How to Check Your Hotel Before You Fly: A 20-Minute Checklist
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The cheapest fix for a hotel problem is spotting it before you go. Set aside 20 minutes, ideally 4 to 8 weeks before departure, and work through this list. It works for any hotel, anywhere.
1. Recent reviews (5 minutes)
- Sort reviews by most recent and read at least the last 10 to 15.
- Search within reviews for: noise, construction, renovation, building work, sunbeds, towels, air con, Wi-Fi, lift, cleanliness, food, pool closed.
- Look at guest photos, not just the official ones, and check how recent the official photos are.
2. Your room (4 minutes)
- Find the exact room type on your booking, and photos of that room type.
- Check whether some rooms are in an annex or a separate building.
- "Sea view", "side sea view" and "partial sea view" can mean very different things. Check what's promised in writing.
3. Location (4 minutes)
- Use a map to measure the walk to the beach, and check for main roads to cross.
- Look at satellite and street-level views for building sites, nightclubs and busy roads nearby.
- Check for hills and steps if you have a pushchair or limited mobility.
- Note how far it is from the airport. It affects transfer times (see our transfer comparison).
4. Board basis and extras (4 minutes)
- For all-inclusive: check the hours, which bars and restaurants are included, whether à la carte needs booking, and what's extra.
- Check for charges for safes, beach sunbeds, towels, the spa or kids' club, and any local tourist tax payable at the hotel.
- Check facility dates. Some pools, kids' clubs and restaurants open only in certain months.
5. Ask the hotel (3 minutes)
Email the hotel with any questions, and add polite requests, for example a quiet room away from the entertainment area, a cot, or a high floor. Requests aren't guaranteed, but a written reply is useful. If the answers show the hotel won't match what you were sold, contact your travel company before you travel. See your rights if the hotel isn't as described.
While you're at it: the other things to sort
- Transfers: are they included? (transfer alternatives)
- Day trips: book popular ones early.
- Data: check roaming or get an eSIM.
- UK airport parking: pre-book.
Prefer a printable version? Get the full countdown checklist.
FAQs
When should I check my hotel before travelling?
Ideally around 4 to 8 weeks before departure, so there's time to ask questions or request changes, and again in the final week for recent reviews.
Can I contact the hotel directly if I booked a package?
Yes, you can usually email the hotel with questions or requests, such as a quieter room. Changes to what you booked should go through your travel company, and requests are not guaranteed.
Free: the post-booking countdown checklist
Tell us when you fly and where, and we'll send the printable checklist now, then short reminders timed to your trip: documents and insurance at 8 weeks, transfers at 4 weeks, day trips at 2 weeks, data and money in the final week, and a last check 48 hours before. Unsubscribe any time.
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