When a hotel booking goes wrong, the reason is usually not a bad hotel — it is a few lines on the payment screen that nobody read. The six points below take about a minute to check before you confirm.
1. The cancellation terms of the rate
The same room often comes with several rates, and the difference between them is not only price but flexibility.
- Free cancellation: cancel by the stated deadline and you get your money back.
- Non-refundable: usually cheaper; no refund once the booking is made, whether you cancel or change it.
- Partial penalty: a set amount is retained depending on when you cancel.
If your dates are not fixed, treat the price difference as a form of insurance. If they are fixed, a non-refundable rate is a sensible choice.
2. What the board type actually covers
The abbreviations are the same across the industry:
- Bed and breakfast (BB): breakfast only
- Half board (HB): breakfast plus one meal, usually dinner
- Full board (FB): three meals
- All inclusive (AI): meals and, normally, selected drinks
What “all inclusive” covers varies from property to property. À la carte restaurants, imported drinks and spa treatments are often excluded; reading the room description prevents surprises after you arrive.
3. What the price does not include
The booking amount normally covers the stay itself. These may be charged separately at the property:
- Accommodation or city tax — it varies by country and city
- A damage deposit
- Parking, spa, minibar, late check-out
These items are shown separately before payment. Add them when you work out your budget.
4. Check-in and check-out times
Check-in is usually in the afternoon and check-out in the morning. If you arrive late at night, tell the property in advance — some smaller places close reception at certain hours. Early check-in and late check-out depend on availability and may cost extra.
5. Guest count, children’s ages and extra beds
The price is calculated from the number of guests you enter. Enter children’s ages correctly: some properties let children stay free up to a certain age, others charge for an extra bed. Turning up with a guest who is not on the booking means paying at the desk.
6. Keep the booking confirmation
The confirmation e-mail carries the booking reference, the property name, the dates and the cancellation terms. You may be asked for it at check-in. Save it to your phone or take a screenshot — there may be no internet at the property.
Frequently asked questions
Can I really get nothing back on a non-refundable rate?
As a rule, no. The property may show flexibility at its own discretion, and force majeure situations are assessed separately.
What if the booking name differs from the name on my ID?
It can cause problems at check-in. Book in the name shown on the passport or ID of the person staying.
Why does the price change between searches?
Hotel prices move in real time with the date, occupancy and the number of rooms left. A displayed price is not binding until the booking is completed.
Who collects the accommodation tax?
Usually the property, directly, at check-in or check-out.
Checking these six lines takes a minute. Choosing the wrong rate usually costs a night’s stay.
See prices side by side for your dates, and read the cancellation terms before you book.
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