There are several tips for booking a hotel online that can make your trip run more smoothly and help you avoid unhappy surprises. Many a traveler has booked a hotel room online only to find out that the room was not as advertised, the services offered were not forthcoming, and the accommodations made the stay a nightmare instead of a relief. You can avoid the pitfalls of booking an online reservation if you know what to look for and what the red flags are when it comes to online offerings.
The prices quoted online often are per-night Monday through Thursday and do not reflect weekend rates. If you book a four-night stay that runs Friday through Monday night, you might find that extra charges apply when you present your credit card. Other fees that might not be clearly displayed online include taxes and upcharges for certain times of year, among them holidays or city events that cause prices to increase in step with demand. If in doubt, call and ask for clarification.
Even if you specifically book a room on a certain floor, a king-sized bed or a room that is nonsmoking, these specifications could carry the caveat "if available." This means that upon your arrival, you might be informed that there is no such room available, and you can be forced into a smaller room or one without as many amenities. Some hotels will provide you with a guarantee in writing to meet your wishes if you call the hotel directly and demand written confirmation of your specific booking.
Carefully check out promised conveniences by reading reviews of your chosen hotel. If they promise shuttle service to and from the airport, make sure people have actually been able to take advantage of that. Some hotels have been known to park shuttles and let their drivers go to cut costs but still advertise that they have a shuttle. Reading reviews online about the hotels you are considering will help you make the best decision.
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