Expert’s ‘red flag’ warning over hotel bookings
Updated . First published at
Wading through the hundreds of choices of hotels can be an ordeal for the keenest of travellers.
From picking the best location to assessing how much you want to spend and what type of room you need, it can be a lengthy process.
All-inclusive hotels are popular for bargain-hunters iStock
And while checking reviews is usually a must, one expert says to pay good attention, especially when it comes to cheaper options for all-inclusive deals which are common in Europe.
“If less than 25 per cent of reviews on a resort are marked as excellent, that is a significant warning sign,” Neil Atkinson, travel expert and owner of Luxury Group Stay, said.
“Pay close attention to what guests say about the food in particular. A bad buffet can define an entire holiday.”
It can be a false economy if the food is bad and the drinks are watered down, he added.
Hotels should be quiet, and not noisy with building going on. iStock
Meanwhile, beware if your hotel says it has building work going on – if they even tell you before you arrive.
While many do inform guests if they have renovations under way, it’s often best to avoid them if you find out about it.
Even if you do get money off the price.
“Hotels undergoing renovations are one of the most misleading categories in travel, with properties routinely downplaying disruption to protect bookings,” Neil said.
“A small discount and vague assurances that work is minimal are common tactics used to fill rooms during construction periods.
“They will offer a slight reduction while claiming renovations are minimal, but guests can arrive to find half the amenities closed and construction noise starting at 7am.”
Check reviews carefully says one expert iStock
He advised contacting the hotel to ask about work and getting a firm answer on any details.
His advice comes after another expert also issued distinct rules to follow when booking a hotel.
Dean Jones, Vice President, Commercial, East Asia & Pacific at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said just like when you’re buying a home, location is the key consideration.
If you find out your hotel has constriction, you need to get answers from them. Getty
“We’ve all had that moment where you arrive at a beautiful hotel, only to realise it’s far from where you actually need to be,” Dean told nine.com.au previously.
Meanwhile, if you’re bothered by a lot of noise, there’s much debate about the etiquette at hotels.
Some hotels such as the Crown Plaza chain have ‘quiet zones’ with stricter rules on noise.
Others may ask guests to maintain ‘quiet hours’.
Etiquette expert Julie Lamberg-Burnet from Sydney School of Protocol says loud noise is “unacceptable for both the hotel and guests.”
“The way we extend courtesies and share the space with other paying guests reflects our respect for each other and how courteous to others around us –remember to elevate your self-awareness both as a hotel guest and towards hotel staff,” she told nine.com.au.
As for getting an early check-in at a hotel, there are ways to do it – and it’s not booking the night before.
Simply contact the hotel before and tell them you’re landing early and would like to ask to check in early.
Usually, they will help if they can have the room ready.
But if not, consider booking a hotel room for a few hours via sites like Day Use and Resort Pass.
