Read this before finalizing your hotel choice.

Booking a hotel room seems straightforward. Simply accessing the internet and clicking “book” might appear sufficient. However, prior to confirming your stay, it’s essential to take a few moments to consider your specific needs, wants, and expectations for your entire trip. This process begins with one critical factor: location, location, location.

“Many travelers select a hotel primarily based on its visual appeal in photographs but neglect to consider the significance of its location,” explains Brandon Berkson, founder of Hotels Above Par. “Beyond ensuring the neighborhood is safe, guests should prioritize proximity to their desired attractions, restaurants, and shops. Creating a map of their points of interest can simplify the process of shortlisting suitable hotels.”

Choosing the Right Location

Here are six common pitfalls to avoid when securing hotel accommodations, as outlined by seasoned hotel experts.

Getting Complete Information About the Room

John P. McMahon, the president and CEO of Five Star Alliance, emphasizes the importance of communicating with hotel representatives before making a reservation. “Exploring booking options that feature live customer service can provide essential insights,” he explains. “Many niche market sites cater to luxury travel, adventures, and honeymoons, and they often provide help in the booking process.”

Jim Augerinos, president of Perfect Honeymoons, supports this notion. He notes that working with a travel consultant can yield additional perks due to established relationships with hotel staff.

Questioning Inexpensive Rates

When you encounter a price that seems too good to be true, it often is. Thus, McMahon advises inquiring about every detail. “Questions like ‘Is there construction happening at the hotel?’ are essential,” he says. Reflecting on his experience, he recalls the time he checked into a Tampa hotel only to find that the windows were blocked for facade cleaning, obstructing his view.

Augerinos highlights the importance of asking about additional fees, such as resort fees, taxes, and service charges that could inflate the final cost. “Hotels often keep such information concealed until payment time, turning a seemingly affordable $199 room into a near $300 expense,” he cautions. It’s also wise to request written details regarding cancellation penalties.

Verifying Wi-Fi Reliability

While disconnecting during a vacation can be appealing, asking about the availability of reliable Wi-Fi is essential for those planning to work remotely or stay connected. As Berkson articulates, “Fast and dependable Wi-Fi is a vital necessity for many travelers, particularly those who often work on the go. Slow connectivity can lead to stress and frustration, affecting productivity significantly.”

Avoiding Non-refundable Rates

Augerinos warns against the pitfalls of booking non-refundable rates. “Even if they appear cheaper by $20, once your credit card is charged, you forfeit any chance of a refund under any circumstances,” he remarks. Securing written confirmation of your reservation, including a confirmation number, is recommended to safeguard against potential issues.

Considering Room Upgrades

Hotels frequently offer undisclosed perks and enhancements. According to McMahon, travel advisors can be invaluable in uncovering these opportunities. “With established relationships among hotel management, travel advisors can facilitate automatic upgrades,” he adds.

If booking independently, Augerinos advises utilizing kindness when dealing with front desk personnel. “Often, staff interact with stressed or hurried customers; by being engaging and pleasant, you may increase your chances of receiving an upgrade.” Additionally, he suggests honeymooners follow their hotel on social media and tag them to draw attention to their reservation prior to arrival.

Utilizing Professional Travel Assistance

Both McMahon and Augerinos underline the advantages of enlisting professional travel help. “Travel advisors possess knowledge of destinations that surpasses typical hotel information,” states McMahon. “Hotels may advertise their proximity to attractions, but travelers need to understand what ‘central location’ truly entails and during what timeframe.”

Augerinos adds that travel advisors often possess insights about superior destinations, dining options, and entertainment, making them more beneficial than personal research via online platforms.