Hotel Booking: What to Check Before You Book

Hotel photos and descriptions paint optimistic pictures. Understanding what to verify before booking prevents disappointment.

Location Reality

Hotels described as "near city center" may be 30-45 minutes away by public transport. Check actual distance and transport options rather than relying on vague proximity claims.

Safety varies dramatically within cities. Research neighborhood safety, especially for late arrivals or early departures when you'll be traveling in darkness.

Room Types and Accuracy

Standard room sizes differ globally. A European standard room may be half the size of a comparable North American room. Square footage listings, when available, provide more reliable size information than category names.

Photos typically show the best rooms, not average ones. Reviews mentioning specific room differences reveal reality better than official photos.

Amenity Verification

Free WiFi doesn't always mean adequate WiFi. Reviews mentioning speed and reliability indicate whether connectivity meets your needs.

Air conditioning availability varies more than expected. Some European hotels lack AC entirely. In warm climates, verify cooling systems before booking.

Fee Structures

Resort fees, tourism taxes, and city charges often don't appear in initial prices. These can add 10-30% to advertised rates. Check the final price before confirming booking.

Breakfast included may mean buffet breakfast or just continental. Verify what's actually provided to assess value.

Cancellation Policies

Flexible rates cost 10-20% more than non-refundable options but provide security for uncertain plans. Calculate the premium against likelihood of changes to determine value.

Cancellation deadlines vary from 24 hours to several weeks before arrival. Understand the specific deadline for each booking.

Review Analysis

Recent reviews matter more than old ones. Hotels change management, complete renovations, or decline in quality. Focus on reviews from the past 3-6 months.

Consistent complaints across multiple reviews indicate real issues. One negative review may be an outlier, but repeated mentions of the same problem signal legitimate concerns.

Direct Booking vs Third-Party

Booking directly often provides better customer service and easier modifications. Some hotels also price-match third-party rates if you call them.

Third-party bookings sometimes complicate special requests or loyalty program credit. Verify how booking method affects benefits you want.

Noise Factors

Street-facing rooms in busy areas can be loud. Request upper floors or interior-facing rooms in urban locations.

Proximity to elevators, ice machines, and conference facilities affects noise levels. These details rarely appear in booking information but significantly impact sleep quality.

Bed Configurations

Double bed means different things in different regions. European double beds are often two twins pushed together, not a single large mattress.

Verify exact bed setup if this matters to you. Photos and descriptions don't always clarify configuration clearly.

Bathroom Standards

Ensuite bathrooms aren't universal, especially in budget accommodations. Verify private bathroom versus shared facilities.

Shower preferences matter. Some travelers prefer tubs, others find shower-only adequate. Photos should show bathroom setup clearly.

Check-in Timing

Standard check-in times (typically 3-4 PM) may not align with arrival times. Early check-in availability varies and may cost extra.

Late check-in policies differ. Some hotels accommodate late arrivals easily, others require advance notice or charge fees.

Parking Considerations

Parking fees often equal or exceed room price in major cities. If driving, factor parking cost into total accommodation expense.

On-site versus nearby parking affects convenience. Off-site parking might save money but add inconvenience.

Family Accommodations

Extra person charges apply in many hotels. Verify whether children stay free and age limits for this policy.

Connecting rooms versus family suites serve different needs. Clarify room configuration when booking for families.

Loyalty Programs

Hotel loyalty programs accumulate value faster than airline programs for frequent business travelers. Free nights often provide better value than airline awards.

Status benefits (room upgrades, late checkout) improve trip quality for regular hotel guests. Concentrate stays with one or two chains to maximize benefits.

Seasonal Considerations

Prices fluctuate based on local events, holidays, and seasons. A hotel that's affordable most of the year may triple prices during major events.

Demand during your dates affects service quality. Fully-booked hotels may provide slower service than those running at normal occupancy.

Alternative Accommodation

Apartments and vacation rentals work better than hotels for longer stays or when kitchen access provides value.

Hostels aren't just for young budget travelers. Private rooms in hostels offer hotel-like privacy at lower costs with social common areas.

Travel information changes frequently. Verify details before booking. Travel involves risk.