BBB Tip: Traveling soon? Shop smart when booking a hotel room

Booking a hotel room is usually one of the first steps when planning a vacation. With so many options, it can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can be a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process, complete with tips to ensure you get the best value and avoid potential pitfalls.

Starting your search

• Define your needs. Start by determining your travel dates, preferred location, and budget. Consider the amenities that are important to you, such as free wifi, breakfast, parking, onsite laundry, fitness center, or a pool.
  
  
• Use reputable websites. Utilize trusted hotel booking sites like Expedia, a BBB Accredited Business, or directly visit hotel websites. These platforms often provide reviews, ratings, photos, and detailed descriptions. If you use a travel agency (online or bricks-and-mortar) or a third-party booking site, ensure the site is legitimate. Avoid trusting a website because it appears legitimate or near the top of online search results. 
  
  
• Compare prices. The best hotel deals are often available far in advance. Planning will offer time to research different sites, compare options and amenities, and lock in a reasonable rate, plus it will lower the risk the destination will be all booked up. Check multiple sites to compare prices, and don't forget to look for any special discounts offered through memberships that might be available. 
• Check BBB.org. No matter how the reservation is booked, research the hotel, travel agency, or online site at BBB.org to ensure they have a good reputation with previous customers. Read the complaints and customer reviews to see how well the company or site has handled previous problems. Look at their business profile to see if they are BBB Accredited. 
  
  
• Focus on recent reviews. Prioritize recent reviews to ensure the information is current. Pay attention to both positive and negative comments to get a balanced perspective of consumer experiences.

Making a reservation

• Purchase from the source. Whenever possible, book directly with the hotel or resort or through the official website of the hotel chain. The arrangements are directly with the business, and rest assured that you are sure of the legitimacy of the reservation. You will also be more likely to get proper credit for loyalty points (if you participate in that hotel’s program).
  
  
• Be cautious online. Avoid broad searches like “best deals” or “cheapest rates.” Broad search terms can sometimes lead to websites that look official, but aren’t. Deceptive travel sites often pose as the actual hotel’s website, even using the hotel’s name in the URL and its logo and copyrighted images throughout the site. Double check the website address before providing credit card information. 
  
  
• Buy only from secure sites. When buying anything online, look for the lock symbol in the web address to indicate a secure purchasing system. The URL should also start with https (the extra “s” is for secure). Always pay with a credit card, which offers more protection than debit cards, wire transfers, cash, or other payment methods. 

• Know the payment and refund policies. Pay attention to the fine print before you sign a contract or click “I Agree.” Will your credit card be charged now or when you arrive at your destination? Is a deposit required, and is it refundable if your plans change? Are there any change fees if your travel plans need to be adjusted? 
  
  
• Be alert for travel scams. Watch out for phone calls or letters claiming that you’ve “won a trip” or websites offering prices too good to be true. It’s easy to extend questionable offers like these, but most leave hopeful travelers in limbo – and out money. Learn more about travel and vacation scams at BBB.org/travel.

Preparing for your stay

• Save your confirmation. Keep a copy of your booking confirmation email or print it out. This will be helpful during check-in.
• No matter how you book, call the hotel a few weeks out to confirm the reservation. This is especially important during big events, conferences, or festivals when all hotel rooms may be booked. If you have any concerns, you’ll get a better sense of what’s legitimate and what’s not by answering the phone and asking the right questions. By taking this extra step, you can be sure you are protecting your personal and financial information, reservation, and loyalty program points.

During your stay

• Arrival time. If you're arriving early or late, inform the hotel in advance to ensure your room is ready. 
  
  
• Ask for upgrades. Don't be shy to ask if there are any complimentary room upgrades available upon check-in.
• Inspect your room. Upon entering your room, check for cleanliness and that everything is in working order. Report any issues to the front desk immediately.
• Use amenities. Make the most of the hotel's amenities such as the gym, pool, or breakfast service.

Checking out

• Review your bill. On the day of check-out, carefully review your bill to ensure all charges are correct.
• Express check-out. Many hotels offer express check-out services, which can save time if you're in a hurry.
• Leave a review. After your stay, leave a review to help future guests and provide feedback to the hotel. Mention any exceptional service or areas for improvement.

 

For more information

Research businesses at BBB.org. File a complaint against a business at BBB.org/complain.

Report scams to BBB.org/scamtracker.

Visit BBB's Travel HQ for more tips and resources on your future travels.

Find BBB Accredited hotels and motels near you.

BBB Serving the Pacific Southwest contributed to this article.