5 Questions to Ask Before Booking a Hotel

Hotel listings can be a bit of a gamble. Glossy images glowing reviews and vague descriptions make every place sound like a dream - until you get there and realise the spa is actually a hot tub on a rooftop or the “deluxe room” faces a brick wall.

Whether you are planning a special weekend away or a quick overnight stay these five questions can help you cut through the fluff and book a hotel that truly suits your trip. The right questions are not just about saving money. They are about making your stay feel intentional enjoyable and memorable.

1. What Is the Vibe of This Place Really

Is it the kind of place where you could curl up with a book for hours or does it lean more business and briefcase What works for a city break with friends may not work for a romantic anniversary stay. The tone and energy of the hotel matters just as much as its location.

Look beyond professional photos. Read guest reviews not just for ratings but for the feeling they describe. Do people say it is peaceful charming welcoming Or loud dated and impersonal You are not just booking a room. You are booking an atmosphere.

2. What Is Around the Hotel and How Will I Get There

A “central” hotel can still be an exhausting uphill walk from the station or sandwiched between two noisy bars. Look at the area using street view or Google Maps. Consider how you will actually experience the location - will you walk out the door and find cafés museums and shops within moments Or will you need to taxi everywhere

Also think about how your day starts and ends. If the journey back to your room at night feels like a hassle you may end up enjoying less of your trip.

3. What Does the Price Actually Include

It is easy to get excited about a low price and forget the hidden extras. Does it include taxes Is breakfast complimentary Are there added costs for Wi-Fi parking or even using the pool

Some hotels charge for everything right down to holding your luggage after checkout. Others include small luxuries like robes coffee machines and welcome drinks that make your stay feel more valuable. When comparing hotels be sure you are comparing what you actually get not just what the headline rate says.

4. Is the Room as Lovely as the Lobby

We have all seen it. The lobby is a design dream - but when you get to your room it is all beige walls poor lighting and curtains that do not close properly. When you are spending most of your time sleeping relaxing or getting ready in your room it deserves more attention.

Look for guest photos on Google or Instagram for a more honest view. Make sure the images on the booking page match the room type you are actually considering. A hotel can have a beautiful suite but if you are booking a standard double that might not be what you get.

5. What Will Make This Stay Feel Worthwhile

Is it the view The breakfast The spa The location close to your favourite restaurant Think about what really matters to you on this particular trip. It might be comfort peace style flexibility or a bit of indulgence.

A hotel does not have to be luxurious to be perfect. It just has to get the details right for you. When you know what you are really looking for it becomes much easier to spot the right stay.

The Secret Stays Perspective

Asking the right questions before you book makes all the difference - but having access to better prices helps too. That is where Secret Stays comes in.

Because our members pay a yearly fee, we do not take commission from hotels. Instead, we give you access to exclusive, lower-than-public rates across thousands of properties - from boutique hideaways to big-name hotels around the world.

You are not locked into a limited collection. You are free to choose the stay that suits your trip, whether it is a quick city break or a longer countryside escape. And because your savings often cover the cost of membership in just one stay, every booking after that feels like a win.

Ask smart questions. Book confidently. And enjoy the kind of travel that feels effortless from the start.