When it comes to traveling, the dates and destination are often top priority. Next comes the booking of the flights (or renting of the cars), planning things to do, then choosing a hotel. Whether you are booking a snazzy AirBNB home, or opting for a traditional hotel, there are a few red flags to keep an eye out for before booking. A hotel is more than just a place to rest your head at night, so when you are on the lookout for one, it pays to know what to look for.
Third Party Deals
Did you know that hotels typically reserve their worst rooms for third party deals or bookings through a search engine? It makes sense right? People who book hotels that way are often looking for the best deals, as opposed to staying loyal to a specific hotel chain. Compare the costs you find on third party sites with what is published on the hotel’s website. If the prices are around the same range, you are in good shape. You can also check the hotel’s website or call the concierge directly to see if there are any special promotions.
Read the Reviews
This may seem like an obvious reason, but consider the source when trusting the reviews you see. Look beyond the 5-star ratings to see why the hotel or AirBNB home received that rating. If a person is rating the hotel a 5-star because of the best clubs at the hotel, that doesn’t help your relaxing getaway. Make sure the reviews are relevant to what you are looking for when booking a hotel.
See Through the Fluff
When it comes to real estate (even with hotels), location is always a top selling point. Amazing views, quick access to local accommodations, and being in an area of your choice can be a major selling point when it comes to picking your hotel. With that being said, hotels may be showing pictures of nearby attractions and local tourist spots that have nothing to do with the hotel (except being close to such places). It’s likely a red flag if the hotel has more pictures of what’s around the place, than what the hotel actually offers.
Hone in on the Fine Print
This applies to everything in life – credit card agreements, mortgage disclosures, legal agreements, etc. Reading the fine print is a necessity to making sure you aren’t surprised with how an outcome turns out. When it comes to reserving a hotel, make sure you read everything about the room you are booking. You don’t want to be surprised with a room with a view of a brick wall, so be sure to familiarize yourself with all the details before committing to anything.
Spotting a good hotel isn’t hard when you know what to look for. Don’t be afraid to call the hotel to clear up any confusion before booking. You don’t want to regret anything when you get the chance to get away. Have you been unpleasantly surprised by a hotel before? What happened? Share your experiences with picking hotels and spotting the good ones by posting a comment below!
