The U.S. territory of Guam has a unique history, culture and geography, all of which are far more important than the island's rather modest size would suggest. Its beaches, unique culture, large U.S. military presence, upscale shopping centers and investor-friendly laws make it a destination for visitors from all over the Asia-Pacific region.
While this popularity means there is no shortage of accommodations, finding the best hotels in Guam can sometimes be a challenge. Here are a few ways to ensure you find the right hotel for your needs.
Always consider location
Guam is only 32 miles long, but that doesn't mean the location of the hotel doesn't matter. You will always want a hotel that is geographically close to the places you need to visit. While renting a car is not a problem in Guam, you can save a lot of time and money by booking a hotel that is within walking distance of your main destination. Booking a hotel near the places you need to visit also means lower rates for cabs and carpooling services.
Find out what type of clientele the hotel caters to
Tourism is a major industry on Guam, accounting for about a third of all jobs on the island. That said, there is not a wide variety of visitors.
Guam is quite popular with tourists from Korea, China and Japan, as well as retired military personnel and their relatives. Business travelers from Asia and the Americas are the third largest group of travelers to the territory.
Tourists of other types are less well represented. The general age of travelers to Guam is somewhat older than most other tourist destinations, and as such, Guam is generally not on the radar of young backpackers and honeymooners.
This means that hotels generally cater to one or two of the more common types of tourists. That's not to say there isn't something for everyone in Guam. But if you don't fit into the categories mentioned above, you may have to look a little further to find accommodations that are perfect for you.
Check out recent reviews
These days, we all look at reviews before booking a hotel. However, reviews can be misleading. Service levels in hotels, especially in budget and mid-range hotels, can fluctuate greatly depending on the management. A hotel that was excellent last year may be awful today and vice versa. We recommend that you give more weight to reviews that are less than a year old to get a better idea of what to expect.
Always consider negative reviews
While not necessarily a reason to avoid a hotel, negative reviews can be informative. They can help you spot hotels that practice bait-and-switch tactics, such as those that imply that breakfast and WiFi are free but charge for them. You'll also get a clearer picture of the potential drawbacks of a given hotel.
Make sure it has the right perks and amenities
You'll want a hotel with reliable air conditioning in Guam, as the island has 60-90% humidity year-round. You'll also want to check if your hotel's Wi-Fi is reliable, especially if you're in Guam on business. Parking can also be important if you plan to rent a car. Of course, a free breakfast at the hotel is always welcome. It's also worth noting that some Guam hotels give discounts to active or retired military personnel.
Always find the location on a map
Going back to the first point, you need to be very sure of the location of the hotel on a map. There is no public transportation in Guam, except for cabs which can be quite expensive. Take note of the relative distances between the hotel and the points you wish to travel to decide whether or not you can walk.
Book early
Guam can be crowded with tourists at certain times of the year, so it is especially important to book your hotel early. While there's a good chance you'll find a place to stay, even if your trip is short term, booking early can greatly improve your chances of finding a hotel that perfectly suits your needs.
Expect to pay a little more for everything
Guam is an island located in a relatively remote part of the Pacific. Transportation and fuel costs mean that prices are almost always higher for most things than they would be on the U.S. mainland or in Asia - including hotel rooms. While there are economical options, always keep in mind that you will need to rethink your concepts of what is cheap or expensive when planning a trip to Guam.
We hope these tips for finding hotels in Guam have been helpful. Be sure to take the time to narrow down your options and learn about Guam before you book. Check back soon for more tips and updates