I have been travelling over India and abroad for more than a decade, and there have been times when an ideal vacation can turn sour due to the wrong choice of hotel booking.
Planning a holiday can be exciting as the holiday itself. The hotel you choose can significantly impact your experience, making it an important step. Whether you're travelling solo or with family, avoiding these common mistakes can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.
When it comes to hotel booking, it’s easy to overlook small details that can lead to discomfort or financial losses later. From choosing the wrong location to ignoring cancellation policies, these common mistakes can turn a relaxing vacation into a stressful experience.
1. Why Location Matters When Hotel Booking
A hotel's location is one of the most important factors when making a booking. You might be drawn to a luxurious hotel with stunning views or a poolside bar, but if it's far from the places you plan to visit, you could spend a lot of time and money on travel.
To tell you about my personal experience of my solo trip to Jaipur, I booked a gorgeous hotel, but it was 20 kilometres from the city centre. While the hotel was peaceful, the daily commute to the tourist spots drained both my energy and budget.
This made me aware of the fact that it's always beneficial to book centrally located hotels, even if they are less flashy.
Pro tip for solo tourists: Ensure your hotel is close to public transport options, so you can explore with ease and avoid hefty taxi fares.
2. Set a budget for the holidays and stick to it.
Many travellers get carried away when they see a fancy hotel with lots of amenities. However, booking outside your budget can lead to unnecessary financial stress. Always check for any hidden charges such as taxes, service fees, or charges for extra services like laundry or late check-outs.
While planning a family trip to places like Goa, we can get attracted to a beachfront resort that looks perfect. However, the overall cost could easily go over budget if taxes, meals, and extra amenities are taken into account. Looking for a reasonably priced hotel with excellent ratings and comparable amenities is far more convenient.
Tip for solo explorers: If you’re travelling alone, you might not need all the extra amenities like a pool or gym, so look for budget-friendly hotels offering clean, basic facilities.
3. Check the hotel's facilities and hygiene.
It's essential to check if the hotel provides basic facilities that align with your needs. Families may need a kid’s area, pet-friendly accommodations, or a swimming pool. Hygiene is equally important, especially post-COVID. Always check recent reviews about cleanliness.
If you are travelling with kids, it's best to check if the hotel has a kids' play area. The vacation might be spoilt if the hotel has no activities for kids, making it difficult to keep my little ones entertained.
Pro-tip for solo travellers: If you’re a digital nomad or someone working on the go, ensure the hotel has free and fast Wi-Fi.
4. Importance of Reading Reviews Before Hotel Booking
User reviews are invaluable when choosing a hotel. Look for reviews on popular travel websites, Google, and social media platforms. Make sure to read both positive and negative feedback, paying attention to comments about cleanliness, staff behaviour, and service quality.
Ignoring the reviews and thinking it wouldn’t matter for a one-day trip or a two-day trip is a big mistake! The hotel could turn out to be poorly maintained.
Solo travellers often need a safe environment. Reviews can give you insight into the safety of the hotel and its neighbourhood, which is crucial when travelling alone.
5. Understanding cancellation policies for a safe hotel booking
Plans can change unexpectedly, so understanding the hotel’s cancellation and refund policy is crucial. Some hotels may charge a cancellation fee or provide a partial refund, while others offer flexible policies.
It happened to me on one of my trips to Kerala, I had to cancel at the last moment. Luckily, I had checked the hotel’s cancellation policy beforehand and got most of my money refunded.
Tip for solo travellers: If you are a spontaneous traveller and often change plans, choose hotels with flexible or last-minute cancellation policies.
6. Compare prices across multiple platforms
Take your time to research various hotels don’t just book the first hotel on the list. Take the time to compare prices and amenities online on various travel websites. Often, you might find different offers or discounts on one platform over another.
Sometimes, booking directly with the hotel might also get you a better deal.
Solo travellers can benefit from travel apps that offer loyalty programs or discounts for single bookings.
7. Confirm Your Booking
Always ensure you receive a confirmation email after making your hotel reservation. It should include your name, booking dates, room type, and payment details. If you don’t get this email, follow up with the hotel to avoid any last-minute surprises.
Imagine reaching your perfect holiday destination only to find that your booking was never confirmed. To avoid this, always call the hotel a couple of days in advance to reconfirm booking, especially when travelling solo.
Considering age for a family-friendly hotel booking
Overlooking factors like age and accessibility can lead to surprises during your trip. Not all hotels are equally suited for younger kids.
For example, during my research on the Maldives, I discovered that overwater villas often have age restrictions due to safety concerns—something I hadn’t considered before. It's the same with safari lodges, where certain areas may not be ideal for families with young children. On the flip side, many family-friendly hotels offer daycare or babysitting services, though the costs and availability might depend on your child's age. Always double-check these details with the hotel or your travel agent to avoid any last-minute hassles.
Benefits of Using a Credit Card for Hotel Booking
Using a credit card when booking a hotel comes with perks that a debit card or bank transfer can't match. By paying with your credit card, you might earn rewards like cashbacks, discounts, complimentary services, or even airline miles.
Most hotels ask for your card details during the booking process, and using a credit card adds an extra layer of security against fraud or billing errors. If you're a frequent traveller, it’s worth choosing a credit card that offers plenty of travel-related benefits.
Conclusion
Booking a hotel can be a straightforward process if you keep a few essential factors in mind. Prioritizing location, budget, and reviews can help you find a hotel that fits your needs, whether you're travelling with family or solo. By comparing prices, checking cancellation policies, and confirming your reservation in advance, you can avoid last-minute hassles and ensure a comfortable stay. The right hotel choice will enhance your travel experience, making your trip enjoyable and stress-free. So, plan wisely and avoid these common mistakes to make your next hotel booking a seamless experience!
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