What to keep in mind when making a hotel reservation

 

The rise of online booking has made it easier than ever to locate hotels. However, at the same time, the process can be pretty daunting due to the sheer amount of information and opinions. However, it is possible to reserve a hotel that fulfills all requirements with a little focused research.

 

1. Read real reviews - not just scores.

Real reviews written by people who have stayed in a hotel can be very helpful. Hotels that get high marks on a consistent basis are worth looking into, but it's important to read the reviews themselves as well as the overall score.

Look for guests who were on a trip that was similar to yours, whether they were traveling alone, with a family, or in a group, and find out what they liked and didn't like about it.

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2. Use the stars only as a guide.

The countries that are members of the European Hotelstars Union are standardized, but other than that, it's a little bit of a free-for-all. A country with four stars might only get three stars in another.

Additionally, facilities that may not appeal to all guests are taken into account when calculating the star rating. In the United Kingdom, for instance, most hotels must offer room service round-the-clock in order to earn four or five stars. Even if a hotel is charming and provides excellent service, it may be difficult for it to earn a lot of stars.

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3. Be careful where you stay.

It shouldn't come as a surprise that some of the cheapest hotels are in outlying areas. However, what might appear to be a bargain may not be so great if it requires lengthy bus or taxi rides to get anywhere. This has the potential to increase the overall cost as well as make a vacation into a chore.

To compare alternatives, consult the maps in your travel guide or the map view on Booking.com. It's a good idea to look at where the main attractions are and how difficult it will be to get there if there are a lot of hotels in a particular area.

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4. Make sure you have the right amenities.

Don't assume that a hotel has particular amenities or that you can use them for free. For instance, some hotels, including major chains' properties, continue to charge for wifi.

Parking, a spa, a swimming pool, or a gym are among the other amenities to look for. You should ensure that their requirements are met if you are traveling with children or pets.

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5. Keep an eye out for extras that aren't listed in the price.

For instance, breakfast will typically come at a significant additional cost in many hotels. Going to a café each morning might be a good idea if there is a significant difference between the two.

Room tax is another added cost that should be avoided because it might not be included in the advertised price.

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6. It's not good to wait until the last minute to make a reservation.

Only you will find out that your ideal hotel is full. Even if you think you might change your mind, it's always worth making your reservation early because most reservations can be canceled for free up until the day before your arrival.

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