Booking the right hotel is one of the most important parts of planning a trip. Whether you’re looking for luxury hotels in top destinations or cheap hotels that don’t sacrifice comfort, the ability to easily book hotels that meet your specific preferences can make all the difference.
From finding the best hotel deals to making sure your hotel room ticks all your boxes, we’ve got you covered.
Know Your Priorities
Booking the right hotel isn’t just about somewhere to sleep. It’s about choosing a home away from home that elevates your entire trip. The right accommodation can make all the difference, turning an average trip into an amazing one.
Whether you’re looking for luxury hotels with premier amenities or cheap hotels that save you money without sacrificing comfort, knowing how to navigate and find the best hotel options can be a total game-changer.
With so many hotels worldwide, finding the perfect one can seem like a daunting task. To find hotels, you need to locate various types of accommodations across multiple booking platforms, emphasizing the ease of finding hotel deals, and using specific strategies and tools to streamline the hotel-searching process.
The secret to success lies in knowing your priorities, using smart booking techniques, and avoiding common mistakes.
Location: Find Cheap Hotels
When booking the right hotel, location is often the top priority. You can be in a city or the countryside, and being close to what you want to see and do can make or break your trip.
For example, if you’re in a big city, you might want to stay in the center, where you can walk to the main attractions, restaurants, and shops. Or, if you’re looking to relax, a hotel in a quieter area, away from the noise and chaos, might be more your style.
- To find the best location, start by mapping out what you want to see.
- Then, search for hotels within walking distance or, if necessary, public transport.
A good deal on a hotel room isn’t worth it if you spend hours each day commuting.
Budget and Amenities for Hotel Room
Balancing budget and facilities is key when you’re looking for cheap hotels that still tick your boxes.
What are your non-negotiables? For some guests, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi are essentials; for others, it’s a pool or room service. Knowing what you value most will help you narrow it down.
Luxury hotels have many extras, but cheap hotels can be great value if you know the price and what you want. Many budget hotels have comfortable rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, and even free breakfast, which can save you money during your stay.
Type of Accommodation
Different trips require different types of accommodation. Ask yourself:
- Am I solo, with family, or for business?
- Am I looking for a hotel with a social buzz or a quiet hideaway?
Answer these questions, and you’ll know what type of hotel rooms will suit you best. For example:
- Solo travellers might prefer boutique hotels with unique experiences,
- Families might look for larger properties with family-friendly facilities like interconnecting rooms and kids’ play areas,
- Business travelers often prioritize hotels with a business center, conference spaces, and high-speed internet.
Use Smart Booking Techniques
One of the best ways to find cheap hotels is to make a well-informed hotel reservation at the right time. Hotel prices change based on demand, and understanding these patterns can help you get the best deal while addressing common issues that can arise during the booking process.
Generally booking 2-3 months in advance will get you the best hotel deals, prices and dates, especially in popular destinations.
But for last-minute travelers, apps like HotelTonight can offer big discounts if you book a hotel room on their site on the day and date of your stay.
Compare Prices Across Platforms
Don’t settle for the first price you see. To get the best hotel rates, compare prices across multiple booking platforms like Expedia and Booking.com and search on the hotel’s own website.
Sometimes, you can get a better deal by booking directly with the hotel. Some properties offer discounted rates or bonuses, like free breakfast, if you book directly.
Use price comparison tools like Google Hotels or Kayak. These tools aggregate prices from different search platforms and show you the lowest rate available.
Remember to check the site for any additional charges that aren’t included in the initial price of the hotel reservation, such as resort fees or parking charges, which can increase the cost of your stay.
Use Loyalty Programs and Discounts
Loyalty programs can be a lifesaver when booking hotels.
- Many hotel chains offer loyalty points that can be redeemed for free nights or upgrades.
- If you’re a frequent traveler, signing up for a loyalty program will save you money in the long run.
- If you’re not a frequent traveler, joining loyalty programs is usually free and can get you late check-out or complimentary room upgrades.
- Also, look for discounts through organizations like AAA, AARP, or corporate affiliations.
These memberships will give you access to discounted hotel stays and rates, adding another layer of savings to your booking strategy.
Read Hotel Reviews and Ratings
Hotel reviews are one of the most important resources when booking the right hotel, but they need to be interpreted carefully. Verified reviews enhance user experience and build credibility and trust in the hotel selection and reservation process.
- Start by looking for reviews from verified guests. These are more likely to be honest, first-hand accounts of the hotel experience.
- Look for recurring themes in the reviews, like comments on cleanliness, customer service, and noise levels.
- Also, consider the context of the reviews. A 3-star rating might be disappointing for a luxury hotel, but for a budget hotel, it could mean the hotel is great value for money.
- A negative review about a busy location might not be a deal breaker if you’re looking for a hotel in the city center.
Star Ratings vs. User Reviews
Star ratings give you a quick overview of a property or hotel’s quality but don’t always tell the full story. Star ratings are often based on the range of facilities offered rather than the quality of those features.
A 5-star hotel with a pool and gym might not be as well maintained as a 3-star hotel with great service and clean rooms.
User reviews, on the other hand, give insights into the actual human experience of staying at the hotel. By combining star ratings and user reviews, you can get a better understanding of what to expect from a hotel.
Contact the Hotel Directly
Once you’ve found a hotel that meets your needs, contact the hotel directly to see if they can give you a better rate. Hotels save money on commission fees when you book directly with them, so they might be willing to give you a discount or throw in extras like free breakfast or parking.
When you contact the hotel, be polite but firm. Mention any lower rates you’ve found on other booking platforms and ask if they can match or beat the price.
Even if they can’t offer you a lower rate, they might be able to upgrade your room or provide other extras to improve your stay.
Special Requests and Customisations
Another benefit of booking direct with the hotel is you can make special requests and customisations. Whether you need a room on a lower floor, early check-in or late check-out, communicating direct with the hotel increases the chances of your requests being met.
Hotels are more flexible with guests who book directly. By having a direct line of communication, you can ensure your specific needs are met, and your stay is more comfortable and tailored to your preferences.
Watch Out For
Let’s discuss which common pitfalls are better to avoid, such as:
- Extra charges
- Overbooking
- Non-Refundable Bookings
- Overlooking fine print
Extra Charges
Extra charges can turn a good deal into a bad one.
- When comparing hotel prices, always check the small print for extra fees not included in the initial quote.
- Common extra charges are resort fees, parking fees, and fees for using certain facilities like the gym or spa.
To avoid surprises at check-out, ask the hotel for a full breakdown of all charges before you book. That way, you can factor in these costs and make sure you’re getting the best deal overall on hotel stays.
Overbooking Situations
Overbooking is a common practice in the hotel industry. Hotels book more rooms than they have available to account for last-minute cancellations.
- However, if the hotel is overbooked at the time of your arrival, you might find yourself without a room.
- To protect yourself, confirm your booking a few days before your stay. If the hotel is overbooked, they are usually required to find you similar accommodation at no extra cost.
Knowing your rights and being proactive about security can help you avoid the stress of overbooking.
Non-Refundable Hotel Rooms Bookings
- Many budget hotels and discounted rates are non-refundable. While they save you money upfront, they offer no flexibility if your plans change.
- Always check the cancellation policy before booking. If there’s any chance you might need to cancel or modify your reservation, it’s worth paying a bit more for a refundable option.
Overlooking Fine Print
- The fine print can include important info like check-in/check-out times, extra guest fees, and restrictions on amenities like spa or gym access.
- Read all the terms and conditions carefully to avoid surprises when you arrive.
Getting the Most Out of the Hotel
Room Upgrades
One of the best things about booking the right hotel is the chance of getting a room upgrade. While there’s no foolproof way to get an upgrade, there are a few things you can try.
Booking directly with the hotel, being polite and friendly, and mentioning any special occasions like anniversaries or birthdays can help.
Also, checking in late in the day when hotel rooms are already assigned can sometimes result in an upgrade, as hotels will offer better rooms to fill up the remaining inventory.
Get the Most Out of Hotel Amenities
To get the most out of your hotel experience, use all the amenities:
- lounging by the pool,
- having room service,
- using the concierge to book activities and restaurant reservations
These services are there to make your stay better.
If you’re in a premier hotel, make sure to use all the amenities, from spas to fine dining. Even in budget hotels, hidden treasures like free breakfast or a well-maintained gym can add value to your stay.
Find the Perfect Hotel: Tips for a Stress-Free, Memorable Stay
Booking the right hotel can make all the difference to your trip, whether you’re looking for extravagance or just a cheap hotel that fits the bill.
By knowing what you want, using clever booking tactics, and reading hotel reviews, you can find the hotel that matches your expectations and budget.
Avoid the common traps, like hidden charges and non-refundable bookings and you won’t get any nasty surprises during your stay.
Remember the right hotel is more than just a place to sleep – it’s part of your destination and trip. Whether you’re booking a quiet retreat or a city break, taking the time to research and plan will pay off in a more enjoyable stress free trip.
So, the next time you plan your travels, use these tips to secure the ideal accommodation that will make your journey truly memorable. Safe travels!