10 Red Flags to Look Out for in a Hotel

Accommodations don’t need to be luxurious to be enjoyable; modest hotels can provide great service and comfort. However, bad hotels with run-down rooms, missing amenities, and unfriendly staff can make your vacation horrible. Travel experts have identified key red flags to help travelers avoid such experiences and manage their expectations. Let’s have a look!

Photos look too good to be true

When hotel photos look too good to be true, they probably are. Slick images with perfect lighting and angles can make the room seem larger and better than it actually is. Always cross-check and look for guest photos to see the real deal. If a room looks like a palace online but guests describe it as a dump, believe the guests.

Most reviews are 2-3 years old

If most reviews of a hotel are 2-3 years old, it’s a major red flag. Think about it—why hasn’t anyone been talking about this place recently? Maybe it’s fallen off the radar for a reason, like declining service or outdated facilities. Fresh, frequent reviews are a sign of a thriving business.

Branding and exteriors disappoint

Imagine arriving and expecting a charming boutique hotel, but instead, you find a dilapidated building with a flickering neon sign. The mismatch screams neglect and false advertising. If they can’t maintain their facade, what else are they skimping on? Trust your gut—if it looks bad outside, it’s probably worse inside.

Neglectful safety measures

When you spot missing or broken smoke detectors, blocked fire exits, or flimsy door locks, it’s time to pack your bags. Look for visible security cameras and well-lit parking areas; their absence could signal a lack of concern for guest safety, so don’t hesitate to speak up.

Prices are too cheap

Dirt-cheap rates often mean corners are being cut, resulting in dirty rooms, poor service, and outdated amenities. Bedbugs, broken air conditioning, or thin walls can make your bargain a nightmare. Remember, you get what you pay for, and sometimes it’s worth spending a bit more for a good night’s sleep.

Early check-out policy

An early check-out policy is annoying! If a hotel pushes you out before 10 AM, it’s often a sign they’re more interested in turnover than in guest comfort. Early check-outs can leave you scrambling, disrupt your plans, and make your stay feel rushed. Review the policy before booking—your vacation shouldn’t feel like a race against the clock!

Missing photos on the website

Missing photos could mean they’re hiding outdated decor, cramped spaces, or worse. Always trust your gut: if you can’t see it online, you probably don’t want to see it in person. Especially photos of the bathrooms! It’s your hard-earned vacation; avoid leaving it to fate.

On-going constructions

On-going construction in the neighborhood or the hotel can turn your peaceful getaway into a noisy nightmare. If the hotel didn’t warn you in advance, it’s a major red flag about their transparency and customer care. Always ask about any renovations before booking to avoid a surprise wake-up call.

Miserly breakfast service

Rubbing the sleep from your eyes, you stumble into the breakfast area, only to find a sad display of stale pastries and watered-down coffee. It’s a glaring sign that the hotel skimps on the most important meal of the day, leaving you hungry for both sustenance and satisfaction. Don’t let your morning start on a sour note.