Choosing the right hotel before you book a hotel stay can make all the difference, turning an average stay into an unforgettable experience.
The comfort, location, and services offered are all important aspects that can significantly improve any traveler’s experience.
However, there are still many hidden perks we would like to share with you.
In this article, we will highlight the top 10 things to consider when you come to book a hotel.
💡According to Booking.com’s Traveler Insights, 80%+ of travelers say location, comfort, and reviews are the top factors for a great hotel stay.
Quick Overview:
Before booking a hotel, make sure to check:
- Location: Is it close to key attractions or transport?
- Comfort: Does the room meet your needs for space and amenities?
- Food: Are there dining options available or nearby?
- Reviews: Check recent guest feedback for quality insights.
- Cancellation Policy: Understand the terms in case plans change.
- Payment Policies: Clarify payment methods and extra fees.
- Check-in/Check-out Times: Ensure they fit your schedule.
- Leisure Activities: Look for amenities like a pool or gym.
- Special Needs: Does the hotel accommodate accessibility requirements?
- Luggage Storage: Confirm if you can store luggage before/after check-in/out.
1️⃣ Location: The Top Factor When You Book a Hotel
A great location turns a good trip into a smooth one.
Of course, we want our hotel to be our home after a long day roaming around the city, and it should not take too much time getting there.
Also, the closer you are to attractions, transport, and good food, the richer your experience becomes.
📊 Did you know? A Statista survey found that 78% of guests prioritize location above all else when booking a hotel.
✅ What to check:
Distance to landmarks, metro, and airport
Walk score (check it on Google Maps)
Safety of the neighborhood (especially at night)
Access to restaurants and shops nearby
💡 LinzGo Tip:
Doing bleisure (mixing business and leisure)? Find a hotel that’s close to both your meetings and the fun stuff — it’s the ultimate way to kill two birds with one stone.
2️⃣ Comfortable Room: Your Daily Recharge Zone
Your hotel room is your escape — the perfect place to relax and recharge after a busy day. Comfort matters.
The hotel room directly affects your overall well-being, since it is proven that a pleasant environment has a positive impact on the mood and health of travelers.
Getting 7+ hours of sleep while traveling keeps you energized, in a better mood, and ready to enjoy the day.
So yes — the mattress matters.
✅ Must-have essentials:
Supportive mattress & blackout curtains
Quiet air conditioning
Strong Wi-Fi & workspace (digital nomads, you know!)
Coffee/tea station
Spotless bathroom
💡 LinzGo Tip: I always look at the latest traveler photos (on Google or TripAdvisor) before booking. They reveal what official images won’t — from real pillow quality to bathroom maintenance.
3️⃣ Food: The Flavor of the Journey
Food truly deepens our connection with the places we explore. Whether it’s a local breakfast or a rooftop dinner, it’s a part of your travel story.
✅ What to do:
Check if breakfast is included (and if it’s worth it)
Ask about local specialties — some hotels serve authentic regional dishes
Look for nearby restaurants with 4.5★+ Google ratings
💡 LinzGo Experience: In Lisbon, I stayed at a hotel that offered pastéis de nata every morning. That little detail turned mornings into pure joy — and now I judge all hotel breakfasts by it.
4️⃣ Reviews: Real Travelers, Real Truth
No marketing copy beats a traveler’s honest review.
Reviews provide useful information about the quality of service, facilities, cleanliness, location, and other vital aspects to consider when selecting accommodation.
According to Statista’s Hospitality Insights, 94% of travelers read reviews before booking — and 92% say a single negative comment can change their mind.
✅ Smart Review Habits:
Filter by most recent
Read 1-star reviews for red flags
Look at how the hotel replies — that shows how they treat guests
💡 Pro Move: Compare reviews on Tripadvisor, Google Maps, and the booking site. Patterns never lie.
5️⃣ Cancellation Policy: Book a Hotel with Peace of Mind
Life happens — flights delay, plans change. Therefore, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with a hotel’s cancellation policy.
Most major booking platforms now highlight “Free Cancellation” and “Book Now, Pay Later” options.
💡 Flexible bookings increased by 43% since 2020 “post-pandemic”, according to Expedia.
Opt for hotels with clear cancellation policies as a precautionary measure in case you reconsider your plans.
However, if you’re certain about your decision and budget isn’t an issue, proceed confidently with your choice.
💡 LinzGo Tip: If you book early, go flexible. For last-minute deals, a non-refundable rate can save you up to 25%. Balance risk and reward.
6️⃣ Payment Policies: No Hidden Surprises
Nothing ruins a trip like surprise fees. Resort fees, city taxes, or deposit requirements can easily add 10–20% to your bill.
💳 Travel Insight: CNBC Travel found that 1 in 3 travelers encounter unlisted charges at check-in.
So, knowing these charges upfront allows you to budget effectively for your trip.
Don’t leave the payment details to chance; make it a priority in your travel planning process.
✅ What to confirm:
Accepted cards & currencies
Deposit/refund policies
Resort or service fees
Exchange rate (if paying in foreign currency)
💡 Smart Trick: Some credit cards (like Visa Infinite or AmEx Platinum) include travel insurance and upgrade perks — worth checking before booking.
💡 LinzGo Tip: Always double-check if taxes or service fees are included in your booking confirmation.
7️⃣ Check-in & Check-out: Time It Right Before You Book a Hotel
Time is travel gold. If your flight lands early or late, those check-in hours matter.
Being mindful of potential extra charges for early check-in or late check-out is also wise, especially if you’re keeping an eye on your holiday budget.
✅ Ask Beforehand:
Early check-in or luggage storage available?
Late checkout fee or flexibility?
24/7 reception (essential for night arrivals)
💡 Pro Tip: If you have a late flight, ask the front desk about luggage storage. Many hotels offer it free of charge.
8️⃣ Leisure Activities: Beyond the Room
Hotels are evolving — now they’re experiences themselves. From rooftop yoga to city tours, these extras enrich your stay.
These days, most travelers prefer hotels that offer built-in leisure options.
💡 LinzGo Pick: In Colorado, I joined a hotel-run hiking tour — no external booking, no stress. It ended up being one of my favorite memories.
✅ Look for:
Free guided tours
Spa & wellness facilities
Family or honeymoon packages
Explore our guide: 12 Hotel Amenities That Make Your Stay Special — your next read for finding hotels that go above and beyond.
9️⃣ Special Needs: Book a Hotel That Ensures Comfort for Every Traveler
Whether it’s accessibility, pet-friendliness, or dietary needs, a hotel should accommodate everyone.
While around 15% of travelers require accessibility features, fewer than 40% of hotels fully provide them.
✅ Check for:
Wheelchair-friendly rooms
Accessible elevators and bathrooms
Pet policies
Gluten-free or vegan menu options
💡 LinzGo Tip: Never rely solely on filters. Message or call the hotel to confirm accessibility details before booking.
🔟 Luggage Storage: A Traveler’s Lifesaver
Arrive early? Flight at midnight? Secure luggage storage turns waiting time into adventure time.
We, travelers, appreciate hotels that store luggage after checkout, making it easier to explore hands-free.
💡 Traveler’s Joy: On my last day in Athens, my hotel kept my bags till 8 p.m., so I squeezed in one last sunset at Lycabettus Hill. That service made the day.
🌟 Wrapping Up: Book Your Hotel the Smart Way
A great trip begins before you pack — it starts with the wise way to book a hotel stay.
Take a few minutes to check these ten essentials, and you’ll avoid 90% of the travel headaches most people face.
Ready for your next stay?
Don’t miss our next guide: 12 Hotel Amenities That Make Your Stay Special— it’ll help you spot hotels that truly care.
❓ FAQ
1. What’s the best time to book a hotel? 2 or 3 weeks before your trip for better prices and more options.
2. Is it better to book directly or through apps? Booking apps often offer lower prices, but hotels may reward direct bookings with points or upgrades.
3. How to spot fake hotel reviews? Look for overly generic comments or multiple reviews posted on the same date. Real reviews mention specifics like staff names or nearby cafes.
4. What should I double-check before payment? Currency conversions, taxes, and refundable status — those are the top sources of surprise fees.
5. How can I check a hotel’s safety? Look up the area on Google Maps, check recent reviews, and see if the hotel has 24-hour security