, value, and a reason to return. That is why we built Secret Stays around commission-free pricing, so what you pay reflects the stay, not a hidden markup.

With thousands of hotels and holiday homes to choose from, our members use their access to book places that genuinely feel like a treat.

Because when the stay feels good, the trip does too.