Things to Avoid When Booking Hotels Online

Hotel booking engines: too many choices, so little time.
Hotel booking engines: too many choices, so little time.  Tnooz.

Online travel agencies have replaced many brick-and-mortar agencies because of their convenience and the ability for consumers to compare prices. But online hotel listings can be deceiving especially when advertised prices are not transparent as they are supposed to be. It is then important to be well-informed of things to avoid when wanting to book hotels online.

A writer from Grumpy Traveller shares a recent experience with booking a hotel online, where he and his girlfriend ended up with a shared room as opposed to a 'private ensuite room' they paid for online. He says, "And this is where the problem lies. The web booking engines have a huge range, but the hotel descriptions are provided by the hotels themselves." He adds that booking engines do not check these descriptions, as opposed to traditional travel agents who do inspections on affiliate hotels.

There are things consumers should avoid when choosing to book hotels online. Here is a list of the top don't items:

1. Taking the hotel listing as it is

There is nothing wrong with trusting a listing, but trusting too much can be a bad thing. When a hotel takes one's interest, do not book for it right away. Check other sites and compare reviews. Check the hotel's website to check if the listing is what it is promised. Make sure a check-and-balance is made before deciding to book, because it is not uncommon for some hotels to overpromise and underdeliver.

Big deals do come and go for hotels, but there are deals that promise 50% to 90% off the original price. It may seem like a big giveaway, but with cross-checking with other sites and with the hotel's own site, most likely it will appear that the 'deal' is nothing but a jib. The 'discounted' price ends up being the same with the regular price.

2. Being easily tricked by discounted prices  

Common ways for hotels to lower their prices are: a) not to include city and other taxes that have to be paid on-site; b) giving a no window room; c) assigning a room where bathroom has to be shared; d) not providing an inclusive breakfast; e) not providing free parking; f) giving a late check-in time; and, g) not giving access to free facilities like the pool. These are some of the perks not included in cheap rates, so be sure to double check with the hotel.

Despite all the bad rep given to online hotel listings, renowned travel writer Julianne Mooney shares that she will pick booking hotels online any day over booking with a travel agent. She says, "You can go online and find recommended hotels, restaurants and destinations for free and in a couple of minutes... People can tailor their holidays, creating a trip that fits all their requirements. It's made the world smaller and travelling a whole lot easier and more affordable. As a result of this, it's made us more adventurous."

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.