12 mistakes when booking a hotel room: expert advice
Booking is a familiar process that seems elementary and the easiest thing to do when preparing for a trip. However, even it can have its hidden pitfalls and cause a ruined vacation.
Travelers can make mistakes when booking and checking into a room. Some of them are quite obvious, but there are also exceptions that you should know about in advance. HuffPost has collected expert opinions that should help you save your trip and check into your room comfortably.
Choosing a hotel based solely on price
No matter how attractive the price is, you should focus on factors such as reviews and location. Konrad Waliszewski, CEO of @hotel, a booking resource, believes that it is better to give preference to a hotel with a convenient location.
"Saving a few dollars by staying a little further away from your favorite neighborhoods and entertainment may seem tempting at first glance, but it can lead to disappointment and increased time and money spent on transportation during your trip," said Waliszewski.
Resort fees
It may come as a surprise, but some hotels and third-party booking sites often hide the cost of resort fees until the actual time of booking. Phil Dengler, co-founder of The Vacationer, says it's best to look for information about resort fees before booking. This way, you can understand how much you will have to pay per night.
"On third-party booking sites, you can often find them at the bottom of the list. If you don't see them, just go to the final booking page," says Dengler.
Parking fees
Some travelers assume that parking services are included in the booking price. However, this service may not be included in the room rate. Additionally, some hotels may not offer parking facilities, so it's best to find out in advance.
Booking cancellation policy
Collette Stoler, a travel agent at Elite Travel Arrangements and marketing director for Roamaroo, said: "While non-refundable rates can save you a few dollars, the hotel will not refund you under any circumstances if you need to cancel your reservation."
So, if you encounter an unforeseen circumstance, you won't be able to cancel your reservation and get your money back. Being aware of the cancellation policy will allow you to remain flexible in case of any unexpected events. However, make sure to check the cancellation deadlines according to the local time.
Booking with a debit card
"Credit cards not only earn points but also offer purchase protection that cash and debit cards lack," recommends Phil Dengler.
According to him, booking rooms with credit cards can sometimes provide a certain percentage of the booking price back, as well as insurance coverage in case of travel cancellation or interruption.
Third-party booking platforms
Victoria Yore, a travel blogger and author of Follow Me Away, sees an issue with booking rooms through third-party services and websites. According to her, when booking directly through the hotel's website, you can contact them directly if any issues arise and receive immediate assistance. Additionally, hotels will assist directly with resolving any cancellation matters.
The wrong location is booked
It is quite possible that you booked one place and it was in a completely different location. This can happen because of similar hotel names, which can be in completely different countries.
Meg Gerrard, co-founder of Solo Female Travelers, said: "It's quite easy to make a mistake if you search for hotels on booking platforms and then go directly to the hotel's website to book a room. You may not pay attention to the location if you just Google the name of the hotel and choose the first option that comes up."
That's why you should be especially careful when booking, and don't be afraid to call the hotel once again to confirm the address and learn more about the hotel.
Incorrect dates
As with the wrong address, people can often make a mistake when booking by entering incorrect dates. So, be sure to check the dates you've selected to make sure they fit your travel plans.
Re-evaluate loyalty programs
Konrad Waliszewski says it's best to assess the benefits you can get in advance versus the additional costs you may incur.
"It is very important to know the real value of your points and status, and to be careful not to spend more money just to book a room under a certain brand if it really doesn't add value to your stay," said the CEO of @hotel booking resource.
Room upgrades
If you call the day before your arrival and ask for a room upgrade, you can definitely get the best vacation possible. Besides, even if an upgrade seems unlikely, it never hurts to just ask.
Improper planning
Booking in advance will help you to better immerse yourself in the topic and find more interesting and advantageous offers. Gordon Gurnick, COO of Hilton Grand Vacation, believes that: "Planning ahead is crucial because trying to find accommodations at the last minute will likely mean sacrificing the perfect trip or opting for a more expensive choice."
Choose rooms with city views and desired amenities
"To ensure you get the most out of your stay, I recommend researching where you want to stay and what amenities are important to you. For example, do you want your hotel to have a pool, gym, or airport shuttle? Are your dates flexible? How many beds and rooms do you need for a comfortable stay?" says Gurnick.
