How to Find the Best Hotel Deals - Common Mistakes

One of the most frustrating things about making a hotel reservation is the fact that there's a strong chance you'll overpay. Hotels are one of the most costly aspects of your vacation, and the last thing that you want to do is pay more than you have to. In this article I wanted to go over some of the common mistakes the people make when they're booking their hotels, and talk about how it prevents you from getting the best deal possible.

Mistake #1: Paying too Much Attention to Star Rating

The star rating of a hotel can be a great measure of the hotel's quality. The higher the stars, the better experience you're likely to have.

The problem with the star rating is that it's assigned by an organization and doesn't really tell you what other people experienced. If you're looking for a hotel, then it might be better to pay attention to the reviews other people have given, and the comments that they've made.

When I'm looking for a hotel, I tend to care a little less about the star rating, and more about the overall experience. Generally, lower star hotels are cheaper, and if they're offering a similar experience then it can be an opportunity to save money.

The last thing that you want is to overpay for a hotel that you don't even like. If you find that other people have been satisfied with their stay then it's more likely that you'll be satisfied with yours too. You won't know whether or not you'll like the hotel solely by the star rating.

Mistake #2: Not Thinking About Hidden Costs

What you'll find when you're booking a hotel is that price comparison websites (and hotel websites) are very good about telling you what your reservation includes. You'll generally know what amenities the hotel has, whether or not you can get Internet with your reservation, and sometimes what restaurants are in the area.

The problem is that they're not nearly as good at telling you what your reservation doesn't include. What are the hidden costs? And there's always going to be a few.

Also think about transportation. How close is your hotel to where you want to be? If you're going to be spending a lot of money on transportation, it might be more convenient to find a different hotel that's a little closer. It probably won't save you any money, but it will definitely be easier.

Mistake #3: Not Knowing Where to Find the Best Deals

Different websites are going to offer different rates on the same hotel. It's actually possible to miss out on savings because you booked through the wrong website.

Click here to see the best 3 places to book a vacation.

View the original article here