When you plan for a vacation, you start with booking the tickets, planning the itinerary, and looking for accommodation. You may already have a few hotel options to choose from, or you may ask friends and family for recommendations. You may also look at places online as multiple platforms offer hotel rooms and resort stays. However, certain errors can make the experience unpleasant, which is you should avoid the following mistakes while booking a room:
Overlooking additional charges
If you are looking at rooms online, the cost you see initially may only be the basic room charges. However, as you proceed with the booking, additional fees and taxes will be added to the cost. So, when you set a budget, it is important to consider room charges, taxes, hidden costs, and additional charges for special requests like booking a pool-side room, in-room kitchen, or seeking pet accommodation. Further, you should contact the hotel before booking the room and talk to them about additional costs other than what is mentioned on its or the travel partner’s website. Without a detailed understanding of room costs, you may end up spending more than you expected. So, avoid being unprepared for surprise costs. Additionally, when looking for accommodation at your destination, try looking for inexpensive options so that extra charges don’t make a huge dent in your total budget. For instance, if traveling to Orlando, look up “cheap hotels Orlando” and try shortlisting cheaper rooms.
Not comparing prices
Comparing hotel prices is an effective step to save money, and it is just a click away. Once you decide on the location, compare room costs using third-party or price comparison websites to avoid rushing and paying an exorbitant price for a cheaper room. Sort the results according to cost and popularity and book on the platform that offers the best rates. Some hotels offer discounts and special prices, however, you should check the conditions for availing of these deals. Besides comparing costs, check out and compare hotels’ facilities like complimentary breakfast, round-the-clock room service, television, mini-bar, cleaning services, or fitness centers. If you are traveling with kids, check if the hotels have playrooms and kid pools. Compare the amenities carefully so that you get the maximum value for your money.
Not checking the hotel website
The benefit of booking through third-party websites is that you can compare prices in one place. However, direct bookings can offer better benefits as hotels are more flexible when guests want to change their dates. Additionally, hotels may cancel the bookings people make through third-party websites if they see a sudden rise in the demand for rooms. They may transfer your booking to another building or property, and you may not have much say. Further, hotels may choose to create customized packages and offer special services like free beverages or airport pick up and drop, which may not be available on third-party sites.
Choosing non-refundable rates
Third-party websites may offer lower rates for certain rooms so hotels can avoid having vacant rooms. Sometimes they may not reveal that the rates are non-refundable, i.e., if you change or cancel your plans due to a family emergency or illness, you may be ineligible for a refund. Before booking and making payment, read the fine print to see if the hotel will issue a refund if the booking is canceled. For instance, when looking for hotels in Orlando, you should check if the cheaper options come with non-refundable rates.
Not checking online reviews
If you find too many complaints and bad reviews left by previous guests on booking websites, you should avoid these hotels even if they offer special rates or discounts. Conduct thorough research and check out the online reviews and comments for the hotel. If you need clarification, you can contact the hotel and address your concerns before booking a room. Also, look at pictures posted by other guests and do not rely solely on the pictures uploaded on the hotel’s website.
Not using credit cards
A frequent traveler may have an exclusive hotel credit card, which can help them save money and earn points to use for airfare or miles. If you own a credit card with rewards programs, you can book at partner hotels and use the rewards. You can redeem these points for free upgrades, free additional night stay, or flight bookings.
Here are a few tips to follow while booking your stay:
Do not consider price as the only criteria for booking. Consider other factors like quality of service and food, amenities, cleanliness, and popularity by checking the ratings and reviews.
If you use third-party websites like Tripadvisor, HotelsCombined, Agoda, Hotels, or Booking, always check the benefits and deals they offer for early booking and full payment. Visit the corresponding hotel’s official website and compare prices.
Register for credit card and hotel loyalty programs so you can use these points and redeem them during your vacation. Credit card companies and hotels offer special benefits like free upgrades, breakfast, or cab services.
The best time to book hotels is two weeks before your stay, even earlier if you visit a destination during the peak tourist season. For instance, you can find cheap hotels in Orlando if you visit during the off-season—September to November.
