In today's digital age, booking a hotel room online seems straightforward. However, many travelers fall into common traps that can lead to frustration, unexpected costs, or even ruined vacations. Let's explore some of these pitfalls and how to avoid them.
Overlooking Hidden Fees
Many travelers are caught off guard by unexpected charges. A recent survey revealed that 23% of travelers report being surprised by hidden fees when booking a hotel room online. These can include resort fees, parking charges, or additional person fees. Always read the fine print and ask about any potential extra costs before confirming your reservation. At Hotel Savvy, we never charge a booking fee.
Ignoring Cancellation Policies
Flexible travel plans are more important than ever, but not all bookings offer free cancellation. A report by Skift found that 40% of travelers don't fully read cancellation policies before booking. Make sure you understand the terms, especially for non-refundable rates, and consider travel insurance for added protection. Hotel Savvy clearly states the hotel cancel and deposit policy when booking (click on the 'eye' icon), and we show these same policies at checkout and on your email confirmation.
Falling for Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals
If a deal seems unbelievably good, it probably is. Scammers often create fake booking sites or listings with incredibly low rates to lure unsuspecting travelers. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center reported over 15,000 victims of travel-related fraud in 2020. Always book through reputable sites and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. All Hotel Savvy deals come directly through the hotel's system so you know our offers are legitimate.
Forgetting to Check for Booking Perks
If you book through a third party site - including the major OTAs - you typically won't earn your coveted hotel reward points. Hotel Savvy is different - all our hotel rates are points eligibile.
By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can ensure a smoother booking process and a more enjoyable stay. Remember, platforms like Hotel Savvy are designed to provide transparent pricing, direct hotel confirmations, and loyalty points eligibility, helping you sidestep many of these common issues.