Booking the right accommodation is one of the most important parts of any trip. A bad hotel or Airbnb experience can ruin your vacation, waste your money, and cause unnecessary stress. Many travelers make common mistakes when booking hotels or Airbnbs, leading to disappointments and unexpected expenses. To help you avoid these issues, we have compiled a comprehensive guide on the most common mistakes and how to prevent them.
- Not Checking the Location Properly
A hotel or Airbnb may look perfect in pictures, but its location can make or break your trip. Many travelers forget to check the exact location before booking, only to realize later that they are too far from attractions, public transportation, or even in an unsafe neighborhood.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Use Google Maps to check the distance from key places you plan to visit.
- Read reviews about the area’s safety, noise levels, and accessibility.
- Consider staying near public transport for easy movement.
- Look at street view images to get an idea of the surroundings.
- Ignoring Reviews & Ratings
Photos can be misleading, and hotel descriptions often highlight only the best features. Many travelers fall into the trap of booking a place without reading reviews, only to be disappointed upon arrival.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Always check recent reviews on Booking.com, Airbnb, TripAdvisor, or Google.
- Look for patterns in reviews—if multiple guests complain about the same issue, it’s likely a real problem.
- Check reviews with photos uploaded by past guests for a real look at the property.
- Booking Non-Refundable Rates Without Certainty
Non-refundable bookings may offer discounts, but they can be risky. Plans can change, and if you need to cancel, you might lose your money entirely.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Only book non-refundable options if you are 100% sure about your trip dates.
- Look for properties with free cancellation policies.
- Check the deadline for cancellations and any associated fees.
- Overlooking Hidden Fees
Many travelers are surprised by hidden fees upon arrival. Hotels and Airbnbs may have additional charges for cleaning, resort fees, WiFi, parking, or city taxes that weren’t clearly mentioned in the booking price.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Read the full listing details carefully before booking.
- Look for fees mentioned under “house rules” or “additional costs.”
- Contact the host or hotel to confirm any extra charges.
- Not Checking Check-in and Check-out Times
Imagine arriving at your destination early in the morning, only to find out you can’t check in until 3 PM. Or worse, checking out too late and being charged an extra night.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Always check the check-in and check-out times before booking.
- If arriving early or leaving late, ask the hotel/Airbnb if they offer baggage storage or flexible check-in/out.
- Some hotels allow early check-in for an additional fee—confirm beforehand.
- Assuming Free Breakfast or Amenities
Many travelers assume that every hotel offers free breakfast, WiFi, or toiletries, only to be surprised upon arrival.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Look for details about included amenities before booking.
- If breakfast isn’t included, check if the hotel offers nearby dining options.
- Confirm WiFi availability and speed, especially if you need to work during your stay.
- Not Looking at Cancellation Policies
Each hotel or Airbnb has different cancellation policies. Some allow free cancellations up to a certain date, while others may charge the full amount regardless of when you cancel.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Read the cancellation policy before confirming your booking.
- Choose a flexible option if your plans are uncertain.
- Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers accommodation cancellations.
- Forgetting to Check House Rules (Airbnb)
Unlike hotels, Airbnbs often have strict house rules regarding noise, pets, smoking, or additional guests. Not following these rules can lead to extra fees or even cancellation of your stay.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Carefully read the house rules before booking.
- Confirm if visitors are allowed if you plan to have guests.
- Check if there are quiet hours if you prefer a lively stay.
- Using Debit Cards Instead of Credit Cards
Many hotels put a hold on your card for security deposits. If you use a debit card, this can freeze your actual cash, making it unavailable during your trip.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Use a credit card for hotel bookings to avoid holds on your bank funds.
- Check the deposit amount required and when it will be released.
- Booking Without Comparing Prices
Different booking platforms often have different prices for the same hotel. Travelers who don’t compare rates may end up paying more than necessary.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Compare prices on multiple platforms like Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda, and Google Hotels.
- Check if the hotel’s official website offers a better deal.
- Look for promotions, loyalty programs, or discounts before booking.
- Not Checking Accessibility Features
If you or someone you’re traveling with has special needs, failing to check for accessibility features can make your stay uncomfortable.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Check if the property has elevators, wheelchair ramps, or accessible bathrooms.
- Contact the hotel or Airbnb host to confirm necessary facilities.
- If traveling with a stroller, check for stair-free access.
- Trusting Only the First Few Photos
Hotels and Airbnb hosts often use professional photography to make their listings look better than they actually are. Many travelers book based on the first few images without checking others.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Scroll through all the photos to see different angles of the room.
- Look for guest-uploaded photos in reviews.
- If unsure, ask the host for additional photos or clarification.
- Not Checking for Construction or Renovations
Some travelers book hotels or Airbnbs only to find out upon arrival that the place is under renovation, leading to noise and inconvenience.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Check recent reviews to see if construction is mentioned.
- Contact the property and ask if any renovations are happening.
- Overlooking Security Measures
Not all hotels and Airbnbs prioritize security. Staying in an unsafe location or a place without proper security can be risky.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Read reviews to see if guests mention safety concerns.
- Check if the hotel has 24/7 reception and security.
- If booking an Airbnb, confirm if there are secure locks and safety measures.
- Forgetting to Confirm Special Requests
Some travelers assume that their special requests (like a room with a view, extra pillows, or a late check-out) will be honored just because they mentioned it in the booking notes.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Call or email the hotel/Airbnb host to confirm any special requests.
- Get written confirmation if the request is important.
Booking a hotel or Airbnb is an exciting part of trip planning, but making mistakes can turn your dream vacation into a nightmare. By being cautious and taking these steps, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free stay. Always research thoroughly, read reviews, check policies, and confirm important details before finalizing your booking.
