Are you making hotel booking mistakes? Learn how to avoid common pitfalls and make the most of your next vacation.Even if a tour operator helped you with accommodation for your trip, it will be useful to know a few nuances that will make your vacation even better. And when booking a hotel on your own, it is even more important not to make the following mistakes.

Hotel Booking Mistakes: A Guide to Avoiding Common Pitfalls.

Lack of interest

Some hotels offer amenities that the average guest doesn’t even know about, so take the time to check the property’s website. You might miss out on free tours, or not know about the option to choose your pillow type, or even know there’s a rooftop restaurant with a stunning view. For the best experience, do a little research before you check in.

Booking via aggregators

Booking through third-party sites may seem tempting when aggregators promise an impressive discount. Instead of blindly believing in a discount, take the time to check the room rates for the desired dates directly on the hotel’s website. The price for the “early booking” rate may pleasantly surprise you. In addition, hotels sometimes offer advantageous service packages: for example, a romantic dinner or spa services in addition to accommodation. In the end, in case of overlaps, the guest who booked the room directly, without intermediaries, will have priority.

Book your services upon arrival

If you are planning a day at the spa, going to visit the hotel beauty salon or planning to celebrate something at the restaurant, the main mistake is to decide that all the extra services are easier to book on the spot. To avoid disappointment and get the best service at the most convenient time for you, do not be lazy to contact the administrator. Even if the restaurant is not full to capacity, this way you are more likely to get one of the best tables.

Buying a toothbrush

If you forgot to take your toothbrush and toothpaste with you, this is not a reason to skip brushing and first of all look for the nearest suitable store. Even if the necessary accessories are not in the room, do not be afraid to ask the hotel administrator for them. Sometimes useful accessories are provided only upon request in order to save money; in addition to dental kits, these are also combs and shoe care products.

Departure at standard time

Instead of getting some rest before departure, do you get up early and rush to leave your room by the appointed time? This is a mistake most travelers make. Just ask if you can stay in the room a little longer or, on the contrary, check in early. Hotels often accommodate such requests if they have the opportunity. They allow several hours for cleaning the rooms, and in case of your delay, your room will simply be cleaned last.

Don’t make requests

Hotel staff are committed to making your stay as enjoyable as possible, but they are not mind readers. Don’t be shy: mention that you are planning to celebrate a special occasion, and the hotel team will likely be able to make your stay even more special. There may also be services available that you didn’t even know about, such as dry cleaning or the ability to borrow an umbrella.

Don’t explore the area

What looks like “near the city center” on the map may be a bad area, at least for recreation. Usually it’s not very cozy near train stations, where not only travelers but also dubious contingent gather. It’s also better to avoid large markets if possible. Before paying for an order, build several walking routes from the hotel to the sights on the maps to make sure there are no obstacles. And read the basic information about the area to see if it has a bad reputation.