1. Lodging Type
With so many different lodging options – make sure you know what kind of property you’ll be staying at. Keep in mind hotels, resorts, and B & B’s are held to more rigorous regulations than Airbnb’s. These type of lodging choices are also contributing to over tourism issues (and locals housing shortages) in many cities.
2. Room Choices
Be sure to investigate the details of the type of room you book (especially since you’re not picking out an actual room number, like on a cruise). For instance; know the difference between ocean front, ocean view, and beach front rooms. Ocean view rooms may look at the side of a building, with a small speck of blue in the distance. Ocean front means facing the water – but doesn’t guarantee what floor you’ll be on. Beach front also means ocean front, but on the main level and walkable to the water or sand.
3. Resort Fees/Local Taxes
Not all have fees, but they are especially common with Las Vegas and Hawaii resorts. Normally resort fees are only payable at the resort and not part of the initial reservation cost. Also be aware of other local taxes that may not be included in the nightly room rate. This is typical in Europe hotels; with an additional nightly city tax payable only at check in.
4. Cancellation Penalties
Since Covid – hotels have gotten much stricter on cancellation penalties… long gone are the days of being able to cancel last moment free of charge. Make sure to know these rules before confirming.There are numerous rates such as nonrefundable/pay upfront or book now/pay later options (which normally have a penalty for cancellation a few days before arrival).
5. Currency Payment
Choosing a pay later option for a hotel located outside the U.S., will mean you’ll be paying in their local currency upon arrival. Keep in mind – currency rates are constantly changing, so your total price will fluctuate. When working on a custom trip with Travel by Kris – the majority of the time I partner with companies where the hotel price is set in U.S. dollars.
6. Booking With Points
If you are a member of a travel rewards program – I normally find you get more bang for your buck using your points toward hotel nights compared to airline tickets. They also usually have more lenient cancellation rules, with returning your points back to you.
7. Rate Inclusions
Make sure to know what your rate includes; such as taxes, breakfast, airport transfers, or parking. The last few years; I notice more hotels are charging for parking and airport transfers (even at airport locations).
8. Hotel Location
Location. Location. Location. Is it walkable to shops, restaurants, sites or will you be dependent on Ubers/taxis. It’s also a good idea to check the Google street views if you’re not familiar with the area. It’s not always worth the savings on a hotel in location where you’ll be spending more money and time on taxis. I recently was reminded of this lesson on my last trip to Amsterdam. Since it was just an overnight before a flight departure, I chose the lesser expensive Marriott property. After two expensive Uber rides – I instantly regretted not staying at the Hilton, which was a 5 minute walk.
9. Where to Reserve
There are numerous options of where to reserve hotel rooms. Directly on the hotel website is the best bet if you’re redeeming points. If we’re working together on your custom trip or cruise – I have various companies I partner with for hotel reservations, and I’ll also help you sort all the above details!
Until the next adventure – bon voyage!
Kris
