NEWS
11 Common Mistakes with Booking Hotels and How to Avoid Them
Forty-nine percent of traveling American adults expect to stay at a hotel chain establishment. With good reason.
Hotel chains have a long history of providing a consistent and predictable experience. They can also offer a wide variety of room types, amenities, and services at different price points.
However, booking a hotel is a task that many people don’t enjoy. The process can be tedious and intimidating, with many options to consider.
You can make mistakes with booking hotels that can cost you money or inconvenience. If you are wondering how to avoid common mistakes with choosing hotel rooms, this short and simple guide is for you.
1. Booking Directly With the Hotel
While it’s tempting to book directly with a hotel, doing so can often result in higher prices.
Many hotels will offer a discount when you book directly with them. However, these discounts are often only available if you book their most expensive rooms or suites.
If you don’t need those extra features or amenities, booking through an online travel agency can save you some money.
2. Not Booking in Advance Enough
It’s always a good idea to book in advance, especially if you have specific dates in mind.
Hotel rates can vary significantly from season to season, and even from day to day. If you wait until the last minute before booking your room, chances are that you’ll pay an arm and a leg for it.
If you have a specific date in mind, book as early as possible to ensure that your trip will go smoothly.
3. Selecting All Your Perks at Once
If you’re booking a hotel room, it’s tempting to select every perk and add-on possible.
But if you do this, the cost of your stay will skyrocket. Instead, choose only those perks that are truly important to you, like free breakfast or parking, and ignore all others.
This way, your hotel stay will be cheaper than if you had booked everything on the list.
4. Not Checking the Hotel’s Location
When you’re booking a hotel room, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of planning your trip. But don’t forget that location is key when choosing your accommodations.
If you’re traveling on business, for instance, stay near your client’s office. If you’re going on vacation with your family and kids, consider booking a hotel that is close to attractions and restaurants.
5. Choosing the Wrong Type of Hotel
If you’re a frequent traveler, then you know there are many types of hotels to choose from. You can choose from budget hotels, luxury resorts, boutique hotels, or even hostels.
Don’t just pick the first one you see. Consider what kind of hotel will suit your needs and budget.
6. Overlooking Hidden Fees
Hidden fees are the worst, especially when you’re trying to plan a budget trip.
You want to know exactly how much you’ll pay for your accommodations so that you can stay within your budget. Hidden fees can include things like resort fees or parking surcharges.
Be aware of these fees so that you can budget for them.
7. Thinking Star Ratings Matter
Star ratings are a quick way to judge the quality of your hotel.
But they don’t tell you everything about what you’re getting. You need to do some research about the hotel itself and see if it fits your needs before booking.
If you know what you want, then star ratings can help you find an excellent hotel. Otherwise, they’re just another piece of information to consider in your decision-making process.
8. Not Checking Cancellation Fees
If you’re booking a hotel room on the fly, then it’s easy to forget about cancellation fees.
But if you find yourself unable to use your reservation, then those fees can add up quickly. Check the cancellation policy before you book your room.
If you’re not sure, then call the hotel to ask if there is a cancellation fee and, if so, how much it will be.
9. Forgetting to Read the Fine Print
When you book a hotel room, you might think that you’re done. In reality, there is more to know than just the price of your reservation.
The fine print can contain information about your stay, from when you can check out to what amenities they include in the room.
Make sure that you read the fine print before booking a hotel room. If there is something important that you don’t see, then ask about it.
10. Being Tricked by Misleading Photos
There are many ways that hotels can trick you with their photos.
They might use filters that make the room look nicer than it is. Or they could have taken the photo on a day when everything was tidy and clean.
If you want to see what the hotel looks like, then ask for a video tour instead of just photos.
11. Ignoring Reviews From Fellow Travelers
It’s always a good idea to read online customer reviews of the hotel before booking.
You want to find out if anyone else has had trouble with the place and how they resolved it. This will help you avoid problems before they happen.
The more reviews that you read, the better your chances of avoiding an awful experience. If you’re looking for excellent accommodation options for everyone with great reviews, click here.
Avoid These Mistakes With Booking Hotels
The key to avoiding these common mistakes with booking hotels is to make sure you are well-informed.
Doing your research, reading reviews, and asking questions can help you avoid any unpleasant surprises. The more information you have at your disposal, the more likely it is that you will end up with exactly what you want.
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