What do you look for in a host?

[globalgoods]

It'd be interesting to see what fellow members would be looking for in a web hosting company -besides the standards (reliable support, great uptime etc...).

[James_j]

Hi well,
I give first preference to server uptime and good bandwidth transfer, next 24/7 hours good customer support,

[eukhost]

Apart from the points mentioned above like server uptime and 24/7 support, its also important to check for how long the hosting company has been in the business.

[SagoBarry]

Uptime, 24/7 Support, Providers, and reviews on the web. If they own their own Dc can be important to.

[ASP-Hosting.ca]

Uptime and quality support. Also what other customer are saying about the company.

[ASP-Hosting.ca]

it is really very good that uptime and 24/7 support have become the standards, it will be much better when at least 80% of the hosting companies will follow the standards

I don't think you will find a webhosting company offering than 99% uptime and without 24/7 support. The questions is do they really provide the service they promise...

[charlesgan]

features, support, and good feedback from forum users.

[micksss]

Features/Extras, uptime, customer support, positive customer feedback/reviews, and price.

[Bodhost]

In order to opt for the best web hosting company, the following are the essentials -

a) High-configurations with low cost
b) Basic Needs and Requirements
c) Excellent Uptime Guarantee
d) 24/7 Tech 03 / Customer Support
e) Additional Features and Regular Updates

[alemcherry]

I will suggest looking for:
1. Support
2. Reputation(not the one which started today and might close tomorrow)
3. Features and control panel(no safe mode, mini control panel etc.)
4. Price
5. Uptime and money back gurantee
so on...

[CassieE]

I would have to say price, support and features

[sharon]

As first what is server specification (cpu's, memory etc..), then server up time then quick searching on SE to find of someone post his experience with company and finally price.

[mesasa]

I'm guessing a lot of people would ask any friends/colleagues with their own sites about their experiences. In my opinion just looking at price for a given basic spec and assuming everything else is equivalent is dangerous.
I wouldn't worry too much about data center location unless it's on a different continent (connection speeds) and/or a very different timezone (support hours). I'd look within the same country first though.
24/7 support is nice to have but do you rule out a host who doesn't have it? I'd suggest not, unless it's for a mission-critical dedicated server.