Home - travel - Avoid These 6 Hotel Booking Mistakes

Avoid these 6 hotel booking mistakes

Avoid these 6 hotel booking mistakes

When you plan for a vacation, you start with booking the tickets, planning the itinerary, and looking for accommodation. You may already have a few hotel options to choose from, or you may ask friends and family for recommendations. You may also look at places online as multiple platforms offer hotel rooms and resort stays. However, certain errors can make the experience unpleasant, which is you should avoid the following mistakes while booking a room:

Overlooking additional charges
If you are looking at rooms online, the cost you see initially may only be the basic room charges. However, as you proceed with the booking, additional fees and taxes will be added to the cost. So, when you set a budget, it is important to consider room charges, taxes, hidden costs, and additional charges for special requests like booking a pool-side room, in-room kitchen, or seeking pet accommodation. Further, you should contact the hotel before booking the room and talk to them about additional costs other than what is mentioned on its or the travel partner’s website. Without a detailed understanding of room costs, you may end up spending more than you expected. So, avoid being unprepared for surprise costs. Additionally, when looking for accommodation at your destination, try looking for inexpensive options so that extra charges don’t make a huge dent in your total budget. For instance, if traveling to Orlando, look up “cheap hotels Orlando” and try shortlisting cheaper rooms. 

Not comparing prices
Comparing hotel prices is an effective step to save money, and it is just a click away. Once you decide on the location, compare room costs using third-party or price comparison websites to avoid rushing and paying an exorbitant price for a cheaper room. Sort the results according to cost and popularity and book on the platform that offers the best rates. Some hotels offer discounts and special prices, however, you should check the conditions for availing of these deals. Besides comparing costs, check out and compare hotels’ facilities like complimentary breakfast, round-the-clock room service, television, mini-bar, cleaning services, or fitness centers. If you are traveling with kids, check if the hotels have playrooms and kid pools. Compare the amenities carefully so that you get the maximum value for your money.

Not checking the hotel website
The benefit of booking through third-party websites is that you can compare prices in one place. However, direct bookings can offer better benefits as hotels are more flexible when guests want to change their dates. Additionally, hotels may cancel the bookings people make through third-party websites if they see a sudden rise in the demand for rooms. They may transfer your booking to another building or property, and you may not have much say. Further, hotels may choose to create customized packages and offer special services like free beverages or airport pick up and drop, which may not be available on third-party sites.

Choosing non-refundable rates
Third-party websites may offer lower rates for certain rooms so hotels can avoid having vacant rooms. Sometimes they may not reveal that the rates are non-refundable, i.e., if you change or cancel your plans due to a family emergency or illness, you may be ineligible for a refund. Before booking and making payment, read the fine print to see if the hotel will issue a refund if the booking is canceled. For instance, when looking for hotels in Orlando, you should check if the cheaper options come with non-refundable rates.

Not checking online reviews
If you find too many complaints and bad reviews left by previous guests on booking websites, you should avoid these hotels even if they offer special rates or discounts. Conduct thorough research and check out the online reviews and comments for the hotel. If you need clarification, you can contact the hotel and address your concerns before booking a room.  Also, look at pictures posted by other guests and do not rely solely on the pictures uploaded on the hotel’s website.

Not using credit cards
A frequent traveler may have an exclusive hotel credit card, which can help them save money and earn points to use for airfare or miles. If you own a credit card with rewards programs, you can book at partner hotels and use the rewards. You can redeem these points for free upgrades, free additional night stay, or flight bookings.

Here are a few tips to follow while booking your stay:

Do not consider price as the only criteria for booking. Consider other factors like quality of service and food, amenities, cleanliness, and popularity by checking the ratings and reviews.
If you use third-party websites like Tripadvisor, HotelsCombined, Agoda, Hotels, or Booking, always check the benefits and deals they offer for early booking and full payment. Visit the corresponding hotel’s official website and compare prices.
Register for credit card and hotel loyalty programs so you can use these points and redeem them during your vacation. Credit card companies and hotels offer special benefits like free upgrades, breakfast, or cab services.
The best time to book hotels is two weeks before your stay, even earlier if you visit a destination during the peak tourist season. For instance, you can find cheap hotels in Orlando if you visit during the off-season—September to November.

Previous Read

12 things to avoid doing in hotels

When planning a trip, picking a hotel is one of the things that require careful consideration. People usually check reviews and ratings to ensure that the hotel offers adequate comfort and cleanliness, good food, and excellent service. On your part, following the rules and being polite can help you avoid unpleasant experiences or conflict with the staff and other guests. So, here are a few things to avoid to have a comfortable hotel stay: Being loud or rude Do not play loud music on speakers in your room as it can be an inconvenience for other guests. When you are at the hotel bar or the restaurant, be polite and courteous in your conversations with other guests and the staff. Don’t be rude to the employees if you are unhappy with the service. Instead, talk to the manager or try to get the problem resolved patiently.  Placing the suitcase on the bed Hotel rooms will generally have dedicated storage space for luggage. Do not place your bags and suitcases on your bed when you enter the room. Your suitcase is most likely dirty and dusty from your travels, which can ruin the clean sheets that you would sleep on.  Cheating the minibar When you take something from the minibar, it gets added to your bill. Hotels may place sensors that can detect movement on minibars, i.e., every time you pick something up, you can get charged for that item. Do not try and replace the items you have used with cheaper items or different bottles. Further, be careful and don’t move the bottles around or use the minibar for storage as this can also increase the charges. Covering up room damage If you accidentally break the door handle or even glass, do not cover it up or lie about it. Inform the staff about any damage to the room so that the employees and future guests are not exposed to hazards. For instance, things like broken switches can lead to electric shocks, and uncleaned glass shards can injure you and other guests. Stealing When you take items that are not complimentary, you are stealing from the hotel. While many people take miniature soap bars and shampoos, stealing expensive items like bathrobes, towels, pillows, linen, and hair dryers can cost you. Some hotels maintain a meticulous inventory of such items, and if they notice it missing, they can add the cost to your bill or ask you to return it. Take only the complimentary toiletries and leave the other items. Pocketing food from breakfast If you are having breakfast from the complimentary buffet, eat what you can and do not pack from the buffet to eat later. This can mean there is not enough food left for other guests who make it to the buffet in the assigned hours. Leaving valuables unguarded Avoid leaving valuables like jewelry, watches, wallets, and expensive gadgets on the table or on your bed. Although the management runs a thorough background check for their staff, there is still a risk that you could lose precious items. Always place such items in the safe or security box available in most rooms or keep them safely hidden elsewhere, out of the reach of visitors in your room. Cooking without a kitchen area Some hotels allow you to cook in your room or provide a kitchen or kitchenette, depending on the size of the room. However, if cooking in your room is not permitted, do not use an instant pot or portable electric stove in the room just to save money. This can trigger the fire alarm, and the hotel can also impose a fine. Either opting for food delivery or finding cheaper options nearby can be a safer alternative.  Bringing in extra guests If you let a guest stay the night or have more people in your room than you paid for, it is important to inform the reception. For instance, hotels may not allow more than two people to stay the night if you have only paid for a double room. Visitors may be allowed to come over for a while, but hotels discourage additional guests and can charge you for the same. Leaving the door open when showering Ensure that you lock the main door and the bathroom door while showering. This is important to maintain your privacy, and second, if you leave your bathroom door ajar, the steam could set off the fire alarm. Not checking for cleanliness The housekeeping staff is supposed to thoroughly clean up their unoccupied rooms. However, you must check the beds and pillows to see if everything is clean to avoid contracting germs or an infection. If you find pillows or mattresses with stains or clear signs of dirt, you can ask them to be changed or ask for a different room. Ignoring public pool etiquette Always look before you dive into the hotel swimming pool so that you do not bother other guests. Swim in your own lane, and do not change it or splash other people. If you have wounds or bruises, avoid swimming to prevent infection. If you are bringing kids to the pool, ensure that you keep an eye on them and schedule bathroom visits at regular intervals. Further, trim your toenails before getting into the pool to avoid accidentally scratching other swimmers.

Next Read

6 simple airplane hacks for a better travel experience

Airplanes are a marvel that the Wright brothers presented to the world. Since its inception, air travel has come a long way. You can now climb into a metal bird worry-free and fly wherever you want, be it for work or a holiday, and reach quickly. However, despite all the technological development, an air journey can be stressful for some. So, here are a few airplane hacks to boost your flight and travel experience: Ship your baggage in advance Packing for an airplane journey can get tricky because of the baggage restrictions. Most carriers have strict rules and charge for additional baggage. So, check the limit imposed by the airline and pack accordingly. Heavy bags are problematic if you have connecting flights and need to haul them around crowded airports. If there is a real need to travel heavy, consider shipping things in advance. It will save you from moving around with your stuff and waiting in a chaotic baggage claim area. But, remember that shipping prices vary depending on the weight and cost of your items. The rates may shoot up during holidays, as the crowds surge at this time. Plan the timing of your flight Many people traveling by air fear that they will miss their flight. The best way to overcome this fear is to book flights whose departure time does not coincide with rush-hour road traffic. Or else getting to the airport will be a nuisance. Also, avoid midnight and early morning travel as finding cabs to the airport or readjusting sleep schedules will be challenging. If prone to motion sickness, consider morning trips. Since hot air rises during the day, turbulence is more likely in the afternoon. Boarding protocols have changed significantly to ensure every passenger's health and safety. Extensive screenings are carried out at airports, which can take some time. So, get to the airport in advance if you cannot do online check-in. Be picky about seats Once inside an airplane, the position of your seats makes a lot of difference. The ones in the front are more likely to make you feel the turbulence. So, if prone to airsickness, opt for a seat by the plane's wings where turbulence is slightest. If you are someone who uses the restroom often, book a seat at the back of the aircraft. It will also help flight attendants to reach you quickly when summoned because their cabins are often located there. Middle seats in any row are problematic since you can neither get up quickly nor get a view outside the window. But if you fear heights, look for seats in the middle row to keep your cool throughout the journey. If traveling as a couple, choose a window and an aisle seat. Why? Because if the plane is underbooked, most people will not sign up for a seat between two strangers. That way, you get all three seats for yourselves. Do not forget to use professional websites that provide seat maps when booking. Dress smartly for the flight Remember to dress comfortably for air travel. Coats with pockets allow you to carry more things and double as a pillow if you want to sleep while seated. Sometimes you might feel the inflight temperature is cold and uncomfortable, so use the airplane socks they offer. Many people complain about dirty airplane floors and blankets. So using socks and a warm coat will go a long way in keeping you warm and safe. Also, remember to watch what you eat. Bloating makes jet lag worse, and specific beverages have a dehydrating effect. Check in advance if the carrier provides meals since many airlines do not offer them on short-distance trips. Further, do not be seated throughout the journey. Get up once or twice, walk around to get the blood flowing, and always wear shoes to keep germs at bay. Carry a charger and noise-canceling headphones First and foremost, always leave home with fully charged devices. Bring the charger in the hand baggage along with a fully charged power bank because public charging ports are generally unavailable. It will help, especially during long waits at airports and delays. Investing in a pair of good-quality noise-canceling headphones is also a good idea. It can prevent damage due to air pockets in your ears after takeoff, reduce the feeling of being surrounded by noisy strangers, and even help you get work done. But consider going wireless, so you need not worry about tangling wires when putting them away. Also, remember to have essential files available offline, as airport Wi-Fi is often unreliable. Plan and be prepared Pre-planned trips are best to save money. You can also get your pick of airplane seats and equip yourself with all the correct information you may need at the destination. But be flexible with travel plans so that you can avail of offers and discounts. Consider using deal websites and coupons to get the best prices on flights. Also, link your frequent flier number to your hotel so that you can earn miles. Miles get you additional services, perhaps even access to lounges, and almost always get you discounts. Using apps to check-in in advance can save you time at the airport and help you get to the flight sooner.

Trending Articles

01

Top 5 cat foods that are recommended by vets

Cats are strict carnivores by nature, and their bodies cannot digest a carbohydrate-rich diet. And pet parents must feed them a nutritionally balanced diet matching their weight, age, lifestyle, and current health condition. Look for food with animal protein as the prime ingredient and has fatty acids, essential amino acids, and minerals. If you are unsure of what food to choose, you can consider the following vet-recommended food for your cats: Human-Grade Fresh, Wet Cat Food by Smalls Smalls is an ultra-high protein USDA-certified cat food subscription service that uses humanely harvested and human-grade ingredients. Trained chefs prepare the food avoiding cheaper fillers like carbs and grains that add volume and reduce cost. The food does not contain any preservatives. You can choose from chicken, a combination of chicken and turkey, beef, or fish for fresh food. Freeze-dried raw cat food is available in turkey, duck, and chicken flavors. While fresh meals can go to the freezer, freeze-dried raw food can be in the pantry. One package may last five meals, and you must read the instructions to store the leftover package properly to avoid contamination. The approximate cost of Smalls cat food is $2.50 to $3.50 daily. Pro Plan® Focus Adult Weight Management Cat food by Purina® Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Weight Management Cat food is available without a prescription and is a less expensive alternative for weight loss diets.
02

Top 5 luxury watches to check out

Owning a luxury watch is not always a symbol of wealth or power. A handcrafted watch is a work of art, craftsmanship, and precision mechanics. It can be a statement or serve as a family heirloom. Owning a luxury watch is every horologist’s dream. When taken good care of, these watches last incredibly long. If you want to invest in one, you can choose from the world’s leading luxury watch brands like: Patek Phillipe Geneva invented the world’s first wristwatch. Patek Phillipe continues to make the most luxurious watches liked by famous, high-profile men and women. Their expertise lies in making watches with various mechanisms that sometimes may take multiple years to complete. Apart from common complications like date and time zones, some outstanding features include minute repeaters, tourbillons, and split-second chronographs. Their watches contain top-class material for the base and inner mechanics, delicately set precious stones, enamel painting, and engraving. Every watch is sleek, classy, and luxurious. Patek Phillipe does not sell directly but through 78 authorized dealers across the country. Some of the timeless luxury watches from Patek Phillipe include: Nautilus Aquanaut Calatrava Complications Grand Complications Golden Ellipse Vacheron Constantin Vacheron Constantin, based in Switzerland, is the oldest watchmaker and has been in the business since 1755.
03

Top 3 types of mattresses to relieve back pain

An extremely soft or firm mattress or one that is worn out can affect sleep quality and make one feel tired the next day. Further, if used for a long period, it can lead to issues with spine alignment and even strain the back muscles. If suffering from back pain, it is important to pick a mattress that helps relieve the ache and provides adequate support to the spine. So here are the best options: Latex Latex is a natural rubber that can be combined with other natural and even synthetic products to create a comfortable and durable mattress. Latex is naturally elastic and buoyant, and in mattresses, it can help support the sleeper’s lower back, weight, shape, and different sleeping positions. It facilitates adequate spine alignment and helps take the pressure off the heavier parts of the body. Latex mattresses bounce back to their original shape pretty quickly, and this factor ensures good support for all sleeping positions, making it ideal for side sleepers, back sleepers, and stomach sleepers. What makes this one of the top mattresses for back pain is that its springy nature enables smoother movement, and sleepers can change their positions without difficulty. The mattress can retain its shape for many years.
04

5 foods that help improve lung health

Our lungs help us receive oxygen and release carbon dioxide through breathing. The body’s natural defense system protects the lungs from infections, germs, and other pathogens. But you can also improve lung health by making specific lifestyle changes like following an active lifestyle and breathing fresh air. Further, the right nutrition plan is crucial. The following foods have essential nutrients that keep the lungs healthy and lower the risk of diseases: High-fiber foods Inflammation is among the leading causes of lung diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and fiber can help fight inflammation. A molecule in the blood called C-reactive protein (CRP) indicates inflammation in the body. Fiber-rich foods can contain CRP levels and protect the lungs. Fiber can also improve gut health by increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids. Some fiber-rich foods that promote healthy lungs are apples, artichokes, beans, berries, brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes, peas, cereal, and whole-grain bread. Vitamin C-rich foods Vitamin C is a vital nutrient that protects our cells from oxidative stress. It also has properties that protect the lungs from free radicals. Research shows that people who lack vitamin C may have decreased lung function, which may lead to infections.

Our Blogs

6 of the most recognized running shoe brands

6 of the most recognized running shoe brands

If you want to invest in a pair of good-quality running shoes, choose one from a brand that specializes in making them for professional and casual runners. Look for a manufacturer that offers good arch and pronation support that matches the shape and size of your feet. Generally, a pair of running shoes cost between $110 and $150, while some iconic and popular shoes may cost higher. To help you choose from the top brands, here are the leading running shoe brands that are popular among runners: Brooks Brooks is originally from Canada and operates in the U.S. The brand has been making shoes since 1914 and started making running shoes after the Olympics in 1972. The collaboration of Jerry Turner from Brooks, David Schwaber of a rubber company, and Marty Liquori, a long-distance runner, created a cushiony midsole material from ethylene vinyl acetate. Using this, they introduced the Brooks Villanova in 1975. Their pioneering innovation then became the norm for other brands making sneakers. Some of its other innovations of Brooks include a removable sock line, silicone fluid, GORE-TEX, diagonal rollbar, use of pods on the outsole, and use of flexible material under the ball of the foot. Some of the most well-known running shoes from Brooks include the MOGO series, Green Silence, PureProject, Transcend, and the DNA series.
Read More
4 timeless jewelry pieces every woman must own

4 timeless jewelry pieces every woman must own

Every woman, irrespective of age, uniquely expresses her fashion style. And accessories play an important role in the manner of expression. If you think that classic metal or gemstone jewelry is expensive or unsuitable for everyday use, it’s time to change your opinion. Some must-own timeless jewelry pieces can never go out of style. They instantly amp up your look no matter the outfit and garner eyeballs wherever you go. Make these exquisite jewelry options yours now.  Stud earrings Stud earrings are dainty yet elegant pieces of jewelry. They fit quite well on the top of your ear, emitting the right amount of sheen. It has a singular point with a post that passes through the pierced ear, connected through a backing or a clutch behind the ear. The stud, the main part of the earning, can be made of bare metal like gold, silver, or platinum and/or hold a gemstone like a diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald, coral, or pearl. The size of the stud and the type of stone could determine the price of the pair of earrings. While stud earrings made with precious stones can be expensive, you can opt for those affordable options with semiprecious stones like turquoise, rose quartz, or garnets.
Read More
5 leading SUVs and useful buying tips

5 leading SUVs and useful buying tips

Sports utility vehicles, or SUVs, have come a long way from being mere large-family vehicles to one of the most versatile and in-demand passenger cars. They are safe, well-designed, spacious, and fun to drive. The large-SUV market segment’s revenue is estimated to reach $148.60 billion in 2022. With increasing interest and demand, many new or redesigned models have entered the market. Here are a few leading SUVs to look for: Hyundai Tucson Hyundai has redesigned the Tucson completely. The 2022 version has multiple trim levels, including a sporty N Line model and a rugged XRT model. It also has three different powertrain options: hybrid, gasoline, and plug-in hybrid. Further, the 2022 Tucson has upgraded infotainment systems, multiple rear USB ports, Wi-Fi hotspot, top-class safety features, and driver-assistance technologies like cruise control, blind-spot collision avoidance systems, and driver attention warning. The price of the 2022 Tucson starts at around $25,350. Jeep Grand Cherokee Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mid-sized SUV. The 2022 variant, redesigned to offer a smoother ride, can accommodate five passengers in its top-class interiors with comfortable and supportive seats. The car has three powertrains: the existing V-6 and V-9 and a 4xe plug-in for the hybrid variant. Rear-wheel drive is standard in all models with V-6.
Read More
3 important factors to consider before buying new tires

3 important factors to consider before buying new tires

New all-season tires last for about six to seven years with minimal use and about three to five years if you drive about 12,000 to 15,000 miles a year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that worn-out tires cause 11,000 accidents every year. To ensure your safety and others on the road, you must change your tires as and when required. Before you buy them, keep the following points in mind: Know to read the tire codes Learn about the tire code to know the right tire for your automobile. If you look carefully, you will notice a code with letters and numbers on the sidewall of your tire. Knowing the tire codes is important to buy similar or better tires that fit your wheel. Some of the relevant codes you need to know when you buy a new tire are: Tire type – the first alphabets indicate the tire type P for passenger cars LT for light truck tires ST stands for special trailer tires T for temporary or spare tires Tread width The three-digit number represents the tread width, the distance between sidewall edges in millimeters, followed by a slash and a ratio. Aspect ratio A two-digit number follows the slash and indicates the tire height from bead to tread.
Read More
4 hair styling tools that give a salon-like look

4 hair styling tools that give a salon-like look

If you like to style your hair frequently without having to spend money at salons, you can invest in some basic hair styling tools. These tools can create beach waves or curls or even straighten them out. There are many hair styling tools that are versatile, easy to use, and do little or no damage to your hair. If you want to invest in hair styling tools, here are a few tools to check out: Hair straightener and curler Combining a hair straightener and curler that is suitable for all hair types allows you the freedom to try out trending hairstyles. Look for a professional straightener or curler with a ceramic or copper flat iron. Choose a flat iron that allows you to control the temperature so that you don’t damage your hair. Experts claim that setting the straightener or curler to temperatures as high as 455 degrees can help straighten the most challenging and rigid curls. The copper ceramic tools also ensure that the hair doesn’t break while you are straightening, leaving your hair straight and smooth once you are done. You can also choose regular and smart Bluetooth straighteners to help you choose the best temperature and care settings every time you use the tool.
Read More
8 effective remedies for nasal polyps

8 effective remedies for nasal polyps

Nasal polyps are tiny tear-shaped growths in the nose and sinuses, usually brought on by asthma, infection, allergies, or other kinds of inflammation. These polyps are usually painless and non-cancerous, however, they can be big enough to cause itchiness, breathing difficulties, sneezing, and running nose. Doctors usually prescribe nasal sprays that can relieve the symptoms and get rid of the polyps. However, one can also try a few natural remedies to deal with the condition: Neti pot (or nasal irrigation) Neti pot is a popular and convenient nasal irrigation device. All one has to do is fill this container with saline solution or add 1–2 tsp salt to distilled water or boiled (and then cooled) tap water. Then, one would have to lean over a washbasin or a sink and tilt their head sideways so that the liquid does not flow back into the mouth. One would have to breathe through the mouth, insert the spout into the upper nostril and allow the fluid to drain from the lower nostril. Then the nostrils will have to be cleaned by blowing the nose to remove mucus and dirt. This process should be repeated through the other nostril. The goal is to loosen and clear the mucus and debris like dust or pollen from the nasal cavity.
Read More