FORGETTING ABOUT THE PHONE
Travel blogger Valerie Wilson (Trusted Travel Girl) may be all about digital but noted that not calling a property before making a reservation can be a big mistake.
“There’s nothing like a phone call to try to negotiate a rate, negotiate the removal of resort or parking fees or request an upgrade before booking,” Wilson told INSIDER.
Before calling, however, Wilson recommended looking at blogs or other travelers photos of the property rather than the hotel site, which only shows the hotel in its best (probably Photoshopped) light. And if real people’s photos live up to your expectations, “Read reviews on service,” Wilson added. “The devil is in the details and you don’t want to book based solely on looks. Quality service and a good staff will make or break your stay!”
OPTING FOR PRICE OVER LOCATION
Sure, a hotel near the airport or on the outskirts of town may be significantly cheaper per night, but you can’t buy time. Check the commute from the hotel to the sites you want to see, and assess how much transportation will cost to and from your hotel.
If you’re saving $60/night only to spend that cash on Ubers or parking because you can’t walk or take public transit from the hotel, it may not be a great deal after all.
