10 Worst Mistakes to Avoid When Booking Hotels
Booking a hotel may look easy, but there’s plenty of thought that should go into it! It’s more than just hopping on a computer and tapping the closest “book” button you can find. There are a few dos and don’ts to follow if you want a comfortable stay.
From not booking directly to overlooking hidden fees, simple missteps like these can easily turn your supposedly merry holiday into a costly nightmare.
Below are the worst mistakes to avoid when booking hotels for a hassle-free getaway.
1. Not booking directly
In the majority of cases, booking directly with the hotel will be the cheapest option.
Third-party websites promising cheaper deals can be tempting, but often they are actually more expensive than booking directly.
Plus, booking directly with hotels opens the door for exclusive offers, loyalty rewards, and personalised upgrades. You’re far more likely to get a free room upgrade if you book directly.
If you do find a cheaper price elsewhere, I’d recommend asking the hotel to match the price match, as most of the time they will be more than happy to do so.
2. Missing out on loyalty programs
Signing up for hotel loyalty programs for freebies and discounts is a great way to reduce travel costs.
Earning points and gaining elite status in these schemes can get you many benefits, from discounted rates to better room options and exclusive services.
For frequent travellers, joining multiple loyalty programs is great for scoring perks from various hotel chains.
Some may also present members-only promotions which could get you a ton of points to spend.
3. Brushing off best rate guarantee offers
I never brush off best rate guarantees when booking hotels and you shouldn’t either.
A best rate guarantee offer (BGE) is a scheme of hotel chains promising the lowest rate possible for accommodation.
Hotels offer such deals to boost booking and avoid paying commissions to travel agencies.
Some even refund the difference if a client finds a lower pricing than what they’re offering.
4. Passing up mobile booking discounts
Okay so I know I said that booking directly with hotels is usually the best option. But there is an exception to this, and that’s when you need the flexibility of free cancellation.
Unless the hotel offers a free cancellation policy, your best bet is to book with a third-party platform.
My insider tip is to book on mobile with Booking.com – they often offer exclusive discounts on their mobile app only. I’ve seen deals of up to 25% off!
It’s definitely worth checking the mobile app before you book, as you could find some great deals on hotels.
5. Dismissing price tracking alerts
One of the easiest ways to find the best deals is to take advantage of price-tracking features.
It’s a useful tool for backpackers looking for accommodations to suit their needs without veering outside budget.
Receiving notifications for price drops or when specific rates are available is a surefire way to get the best deal possible.
6. Refraining from booking non-refundable deals
It’s always tempting to book the refundable room rate in case of last minute cancellations or changes.
While often pricier, it’s the better choice if there’s a chance your plans could change.
However, if you’re absolutely set on a particular hotel and dates, I’d urge you to consider booking the non-refundable rate as you can often save a lot of money. .
7. Neglecting credit card perks
In many booking scenarios, credit cards are king. Besides convenience and assurance, choosing the right credit card lets you enjoy a lot of perks you wouldn’t get from debit cards or cash.
Think of refunds for mischarges, fraud protection, and travel insurance. Plus, some credit cards offer exclusive discounts or perks with certain hotel chains.
So always check before you book, as you could be missing out on a deal that’s already freely available to you.
8. Avoiding new hotels
Brand new hotels take time to get everything up and running. There are often some early teething problems, and the staff may still be learning the ropes of receiving guests.
But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, especially for cost-conscious tourists.
Many of these brand-new luxury hotels offer reduced rates to compensate for the possible inconveniences guests can experience with them.
So it’s a great way of getting a luxury hotel at a more budget-friendly price, if you’re happy to put up with a few minor glitches.
9. Failing to Communicate With Hotels
I’d always recommend calling the hotel to convey any preferences to the on-site reservation teams.
For example, if you need a room with two beds or on a higher floor for better security, calling beforehand increases your likelihood of getting that room type.
Remember the names of the hotel staff you talk with, particularly if they offered to give you something specific, such as a free room upgrade or discounts at the hotel’s bar.
10. Ignoring hidden charges
The last thing anybody would ever want to happen on a holiday is to get buried in hidden charges.
While resort fees and city taxes are becoming inevitable nowadays, learning about them beforehand allows you to budget accordingly.
Sometimes, it pays off to clarify if a certain charge is optional.
Do you have any tips for booking hotels? Let me know your own tips and tricks in the comments below!
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