One feature I rely on when booking accommodation is the maps feature on booking platforms, like in the example below, the Booking.com "Show on map" button.

Let's say I was looking for accommodation in Drakensberg, but also wanted to be close to Sani Pass... I would... Sure, I could go filter or type in the words Sani Pass and hope to find best location with easy access to Sani Pass.

But, the Show on map feature is more than just a search tool, it helps me find exactly what I'm looking for by visually clustering properties, lodges or hotels in the area I'm looking to explore.

Here's why the map feature has become my go-to tool. In the screenshot below, I can clearly see the best offers around Sani Pass and would be able to consider the roads traveling to and from. Easy!

The same for when you're looking to be close to the beach. You may want to be close to a specific beach. I mean, the same beach you saw or met "the one that got away" when you were only 16, hoping you might walk into them again. :) Who knows.

I'm glad you asked! Mine is Shelly Beach, and I didn't see her on the beach, I saw her poolside at the Breakerview guesthouse.

Visualizing Property Clusters Makes Planning Easy

One of the biggest advantages of the map view is the ability to see clusters of properties at a glance. When you're searching for accommodations in popular destinations, countless options can appear overwhelming.

Like with the example of Sani Pass, in slightly remote areas like Hoedspruit, you may want to find local activities or attractions and sometimes, those are indicated on the map too, and you'll be able to choose a property in the area.

By toggling to the map view, however, I can:

See clusters of properties in popular or convenient locations, which narrows down my choices without much effort.
Quickly assess which areas are densely populated with accommodation options versus those that are more secluded.

For example, if I'm heading to Cape Town and want to be near the V&A Waterfront, seeing a cluster of properties in that area lets me zoom in on the exact vicinity I want to stay in, saving hours of scrolling through long lists of properties.

Ensuring Proximity to My Final Destination Goal

The location of my accommodation is crucial to the success of my travel plans. Whether it's business or leisure, my final destination goal (like a conference venue, tourist attractions, or family gathering spots) typically dictates where I want to stay.

The show on map feature helps me:

Match property locations with my intended destinations. I can see if a hotel or apartment is within walking distance or if it's situated near public transportation that'll get me to my destination quickly.
Avoid unexpected travel times and plan for convenience. Nothing throws off a travel itinerary like staying too far from your main points of interest.

For instance, on a recent trip to a coastal city, I was able to locate properties that clustered around both popular beach areas and historic downtown sites. With the map, I avoided hotels that seemed close in distance but were actually separated by significant traffic routes or lack of direct access.

Filter, Compare, and Select in Real-Time

These map features is interactive, which means I'm not just passively viewing locations, I can also apply filters directly to the map view , filtering by price, rating, amenities, and more. Here's how this flexibility improves my experience:

I can compare properties within the same area. This is particularly useful when I've zeroed in on a cluster of accommodations and want to find the one that best fits my criteria.
Real-time updates on the map adjust instantly with my filters, so I can focus only on the properties that meet my requirements.

For example, if I'm looking for a beachfront property under R2000 per night, I can set those filters, and the map will only show accommodations that fit those criteria in the area I'm exploring. This is a huge timesaver compared to filtering on the main list and trying to imagine their locations relative to each other.

The Benefit of Seeing Surrounding Amenities

Finding accommodation isn't only about the hotel itself; it's about what's nearby. By using the map feature, I can easily:

Spot surrounding amenities like restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores.
Check the property's distance to transit hubs, which is ideal for planning my daily itinerary and ensures easy access to other parts of the city.

When staying in a new city, seeing that my accommodation is surrounded by dining options, pharmacies, or other conveniences lets me plan for a comfortable stay without the need for extensive research on the neighborhood.

Enhancing the Travel Experience Through Exploration

Using the map has also added an element of discovery to my trip planning. The map feature sometimes introduces me to new neighborhoods I hadn't considered, giving me a broader perspective on the destination:

Exploring beyond tourist zones: Often, I find clusters of properties outside the main tourist hotspots. These areas might be quieter, more affordable, or offer a unique, local perspective of the city.
Finding hidden gems: Scrolling through a map sometimes uncovers small bed-and-breakfasts, boutique hotels, or eco-lodges that aren't as prominent on the main list.

The visual experience allows me to explore these options with ease, adding a touch of adventure to the planning phase and often resulting in a richer travel experience.

Why Map View Over List View?

While list views certainly have their place in booking platforms, the map view usually provides a layer of contextual insight that a list can't match.

With a map:

I can intuitively understand the layout of a city, ensuring my accommodation is ideally situated for my needs.
It's easier to make informed decisions based on visual proximity rather than textual descriptions that may not always be clear.

For anyone who finds location to be a primary factor when booking accommodation, the map feature is a powerful tool that adds convenience and insight to the search process.

Why the Map Feature Stands Out for Me

This map view is an essential part of my accommodation search process because it allows me to:

View property clusters and plan accordingly
Ensure the best proximity to my final destination, close to the beach maybe?
Filter and compare properties in real-time
Enhance the travel experience through area exploration or see if there's any areas I would like to avoid.

The next time you're planning a trip, try using the map feature on the booking platform, it will save you time and might just change the way you look for accommodation in the future.