5 Things To Do When I'm Booking a Hotel
Finding the perfect hotel can feel overwhelming. There are plenty of options, different price points, and the fear of picking the wrong one. Over the years, I’ve developed a hotel booking process to make sure I choose the best stay for me, whether it’s a budget-friendly spot or a little splurge-worthy escape.
Here are five things I always do before booking a hotel.
1. Check Location & Walkability
A hotel might look stunning, but if it's far from everything I want to see and do, it's a no for me. I always use Booking.com’s map feature to check where a hotel is located. I look for walkability, public transportation access, and how easy it is to get to key attractions. Staying in a central location might cost a bit more, but it can save you time and transportation costs in the long run.
👉 Tip: Use Booking.com to compare locations and find hotels that are centralized to things you want to do.
2. Filter for Highly Rated Stays
Reviews are everything! I never book a hotel without reading multiple reviews from real travelers. I set filters for properties rated 8+ (out of 10) and prioritize those labeled as “Guest Favorite.” I also scan the most recent reviews to check for trends.
If a hotel doesn’t have a lot of reviews on booking.com, I will go directly to that hotel’s page and see what the hotel looks like. I consider the location of the hotel. I also check other sites and social media for additional reviews.
👉 Tip: Always sort by ‘highest rated’ first to see the best-reviewed options.
3. Compare Prices & Perks
Price matters, but so do the extras. I always check for free breakfast, late check-out options, luggage storage, and other amenities if necessary. Sometimes, paying a little more upfront for breakfast included can save you money in the long run. Booking.com often has “Genius” discounts for members, so I always make sure I’m logged in to see the best deals.
When I travel, especially internationally, luggage storage is essential to me. Breakfast is also a huge time saving option. I like coffee in the morning, and I find that in Asia a lot of coffee shops don’t open super early so hotel breakfast has been a life saver. Know what amenities are important to you and then consider the price points from there.
👉 Tip: Sign up for a free Booking.com account to access special discounts and perks!
4. Read the Fine Print
Cancellation policies, extra fees, and deposit requirements can make or break a deal. I always double-check the fine print to avoid surprises. If my plans are flexible, I look for “free cancellation” options so I can adjust if needed.
This is KEY for me. I like knowing the different payment options and payment plans I have.
👉 Tip: Use Booking.com to find hotels with flexible cancellation policies, especially if your itinerary isn’t set in stone.
5. Look at Photos from Real Guests
Hotel websites always show the best angles, but real traveler photos can reveal the truth. On Booking.com, I scroll through guest-uploaded photos to see what the rooms and bathrooms really look like. If the photos match the official ones, I feel more confident booking.
👉 Tip: Always check the ‘Reviews’ section on for real traveler photos and honest feedback.
These five steps help me find the best hotels, and I hope they help you too! Whether you're booking a quick weekend getaway or planning a big trip, using Booking.com makes it easy to compare options, find great deals, and book with confidence.
I’ve booked a lot of my hotels through booking.com and have never run into an issue. Here is a final tip I do AFTER I book at hotel. This last tip has helped me to travel with ease.
6. Email the hotel to confirm my booking
This seems like an unnecessary step, but it has helped me travel with ease. By emailing the hotel directly, I get confirmation that my booking went through. This will let me know I won’t run into an issue when I get to my destination. Under some circumstances, I can even ask if an upgrade is available. By doing this, you can also establish a relationship with the hotel staff before your arrival which is always a good thing!
Ready to book your next stay? Check out the best hotel deals on Booking.com and start planning your next adventure! ✨
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