Step 1. Define the Purpose of Your Trip (This Determines Up to 70% of the Right Choice)

One of the most common mistakes when choosing a hotel is starting with stars or price. In practice, it is far more important to understand what role the hotel will play in your specific trip. The same hotel may be perfect for a couple, but completely unsuitable for a family with a child or for an active traveler.

Before booking, honestly answer one key question: “Why do I need this hotel, and how much time will I actually spend there?”

If You Are Traveling for a Beach Vacation

When the hotel is the main place of relaxation, the daily comfort matters more than the official category.

• Beach type: sand, pebbles, or a platform — this affects not only comfort, but also children’s safety. Check the sea entry (steep or gentle), water depth near the shore, waves, and the presence of reefs.
• First line ≠ best option: sometimes a second-line hotel with a regular shuttle is more convenient than a “first-line” property with steep slopes, stairs, or a rocky shore.
• On-site infrastructure: swimming pools (are they heated?), shade and canopies, showers, drinking water, bars, lifeguards, and access to beach towels.
• Meal plan: if you plan to spend most of the day at the hotel, AI or UAI is often not only more convenient, but also more cost-effective than paying à la carte.

If You Plan Sightseeing or a “City + Beach” Trip

When the hotel is mainly a place to sleep and have breakfast, priorities change.

• Location matters more than stars: proximity to the city center, attractions, or transport saves hours of time and a noticeable part of your taxi budget.
• Meals: in most cases, BB (breakfast only) or even RO is enough, if you want to explore local cuisine and avoid being tied to the hotel.
• Silence and sleep: with an active schedule, quality sleep is essential — request a room away from roads, not above bars, and not next to elevators or service areas.

If You Are Traveling with Children

Family vacations require a special approach: comfort, safety, and predictability are more important than design trends or “wow effects.”

• Safety: fencing, shallow children’s pools, shade, lifeguards on the beach and on the premises.
• Meals: children’s menus, early dinners, snacks throughout the day, and access to hot water for bottles or reheating food.
• Room: family rooms or connecting rooms are often more comfortable and cost-effective than two separate standard rooms — especially for sleeping and storage.
• Entertainment and services: kids’ clubs, playgrounds, babysitting, family pools — but always check age restrictions.

Bottom line: a clearly defined travel purpose immediately filters out unsuitable options and helps you choose a hotel that truly makes your vacation comfortable, not just one that “has the right number of stars.”

Hotel Classification: Stars, “Diamonds,” and Why They Are Not the Same

A hotel’s category is one of the most overrated factors when choosing accommodation. Stars create the illusion of a clear standard, but in reality they do not represent the same level of comfort in different countries.

Why a 4★ Hotel in One Country Is Not the Same as a 4★ Hotel in Another

There is no single international standard that defines what 3★, 4★, or 5★ means worldwide. Each country — and sometimes each hotel association — uses its own evaluation criteria.

For example:

• in one country, having an elevator, a 24/7 reception, and a restaurant may already qualify a hotel as 4★;
• in another country, the same requirements might correspond to 3★, while 4★ would require larger rooms, additional services, and expanded infrastructure;
• in resort destinations, stars often reflect the range of services, rather than room condition or the freshness of renovations.

The European Approach: Hotelstars Union

In several European countries (Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, the Baltic states, and others), the Hotelstars Union system is used. It was created to make star requirements more transparent and comparable across countries.

This system evaluates dozens of criteria, including:

• room and bathroom size;
• availability of elevators and reception services;
• housekeeping frequency;
• additional services (room service, safe, Wi-Fi, etc.);
• service level and room equipment.

However, even within the Hotelstars Union, stars represent a minimum standard, not a guarantee of identical guest experience.

The USA and the “Diamond” Rating System

In the United States and Canada, hotels are often judged not so much by stars, but by independent ratings, the most well-known being the AAA Diamond Rating.

This system is based on regular inspections and evaluates hotels by service quality, comfort, and overall guest experience.

• 1–2 Diamond — basic level, practicality;
• 3 Diamond — solid comfort and service;
• 4 Diamond — high standards and attention to detail;
• 5 Diamond — premium segment with highly personalized service.

What Stars Really Mean for Travelers

Practical Takeaway for Travelers

• Stars are a useful starting filter, but not the final decision factor.
• Always evaluate a hotel through guest reviews, real photos, and room descriptions, not by category alone.
• Pay attention to who assigned the rating: a government system, a professional association, or the hotel’s self-assessment.

Location: How to “Save” Without Ending Up Paying More

One of the most common mistakes when choosing a hotel is finding a “great deal,” only to spend your vacation losing time, money, and energy on daily transportation. That is why in professional travel guides location is almost always listed among the key decision factors.

It is important to remember: a hotel is not just a point on a map, it is part of your daily travel routine.

Why a Good Location Actually Saves Money

• lower spending on taxis and transportation;
• more time for rest instead of commuting;
• the ability to return to your room during the day (heat, kids, fatigue);
• greater flexibility — no need to “plan the day around the road.”

3 Key Questions About Location

1. What is nearby?
   Grocery stores, cafés, pharmacies, ATMs, public transport stops, and walking areas — all of these directly affect comfort, especially if you are not traveling in a strict “hotel–beach–hotel” format.
2. How will you get around?
   On foot, by public transport, taxi, or rental car. This determines how critical the distance to the city center, the beach, or attractions really is.
3. Are there any “hidden difficulties”?
   Steep hills, long staircases, lack of sidewalks, busy roads, railway lines, nightclubs or bars right under the windows.

What Travelers Most Often Overlook

• Terrain: “10 minutes on foot” on a map may mean a daily uphill walk.
• Industrial areas and construction sites: especially common in developing resort destinations.
• Noise: roads, entertainment zones, early-morning deliveries.
• Isolation: a beautiful hotel with no nearby infrastructure means dependence on taxis or shuttle services.

Useful Tips for Checking a Location

• Open the map and switch to satellite view to see terrain, building density, and road layout.
• Check guest photos — they often show the surroundings better than official hotel images.
• Search reviews using keywords such as: “far,” “noisy,” “uphill,” “inconvenient,” “no sidewalks.”
• Compare daytime and nighttime activity — a quiet area during the day may become noisy in the evening.

Conclusion: a good location is not just about convenience — it means real savings of time, energy, and budget. More often than not, it is location that determines whether your vacation feels easy and enjoyable or becomes exhausting by the second day.

Location: How to “Save” Without Ending Up Paying More

One of the most common mistakes when choosing a hotel is finding a “great deal,” only to spend your vacation losing time, money, and energy on daily transportation. That is why in professional travel guides location is almost always listed among the key decision factors.

It is important to remember: a hotel is not just a point on a map, it is part of your daily travel routine.

Why a Good Location Actually Saves Money

• lower spending on taxis and transportation;
• more time for rest instead of commuting;
• the ability to return to your room during the day (heat, kids, fatigue);
• greater flexibility — no need to “plan the day around the road.”

3 Key Questions About Location

1. What is nearby?
   Grocery stores, cafés, pharmacies, ATMs, public transport stops, and walking areas — all of these directly affect comfort, especially if you are not traveling in a strict “hotel–beach–hotel” format.
2. How will you get around?
   On foot, by public transport, taxi, or rental car. This determines how critical the distance to the city center, the beach, or attractions really is.
3. Are there any “hidden difficulties”?
   Steep hills, long staircases, lack of sidewalks, busy roads, railway lines, nightclubs or bars right under the windows.

What Travelers Most Often Overlook

• Terrain: “10 minutes on foot” on a map may mean a daily uphill walk.
• Industrial areas and construction sites: especially common in developing resort destinations.
• Noise: roads, entertainment zones, early-morning deliveries.
• Isolation: a beautiful hotel with no nearby infrastructure means dependence on taxis or shuttle services.

Useful Tips for Checking a Location

• Open the map and switch to satellite view to see terrain, building density, and road layout.
• Check guest photos — they often show the surroundings better than official hotel images.
• Search reviews using keywords such as: “far,” “noisy,” “uphill,” “inconvenient,” “no sidewalks.”
• Compare daytime and nighttime activity — a quiet area during the day may become noisy in the evening.

Conclusion: a good location is not just about convenience — it means real savings of time, energy, and budget. More often than not, it is location that determines whether your vacation feels easy and enjoyable or becomes exhausting by the second day.

Amenities and Facilities: What Really Matters

Hotel amenities are what affect your comfort on a daily basis, and this is also where inaccuracies and “fine print” most often appear. The same items in a hotel description can mean very different service levels — which is why it is important to understand what to check and which questions to ask in advance.

Basic Amenities to Check First

• ✅ Air conditioning / heating — especially important in hot climates and during shoulder seasons
• ✅ Wi-Fi — whether it is free and where it works (room, lobby, entire property)
• ✅ Room cleaning — daily or on request, towel and bed linen changes
• ✅ Hair dryer, kettle, iron — in the room or available upon request at reception
• ✅ Soundproofing — most reliably identified through guest reviews

Amenities That Are Often Charged Extra

Even in higher-category hotels, some services may come at an additional cost. Moreover, what is free and what is paid may vary depending on the season or the selected rate, so it is always worth clarifying the conditions in advance or upon check-in.

• in-room safe;
• mini-bar and refrigerator;
• beach sun loungers and umbrellas;
• sauna, hammam, and SPA areas;
• early check-in and late check-out;
• rental of towels or bathrobes.

Facilities vs. Reality

Keep in mind: the presence of facilities does not mean they are always available to everyone.

• some pools and restaurants may operate on a limited schedule;
• kids’ clubs and animation programs often depend on the season;
• SPA areas may be adults-only;
• sports facilities may require advance booking.

Conclusion: amenities and facilities are not about the number of icons in a description, but about real availability and usage conditions. The more carefully you verify the details before booking, the fewer unpleasant surprises you will encounter during your stay.

Meal Plans: RO / BB / HB / FB / AI / UAI and How to Choose the Right One

The meal plan is one of the most underestimated factors when choosing a hotel. It directly affects not only your on-site budget, but also your sense of freedom, convenience, and the overall rhythm of your vacation. This becomes especially noticeable when traveling with children or in destinations with expensive restaurants.

What to Understand Before Choosing a Meal Plan

• A meal plan is not just about food — it defines your vacation lifestyle.
• Packages with the same names can differ significantly in content from one hotel to another.
• Cheap accommodation with RO can sometimes cost more in the end than AI — due to restaurants, drinks, and snacks.

Explanation of Common Meal Plan Types

All Inclusive and Ultra All Inclusive — No Illusions

The “all inclusive” concept is not a universal standard. Even within the same hotel, conditions may vary depending on the season, selected rate, and room category.

• Drinks: often only local alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included; imported brands usually cost extra.
• À la carte restaurants: typically limited visits, with advance reservations required.
• Bar hours: alcohol and snacks may not be available 24/7.
• Late-night snacks: not available in many hotels, even with UAI.

HB and FB — Comfort Without “Overpaying for the Bar”

Half Board and Full Board are often underestimated, although for many travelers they offer the most balanced option.

• HB — ideal if you spend the day sightseeing or on excursions and want a relaxed dinner without searching for a restaurant.
• FB — suitable for calm, hotel-based vacations, but it is important to check whether drinks are included (often they are not).

How to Choose a Meal Plan Based on Your Travel Style

• City trips and excursions: RO or BB — mobility and local cuisine.
• Beach vacations: AI is often more cost-effective than it seems, especially where prices outside the hotel are high.
• Traveling with children: AI or HB — fewer daily decisions and a predictable routine.
• Quiet vacations without alcohol: HB or FB — budget control without unnecessary extras.

Conclusion: the ideal meal plan is not the “most inclusive” one, but the one that matches your pace, your plans, and your expectations. The more honestly you answer the question “how will we spend our days,” the better your choice will be.

Hidden Costs: Resort Fees, Deposits, Minibars, and the “Fine Print”

Even a perfectly chosen hotel can bring unpleasant surprises if additional charges are not considered in advance. Some of these costs are not included in the room rate but are mandatory at check-in or check-out.

Resort Fee / Destination Fee

In some countries and resort areas, an additional mandatory resort fee may be added to the room price. This is most commonly encountered in the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, and certain popular tourist destinations.

The resort fee is charged for “access to facilities” — such as Wi-Fi, swimming pools, fitness centers, beach towels — even if you do not actually use these services.

How to Reduce the Risk of Unpleasant Surprises

• Look for the terms resort fee or destination fee in the payment conditions and rate descriptions.
• Compare not the “price per night,” but the total final price including all fees and taxes.
• If this is important to you, choose hotels without a resort fee — this is the most reliable way to avoid extra charges.

Deposit / Credit Card Hold

At check-in, many hotels place a temporary hold on your credit card as a deposit for potential additional expenses.

• This is not a charge, but a temporary authorization.
• The amount can range from a small sum to a significant one — especially in higher-category hotels.
• The release of funds may take anywhere from a few days to 1–2 weeks after check-out.

Minibar, Refrigerator, and Other “Small” Paid Extras

The minibar is one of the most common sources of unexpected charges at check-out. Even if you did not consume anything, some systems automatically register bottle movement.

• the minibar is usually charged separately;
• using the minibar as a refrigerator for personal items may be prohibited;
• a safe, refrigerator, or tea/coffee set may sometimes be available for an additional fee.

Conclusion: hidden costs are not a trick, but part of the hotel’s rules that are not always obvious at first glance. The more carefully you review the conditions in advance, the calmer and more predictable your stay will be.

Reviews: How to Read Them Properly and Avoid “Sweet” Fakes

Reviews are the most valuable — and at the same time the most deceptive — source of information about a hotel. They reflect real guest experiences, but only if interpreted correctly. Taking reviews at face value often leads to wrong conclusions.

The Golden Rule of Reading Reviews

Do not blindly trust either perfect “10/10, everything was amazing” reviews or a single emotional negative comment. What really matters is identifying repeating patterns.

• “noisy at night”;
• “far from the beach”;
• “long lines at the restaurant”;
• “mold / unpleasant smell / dampness”;
• “poor Wi-Fi in the room”.

If the same issue is mentioned by different guests, it is not a coincidence — it is a characteristic of the hotel.

Which Reviews Are Actually Useful

• Specific details: building, floor, room type, what exactly worked well and what caused inconvenience.
• Travel dates included: important for understanding the season, weather, occupancy level, and how the infrastructure operates.
• Balance: both pros and cons are mentioned — such reviews feel realistic and trustworthy.
• Guest photos: they often reveal more than professional hotel images.

How to Spot Fake or Useless Reviews

Fake or low-value reviews often share common traits:

• overly promotional or exaggeratedly enthusiastic tone;
• lack of concrete details (“everything was perfect”, “best hotel ever”);
• excessive exclamation marks and generic phrases;
• text that does not match the attached photos;
• a sharp contrast with the overall review pattern.

Conclusion: reviews do not answer the question “Is this a good hotel?” but they are excellent at answering “Is this hotel right for me?”

Booking Hacks: How to Get the Best Value for Your Money

The very same hotel can be priced differently depending on how, when, and under what conditions you book. A smart approach allows you to save money or receive extra benefits at no additional cost.

1) Use Metasearch — but Always Check the Official Website

A smart strategy: first find the hotel through aggregators and metasearch platforms, compare the price range, and then visit the hotel’s official website.

• direct booking perks may be available;
• room upgrades;
• late check-out or early check-in;
• loyalty discounts for returning guests.

2) Always Check Payment and Cancellation Policies

Non-refundable rates often look attractive, but they come with risks. Flexible terms act as your “insurance” in case your plans change.

• free cancellation until a certain date;
• pay-at-hotel instead of prepayment;
• partial prepayment instead of full payment.

3) Submit Room Requests in Advance

The booking comment field is a free — and often effective — tool.

• quiet room;
• higher floor;
• one large bed;
• baby cot;
• non-smoking room;
• away from elevators and entertainment areas.

4) Look at “Freshness,” Not Just Star Rating

A hotel’s condition can change much faster than its official star classification. Renovations, new ownership, or a change in management can completely transform the experience.

That is why recent guest reviews and photos are often a more reliable indicator than the number of stars.

5) Pay Attention to Hotel Occupancy

• in high season, even good hotels may feel overcrowded;
• queues and noise are often about volume, not quality;
• in low season, service may be calmer, but some facilities may be closed.

Conclusion: the best booking is not the cheapest one, but the right balance of conditions, flexibility, and real comfort. It is the details that make a trip truly enjoyable.

The Ultimate Pre-Booking Checklist

This checklist is the essence of the entire article. Go through it before paying for your booking — and you will avoid about 90% of the most common traveler mistakes.

Tip: if you have doubts about any point, it is better to clarify before payment than to deal with the issue during your vacation.

Mini FAQ

Are hotel “stars” the same everywhere?

No. There is no single global hotel classification standard. Criteria vary by country and organization. In Europe, the Hotelstars Union system is used, but even it defines only minimum requirements and does not guarantee the same level of comfort everywhere.

What’s better: a 5★ far away or a 3★ in a great location?

In most cases, location wins — especially if you plan walks, sightseeing, and an active itinerary. However, for a true “hotel vacation” format (beach, children, on-site facilities), a higher category can indeed provide more comfort. The best approach is to compare reviews and amenities, not just star ratings.

Does AI or UAI mean “everything is free”?

No. It means “everything included according to the rules of a specific hotel”. Drink brands differ, access to à la carte restaurants may be limited, bar hours vary, as do late-night snacks and extra services. Package details always matter more than the label.

Why can a highly rated hotel still disappoint?

Because ratings reflect an average impression, not how well the hotel matches your personal expectations. A hotel may be excellent for families, but noisy for couples, or perfect for beach relaxation but inconvenient for sightseeing.