Travel expert's warning - 'never book a hotel' with these 5 signs
Travel expert reveals five types of accommodation that should set off alarm bells for savvy travellers - and the list might surprise you
A travel expert has unearthed five kinds of lodgings that shrewd tourists should dodge. At the pinnacle of his list sits the notoriously overpriced airport hotel, trapping many who favour convenience without considering the toll on both their wallets and overall holiday joy.
Travellers looking for the perfect getaway may want to think twice before clicking "book now", according to an expert who pointed out five red flags. Javier Sobrino, the mastermind behind Descubriendo Viajes – a bespoke Spanish travel platform – has spoken out, asking travellers to do their research before booking.
He waves a cautionary flag at deceivingly cheap all-inclusive resorts, particularly those plagued by dismal reviews. The expert also had some advice about booking airport hotel accommodation.
Javier said: "Unless you've got a flight departing before 8am, you're wasting your final night in a sterile room when you could enjoy a meal with local flavour and charm."
While some all-inclusive packages promise savings and some of course are well worth the ease in booking, some guests often report 'let-downs' such as dilute beverages, dodgy buffet sanitation, and an underwhelming vibe.
" Budget all-inclusives often serve mediocre food in buffets where items sit out for hours," Sobrino cautions. Poorly rated all-inclusive packages are more likely to disappoint, according to reviewers.
Mr Sobrino suggests keeping a "vigilant" eye on food-related critiques and steering clear of resorts that have left holidaymakers less than unimpressed reports the Express.
Guests are advised to pay close attention to food-related reviews and avoid any resort where the majority of comments are lukewarm at best.
Should less than a quarter of feedback gleam with "excellent" badges, chances are high for an unsatisfactory stay.
Mr Sobrino also points out that seemingly inexpensive roadside hotels in remote locations can harbour unseen drawbacks that have the potential to derail an adventure, especially for travellers not well-acquainted with the territory.
Hotels situated along highways often fall short due to subpar soundproofing, limited dining options, and a general feeling of seclusion.
Sobrino recounted a personal experience where he booked a roadside hotel near Valencia that appeared decent in photos, only to discover it was adjacent to a noisy truck stop, resulting in sleepless nights and missed local experiences.
Although the prices may be enticing, the lack of convenience and ambiance makes these hotels a poor choice for most travellers. Being too far from city centres or attractions can easily turn a dream trip into a logistical nightmare.
Sobrino also warns against hotels undergoing renovations, as they often mislead guests by downplaying disruptions. "They'll offer slight discounts while claiming renovations are 'minimal', but arrive to find half the amenities closed and construction noise starting at 7am," he said.
The expert advises travellers to contact hotels directly before booking to inquire about any ongoing work and to be wary of vague or evasive answers.
Lastly, hotels offering extremely low prices in prime locations should be approached with caution, as they often conceal poor conditions behind slick marketing. "They either have hidden fees that double the price, terrible service, or rooms that haven't been updated since the 1980s," he warned.
According to Sobrino, "A truly great stay isn't about luxury, it's about honest value delivered with genuine hospitality."
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