Hotel Horror Story? Here’s How To Spot A Bad Hotel Before You Book!
Don’t get stuck in a hotel horror story on your next vacay! 😱 We’re sharing 13 bad hotel red flags to watch out for before you book! 🚩 #TravelTips #HotelNightmares #VacationGoals 🏨✈️
Winona, Minnesota – We’ve all been there – you book a hotel for your dream vacation, only to arrive and find out it’s a total nightmare! 🙈 But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. My hubby Jack and I travel so much, we practically live out of a suitcase. So we’re pros when it comes to selecting where we’ll be calling home for the night. Here are 13 red flags that scream “bad hotel” – watch out for these before you book! 🚩
13. The Photos Look Too Good to Be True 📷
If the hotel’s website photos look like they’ve been heavily photoshopped or are overly generic, chances are they’re hiding something. Hotels with nothing to hide use professional, accurate photos that showcase their rooms and amenities honestly. So if the pics seem a little too perfect, beware!
12. Cheap Mattresses = Sleepless Nights 😴
Take a close look at the beds in the hotel photos. Do the mattresses look thin, saggy, or just plain uncomfortable? Are the pillows flat as pancakes? If so, get ready for some restless nights. A good hotel invests in quality mattresses and plush pillows to ensure their guests get a good night’s sleep.
11. Key Photos Are Suspiciously Missing 🤨
If a hotel’s website is missing photos of key areas like the bathrooms or beds, that’s a major red flag. They may be trying to hide outdated or dirty facilities. And if they only show exterior shots or multiple angles of the same room, they’re definitely not giving you the full picture.
10. Recent Reviews Are Raising Red Flags 🚩
Sure, that hotel may have a 4-star rating overall, but what are recent guests saying? If all the glowing reviews are from months or years ago and newer ones are full of complaints, something has clearly gone downhill. Always sort reviews by most recent to get the real scoop.
9. Hotel Gets Defensive About Negative Reviews 😤
No hotel is perfect, and a few negative reviews are normal. But if management responds to complaints with rude or dismissive comments instead of trying to make things right, that’s a huge warning sign. A good hotel values guest feedback and strives to address concerns professionally.
8. Safety Concerns Are Brushed Off 🙅♀️
As a solo female traveler, your safety is top priority. If a hotel won’t accommodate requests for a room on a higher floor or away from exterior doors, that’s concerning. And if staff carelessly announce your room number or you spot signs of tampering on your door lock, it’s time to find somewhere else to stay.
7. Construction Chaos Awaits 🚧
Hotels undergoing renovations or located in an area with heavy construction can mean noisy, dusty, and disruptive stays. If a hotel doesn’t disclose this info upfront on their website or when you call to book, they’re not being fully transparent. Always Google the hotel address and check for recent photos that show any construction projects underway.
6. The Price Seems Too Good to Be True 💸
We all love a good deal, but if a hotel’s rates are drastically lower than similar properties in the area, there’s probably a catch. Maybe it’s terrible service, outdated rooms, or a location in a sketchy neighborhood. Don’t just book the cheapest option without doing your research first.
5. Late Check-Ins & Early Check-Outs 😴
There’s nothing worse than arriving exhausted from a long journey only to find out your room won’t be ready until late afternoon. Or having to rush to pack up and check out at the crack of dawn. Hotels that prioritize guest comfort have more flexible policies and will do their best to accommodate early check-ins and late check-outs.
4. Poorly Maintained Common Areas 🏚️
Dirty pools, worn-out furniture, stained carpets – these are all signs that a hotel isn’t properly maintained. If common areas look neglected in photos, just imagine what the rooms are like! A good hotel takes pride in every aspect of their property and keeps things clean and up-to-date.
3. Breakfast Leaves Much to Be Desired 🍳
A lackluster breakfast spread is a telltale sign of a subpar hotel. If guest photos show a sad selection of stale pastries, powdered creamer, and disposable dishes, don’t expect a gourmet morning meal. Unless you’re ok with going off-site for a decent breakfast, you may want to keep looking.
2. Shady Payment & Cancellation Policies 🤑
Reputable hotels are upfront about their payment and refund policies, which are typically in line with industry standards. If a hotel requires full payment upfront or has a strict no-cancellation policy, proceed with caution. And always, always read the fine print before entering your credit card info.
1. Curb Appeal Is Seriously Lacking 🏚️
If you’re embarking on a road trip and scoping out hotels on the fly, give them a quick drive-by first. Is the signage in disrepair? The parking lot strewn with litter? The exterior in desperate need of a paint job? If the outside looks sketchy, keep on driving – the inside is unlikely to be any better.
Conclusion
Don’t let a bad hotel ruin your vacation – keep an eye out for these warning signs and trust your gut. With a little research and careful consideration, you can avoid the duds and find a hotel that exceeds your expectations. Happy travels! ✈️
🗣 Have any tips of your own for spotting a bad hotel before you book? We’d LOVE to hear your thoughts in the comments section below! ⬇️
