{"id":352727,"date":"2016-04-04T10:42:08","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:42:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/consumer\/travel-rules-and-rights\/tips-on-how-to-book-a-hotel-room.html"},"modified":"2024-12-09T18:10:00","modified_gmt":"2024-12-09T23:10:00","slug":"tips-on-how-to-book-a-hotel-room","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/travel-rules-and-rights\/tips-on-how-to-book-a-hotel-room.html","title":{"rendered":"Tips on How To Book a Hotel Room"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Tips on How To Book a Hotel Room<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/natalie-moritz\/\">Natalie Moritz<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/melissa-bender-esq\/\">Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last reviewed\n        <time>\n                            December 09, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<p>When booking a hotel room, it is crucial to conduct thorough research to find the best features, quality, and price while being aware of your legal rights as a traveler. To secure the best hotel deal, consider the following tips:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Use third-party booking websites and apps\u00a0wisely<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Pay attention to cancellation policies<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Read the reviews<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Look up the location<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Research the hotel thoroughly<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Contact a travel agency for overseas or remote destinations<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Verify details such as room type, deposit requirements, and special requests<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This article shares tips for finding the best deal on the right hotel and protecting your rights as a traveler. Although getting a hotel deal is good, knowing your legal rights as a traveler is also essential. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/consumer-transactions.html\">Consumer law<\/a>\u00a0extends to hotel guests, and understanding these regulations can help ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.<\/p>\n<h2><b>Finding the Best Hotel Deal<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Savvy consumers usually only book a hotel stay after thorough research and comparisons. Maximize your efforts by using travel sites, consumer reviews, and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/travel-rules-and-rights\/should-you-use-a-travel-agent.html\">travel agents<\/a>. Use the following guidance to book the best hotel at the right price:<\/p>\n<h3><b>Use Third-Party Booking Websites and Apps\u00a0Wisely<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>Many travelers find and book hotel accommodations through commercial webpages and apps like\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/expedia.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Expedia<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/travelocity.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Travelocity<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/orbitz.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Orbitz<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.priceline.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Priceline<\/a>, and\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/hotels.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hotels.com<\/a>. These third-party booking sites generally allow users to compare prices, read reviews, and make reservations through the third party instead of the hotel directly.<\/p>\n<p>Still, there may be better deals than booking through a third-party site. Always check with the hotel directly (either by calling or checking the hotel website) for discounts or promotions unavailable on third-party sites. Booking with the hotel directly may also allow you to apply credit card points or specific deals (like AAA or military discounts).<\/p>\n<p>If you book through a third-party site, be cautious and read reviews from other travelers to ensure the reliability and legitimacy of the platform. Stick to reputable platforms to avoid potential hotel\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/online-scams\/consumer-scams-faq.html\">booking scams<\/a>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><b>Tip:<\/b>\u00a0Use third-party booking sites for research, then look up the hotels you like directly. If the third-party site still has a lower rate, screenshot and contact the hotel to see if they will price match. Or, ask if you can pay the same price for an upgraded room. This is often a successful tactic as it financially benefits the hotel to get the booking directly.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Pay Attention to Cancellation Policies<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>Understand the hotel&#8217;s cancellation policies before making a reservation. Ensure you know the penalties or charges associated with cancellations or changes to your reservation. Cancellation periods without a penalty can vary \u2014 don&#8217;t make assumptions based on hotels you&#8217;ve stayed at in the past.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><b>Tip:<\/b>\u00a0Put a reminder in your phone calendar the day before the free cancellation period ends. If you need to make changes, you can do so without fees or sacrificing a room\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/consumer-transactions\/return-policies-and-refunds.html\">refund<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Read the Reviews<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>Check out consumer review sites (like\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/tripadvisor.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TripAdvisor<\/a>), which gather reviews of hotels by former guests. TripAdvisor is a good resource because it organizes reviews by type of stay (couples, business travelers, or young travelers). This feature lets you search for people like you and see what they say about the hotel.<\/p>\n<p>You can also search for reviews on Google Maps, Yelp, and the hotel&#8217;s Facebook page.<\/p>\n<p>If a deal is too good to be true, it probably is.\u00a0It can feel like your lucky day when you find a substantially cheaper hotel than surrounding hotels. But there is usually a reason for this:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>It&#8217;s under renovation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Amenities are temporarily closed or unavailable (like the restaurant, lounge, or gym)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>The area directly around the hotel is under construction and difficult to access<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>It is a high-crime area<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>The building is in poor condition<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Look Up the Location<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>If you have a target geographic area, put the address into\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps<\/a>. You can zoom in to see exactly where it is and the surrounding area. The map will also show you surrounding stores, restaurants, and other entertainment.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><b>Tip:\u00a0<\/b>Use Google&#8217;s street view feature to see what the hotel and surrounding area look like.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Research the Hotel Thoroughly<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>Once you&#8217;ve targeted a hotel or narrowed it down to a couple, it helps to call the hotel directly and ask questions about your specific needs and concerns. For example:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>How big is the pool, and is there a lifeguard on duty?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Is there a microwave and fridge in the room?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>What is the speed and reliability of the Wi-Fi?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>How secure is the hotel? What hours is the front desk staffed?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Can the restaurant and room service accommodate any dietary restrictions?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>What is the total price after taxes and fees? Are there extra costs, like a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/travel-rules-and-rights\/hotel-questions-and-answers.html\">resort fee<\/a>\u00a0or parking?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Ask the concierge all your questions so you can book with confidence.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><b>Tip:<\/b>\u00a0Hotels are subject to accessibility laws just like other businesses. If you have specific accessibility requirements (like wheelchair accessibility or a roll-in shower), the hotel must provide an accessible room (if available) without an upcharge. The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/discrimination\/the-americans-with-disabilities-act-overview.html\">Americans with Disabilities Act<\/a>\u00a0(ADA) makes it illegal for a hotel to charge more for a room based solely on its accessibility.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Contact a Travel Agency for Overseas or Remote Destinations<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>If your trip involves an overseas or remote location, there are advantages to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/travel-rules-and-rights\/should-you-use-a-travel-agent.html\">hiring a travel agent<\/a>\u00a0who knows the area, culture, and businesses.<\/p>\n<p>Travel agents have expertise in travel regulations,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/visas\/how-to-get-a-u-s-visa.html\">visa requirements<\/a>, and entry restrictions for various destinations and other countries. They can help ensure you have the necessary documents to legally enter the area you are visiting. They can also help you secure\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/travel-rules-and-rights\/travel-insurance-benefits.html\">travel insurance<\/a>\u00a0and negotiate hotel and airline contracts.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><b>Tip:<\/b>\u00a0Read the reviews for specific travel agents and agencies before deciding. Verify their credentials and ensure they&#8217;re in good standing with relevant industry associations (like the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.asta.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">American Society of Travel Agents<\/a>\u00a0or the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.artatravel.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Association of Retail Travel Agents<\/a>).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Before Booking and Arrival<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Once you&#8217;re ready to book a hotel room, there are still a few more actions you can take to avoid hassles and headaches preemptively:<\/p>\n<h3><b>Request the Type of Room<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>When you make the reservation, request the room type you want. If noise is an issue, you&#8217;ll want a room away from elevators and ice machines and not facing the street.<\/p>\n<p>If it&#8217;s a resort with a nightclub at the pool, you&#8217;ll want to be on the side and not face the pool. Whatever your needs, communicate them clearly to the concierge.<\/p>\n<h3><b>Confirm the Deposit Details<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>Most hotels need a bank card for reservations and may place a temporary hold on the card for incidentals. Clarify the amount and duration of the authorization to avoid any unexpected charges.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><b>Tip:<\/b>\u00a0Book your hotel with a credit card rather than a debit card. Credit cards offer consumers far more protection in the event of fraud. If there is a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/credit-debit-card-fraud.html\">fraudulent transaction<\/a>, the credit card company will fight the wrongdoer on your behalf and cover expenses incurred on the card. If you paid with a debit card, you will likely have to fight the entire charge alone.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Confirm the Reservation<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>Make a phone call a few weeks before your stay to confirm the hotel has your reservation and special requests (like a room in a quiet hotel area).<\/p>\n<p>Your reservation is a contract.\u00a0Under\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-contracts-forms\/contract-law.html\">contract law<\/a>, most hotel reservations are a legal contract between you and the hotel. When you make a reservation, you are entering into an agreement with the hotel. Both parties have certain rights and responsibilities.<\/p>\n<p>The hotel will outline the terms and conditions of the reservation, including cancellation policies, payment, check-in and check-out times, guest age restrictions, and pet restrictions. These terms form part of the contractual agreement.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><b>Tip:<\/b>\u00a0If a hotel cancels your confirmed reservation for reasons outside your control (like overbooking or room maintenance), they are generally required to issue a full refund. Always hold on to your booking confirmation in case this happens. If a hotel cancels your confirmed reservation and doesn&#8217;t provide full reimbursement, you may have grounds for a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/travel-rules-and-rights\/hotel-and-rental-car-rules.html\">consumer rights claim<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Trouble With Hotel Management or a Booking Site? Get Legal Advice<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>While inconvenient, most travel mishaps don&#8217;t require an attorney. However, some situations warrant help from a consumer protection attorney who is well-versed in state and federal laws protecting consumers. Hotels and booking sites are subject to consumer protection laws. If you feel someone has infringed on your rights, contact a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/consumer-protection\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">consumer protection attorney<\/a>\u00a0in your area today.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" 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               >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                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>Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\"><div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Consumer legal issues typically need an attorney&#8217;s support\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium 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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>FindLaw explains how to secure the best hotel deals while understanding your legal rights as a traveler. 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