The choice of accommodation plays a pivotal role in the quest for a memorable and delightful travel experience. Whether it’s a lavish five-star hotel or a modest budget-friendly option, the place of stay can significantly influence one’s perception of a destination. Unfortunately, some lodging establishments fail to provide a pleasant experience, leaving lasting negative impressions. From shabby rooms and missing amenities to unwelcoming staff and cost-cutting measures, the signs of a bad hotel can often be detected beforehand.
Seeking to aid travelers in avoiding or preparing for such situations, travel experts have identified the top fifteen red flags that indicate an impending stay at a less-than-desirable hotel. While it may be too late to change reservations, knowing these warning signals will help guests adjust their expectations and brace themselves for future challenges.
Breakfast Is Stingy
A hotel’s breakfast quality can significantly influence a guest’s experience, making it essential to assess offerings beforehand. While pandemic-related restrictions may have affected breakfast options, most hotels now offer fresh choices. Travelers should scrutinize guest photos, not just management’s, of the breakfast area to determine its adequacy. According to Fitzgerald, a breakfast setup with limited options like packaged cereals, instant coffee, and disposable plates calls for adjusted expectations. If switching hotels isn’t possible, arranging food delivery or seeking fresh opportunities outside is advisable. Guests committed to the hotel breakfast should avoid items past their prime, such as dried-out pastries or less-than-fresh fruits.
Scruffy Staff
A notable red flag that signals a potentially harmful hotel experience is the appearance of scruffy and unkempt staff. When the hotel employees present themselves poorly, it may reflect a lack of professionalism and attention to detail throughout the establishment. First impressions matter, and the appearance of the staff can set the tone for the entire stay. Neat and well-groomed staff generally indicate a hotel that takes pride in its service and aims to provide a positive guest experience. Conversely, worn attire raises concerns about the hotel’s overall service and hospitality quality.
The Hotel Has Dodgy Payment and Refund Policies
A hotel’s payment and refund policies can offer valuable insights into its trustworthiness. While requiring a credit card for room reservations is standard, hotels that charge upfront for the entire stay and enforce a no-cancellation, no-refund policy may raise red flags. Usually, a credit card serves as a guarantee in case of no-shows, and cancellation policies dictate charges for missed stays. Travel writer Valentina Valentini cautions against hotels with strict upfront payment and no-cancellation policies, indicating that such terms might lead to potential issues. Reviewing a hotel’s cancellation policies before finalizing payment is essential, as lower nightly rates may be non-refundable and non-cancellable.
Too Good To Be True
One significant red flag indicating a potentially lousy hotel is an offer that seems “too good to be true.” While enticingly low prices and seemingly incredible deals might catch a traveler’s attention, skepticism should arise. Meager rates may hide hidden costs or subpar amenities, leading to disappointment upon arrival. Researching guest reviews and inspecting hotel photos closely can help unveil discrepancies between the enticing offer and the actual experience. Being cautious of seemingly unbelievable deals ensures that travelers can make informed decisions and avoid potential disappointments during their stay.
The Photos Look Fake or Generic
In the search for a seamless hotel experience, travelers can preempt disappointments by scrutinizing details before making reservations. One telling aspect to assess is the authenticity of the hotel’s photos. Janet Semenova, co-founder of Boutique Travel Advisors, advises travelers to look for images that appear fake or overly edited, as they may indicate an establishment with something to conceal. Reputable hotels with nothing to hide will ensure their photos are professionally accurate. In contrast, discrepancies between the hotel’s website images and those from real guests on travel review sites could signal a problematic lodging choice that should be considered.
The Price Doesn’t Seem to Fit
Luxury travel blogger Leona Bowman from Wanderlust Family advises caution when encountering meager hotel prices. If a deal seems too good to be true, it might be worth delving deeper into. With dynamic pricing becoming common, hotels adjust rates based on demand, potentially offering lower prices during the high season. However, travel writer Cassandra Brooklyn suggests comparing the hotel’s pricing with similar establishments in the area to gauge its reasonableness. If the hotel is significantly cheaper than others with similar amenities, it could indicate underlying issues like subpar service. Finding a reliable hotel at a reasonable rate requires careful consideration and investigation.
The Hotel Has a Late Check-in and Early Check-Out
The hotel’s check-in and check-out policies can significantly impact a guest’s comfort and overall experience. Late-afternoon check-ins, as late as 4 or 5 p.m., can be frustrating after a long journey, signaling that guest comfort might not be a top priority. Combine this with early check-out times, around 10 or 11 a.m., and guests might pay for a room they can occupy for just 15 to 16 hours. Travel writer Marla Cimini strongly emphasizes that hotels with such early check-out times are considered unfavorable. To offset delayed check-ins, hotels should offer alternatives like a place to freshen up and free luggage storage while also notifying guests promptly if their room becomes available earlier.
Common Areas Appear Poorly Maintained in Photos
When assessing hotel common areas through website photos, travelers should be vigilant for potential signs of poor maintenance. Deliberately dim lighting may hide various issues, including frayed carpets, stained flooring, scuffed walls, and worn-out furnishings. Additionally, in the hotel and guest-posted pictures, attention should be paid to amenities’ cleanliness, such as pools that appear green, moldy, or closed for maintenance. These red flags indicate a lack of care from management or a situation where they may be overwhelmed. It’s incredibly disappointing when travelers specifically choose a hotel for specific amenities, like a steam room for relaxation or a pool for the kids. However, it’s essential to recognize that some hotels eliminate amenities.
There are Ongoing Construction or Renovations
Hotels should inform guests in advance about ongoing construction or renovations, typically through website announcements. To avoid unwelcome surprises, travelers can use Google Maps and recent photos, including street-view shots, to spot any signs of scaffolding or construction work. Checking the photo date is essential, as recent construction might result in early morning disturbances and afternoon disruptions. Travel writer Jennifer Ceaser warns that the noise could begin as early as 6 a.m. and last all day. If uncertain, contacting the hotel to inquire about the situation and requesting an upgrade to a quieter room is advisable. If the hotel fails to disclose the disruptions, guests may seek a refund or a discount.
Safety Measures Are Lax
A safe and secure hotel stay is paramount for solo female travelers. Requesting safety measures like an upper-floor room or one without a balcony or exterior door should be a standard option for any guest. Still, it holds particular significance for women traveling alone. Suppose a hotel fails to accommodate such requests (considering property limitations for some motels and low-rise establishments). In that case, it’s best to seek alternatives.
However, sure warning signs may only become apparent after check-in. Red flags are raised for travel writer Nicole Trilivas when reception staff audibly disclose her room number during check-in, highlighting the importance of discretion for guest safety, especially for solo travelers. Another critical safety measure emphasized by travel writer Sunny Fitzgerald is inspecting the hotel room door upon arrival.
The Hotel Fires Back at Negative Reviews
When encountering negative reviews about a hotel, travelers should exercise discernment, especially if the complaints appear overly nitpicky or relate to factors of personal indifference. According to travel blogger Jurga Rubinovaite, occasional complaints must be reason enough to brand the hotel as bad. However, a significant red flag emerges when the hotel responds unprofessionally to negative feedback. Rubinovaite points out that the hotel management’s lack of concern or rude responses indicate how they value and treat their guests. In contrast, professional and considerate responses demonstrate a commitment to guest satisfaction.
The Drive-by Disappoints
A drive-by evaluation can reveal signs of a hotel’s quality before leaving the car. Travelers seeking spontaneity or on a road trip can spot red flags in the hotel’s appearance. Neat and orderly signs without burned-out or missing neon letters indicate a well-maintained establishment. A travel blogger, Julie McCool, emphasizes the importance of paying attention to these literal signs, as hotels need more attention to their first branding and may have maintenance issues throughout the property. Assessing the grounds, including neatly mowed lawns and clean parking lots, also gives insights into the hotel’s overall upkeep. If the hotel’s exterior appears shabby, it’s best to keep driving, as the interior will likely fare better.
Key Photos Are Missing
When evaluating hotel photos, it’s essential to consider what is shown and what is conspicuously absent. Suppose a hotel’s website primarily displays exterior shots or all-inclusive resort amenities without glimpses of the interior. In that case, there is likely a reason for the omission. Furthermore, a lack of photos showcasing significant aspects of the rooms, such as bathrooms or beds, can raise red flags. Beware of multiple pictures of the same room or reception area taken from different angles, as this could indicate a deceptive portrayal of the hotel’s actual state. Close-up shots of minor details, like bathroom amenities or floral arrangements, should also be cautiously approached if they replace the broader “big picture” images.
All the Good Reviews Are Old
Focusing solely on old reviews might not accurately reflect the hotel’s current state. This applies not only to negative reviews but also to glowing ones, as circumstances may have changed significantly over time. Travel writer Cassandra Brooklyn emphasizes the importance of considering the review date, stating that even a hotel with stellar reviews may have undergone significant changes in the last six months. A high overall rating becomes questionable if the most recent reviews are negative. This red flag should also be considered when assessing hair salons and restaurants.
The Mattresses Look Uncomfortable
Among the red flags to watch out for in hotel photos, the state of the mattresses stands out prominently. The telltale signs of uncomfortable beds include sharp corners, lackluster bed covers, sagging middles, and uninvitingly flat pillows. If the mattresses appear unpleasant in pictures, one can only imagine the discomfort of actually sleeping on them. Getting a good night’s rest in an unfamiliar place can be challenging. Still, a comfortable mattress and plump pillows can make all the difference. Travelers seek photos of neatly made beds with clean, inviting covers and ample fluffy pillows to ensure a well-rested experience for their weary heads.
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