10 Super Secrets for Choosing a Hotel
SECRET #1
Contact the Hotel Reception
The service you receive even before becoming a customer will reveal a lot about them and how they would treat you if you choose to stay with them. For example, ask if you can check out a bit later (without additional charge) or what their policies are for people with small children, and see how they react and respond.
- For advanced users: Pay attention to the words they use – simple or complex words can reveal a lot about their level of professionalism.
SECRET #2
Pay Attention to Their Website
A company’s website can reveal a lot about a business. It shows how the management feels about its customers, whether they want them to have easy and convenient access to information, or if they don’t care about their experience and just want to take their money. An owner who is willing to invest in a good website is also willing to invest in their customers’ experience and will likely have done so in their hotel as well. A good website is a good sign of quality service.
- For advanced users: Check the mobile version of the website. If it’s adapted and user-friendly for mobile devices, it means the owner understands the need for every customer to be satisfied and pays attention to details.
SECRET #3
Look for Reviews
Reviews are an integral part of any search, whether it’s for a vacation or buying a product or service. Look for as many reviews as possible and pay attention to what customers who have visited the hotel emphasize the most. The most significant problems with the experience are likely hidden there.
- For advanced users: Compare ratings and reviews on at least two or three websites to be sure. If there are discrepancies, it means that maybe not everything you’ve read is true.
SECRET #4
A Friend's Recommendation Isn't Always What You Need
Recommendations from friends are a good option for feedback, but never rely solely on them. What was good for your single friend might not be good for you, especially if you’re a family person. Consider whether the positives and negatives in your friend’s assessment reflect your needs and what you’re looking for in terms of experience and service.
- For advanced users: It’s best to turn to friends who have similar interests to yours to get more valuable feedback.
SECRET #5
Look for the Best Prices for You
Price is a key part of planning a vacation and choosing a hotel. It’s determined by your pre-set budget and should fit your possibilities. Nowadays, we have the luxury of being able to choose from a variety of vacation websites and travel agencies, and we should take advantage of this opportunity to compare and search for prices that are most beneficial for us.
- For advanced users: Don’t settle on a specific price right away. First, check if the prices vary within those ranges on other vacation websites, and then consider whether the price matches the offered service and amenities at the hotel.
SECRET #6
Go for 3 or 4-Star Hotels
The chances of them offering you the best experience at the best price are high. Nowadays, 3 and 4-star hotels offer all the necessary amenities for a pleasant and carefree experience and vacation. It’s better to visit an objectively 3-star hotel than a fake 5-star one.
- For advanced users: Look at the international requirements for obtaining 3 and 4 stars and check how many of them are met by the hotels you’ve chosen.
SECRET #7
Choose a Hotel with Parking
Few people go on a family vacation without a car. You certainly wouldn’t want to think about it while you’re at the beach or in a bar, eating and drinking. Parking is a convenience that will guarantee the safety of your car and your peace of mind during your vacation.
- For advanced users:Beware of non-existent or inaccurate parking descriptions. Look for photos in the description and inquire about the parking if you contact the hotel directly – its location, 24-hour security, number of spaces, etc.
SECRET #8
Check if They Accommodate Pets
If you have a pet and have no one to leave it with, you’ll probably want to take it with you. Check the hotel’s pet policy. If it’s not favorable, the hotel will likely lose you as a customer. A family vacation won’t be complete without your pet.
- For advanced users: Visit Facebook groups or pet forums where you can get valuable information and helpful tips.
SECRET #9
Skip General Hotel Websites and Travel Agencies
They are a good tool, but don’t forget they take a percentage to provide this service. Because of this, offers on these sites are often more expensive than the actual price when booking directly with the hotel. So visit the official website of your chosen hotel and make your reservation from there – the offer will likely be more favorable.
- For advanced users: Visit Rezervaciq.com where you’ll get real prices and the ability to compare.
SECRET #10
Do Thorough Research
Once you’ve chosen your hotel and completed all the other steps, before making your reservation, search for its name on Google. And don’t stop at the first page. Every opinion is important, especially critical ones. The more opinions you come across, the richer your understanding will be, and the more confident you’ll be in whether you want to become a customer of this place.
- For advanced users: Search for the name in combination with words like “opinions” and “reviews” to reach the results you’re interested in more easily.
