Booking hotels online is kind of awesome, but man, the
internet’s wild. You got to have your wits about you or you’ll end up sleeping
in a broom closet with a view of a brick wall. Here’s the real deal (no
corporate speak, I promise):
First thing—don’t just Google “cheap hotel” and pick the
first thing that pops up. Stick to the OGs like Booking.com, Agoda, Airbnb,
Expedia, Hotels.com if you’re globe-trotting. If you’re in India, MakeMyTrip,
Goibibo.com, Yatra, OYO, and Clear trip are the big names. Basically, if it
looks sketchy or your uncles never heard of it, skip it.
Plug in your city, dates, and how many folks are crashing.
There’s usually a bunch of filters—use ‘em! Budget, star rating, Wi-Fi,
breakfast (trust me, free breakfast is a blessing when you’re hungover), AC,
whatever floats your boat. Don’t just stop there—scroll through photos and
reviews. If all the pics look like they were taken on a potato or the reviews
mention “unidentifiable stains,” run.
Hit that map feature—nobody wants to end up miles from
civilization unless you’re into that whole “finding myself” thing. And always,
always compare prices. Sometimes the hotel’s own site throws in extras or a
better deal (yeah, they want your money direct).
Now, before you throw your cash at them—read the fine print.
Cancellation policy? Refunds? Check-in and check-out times? Super important,
especially if your flight’s landing at 3 a.m. And check if they’re weird about
local IDs or unmarried couples. Some places in India get all judgey.
To lock it in, dump your details, pick your room, and pay
up. UPI, cards, wallets—whatever works. Sometimes “pay at hotel” is an option,
which is great if you’re commitment-phobic (or just not sure about the place).
Once it’s booked, you’ll get an email or SMS. Screenshot that bad boy; Wi-Fi
drops faster than you think.
Now, let’s talk street smarts. Only use sites that start
with https://—if it looks janky, bounce. Don’t click random links in your
WhatsApp or email from “hotel deals”—that’s how you end up in a phishing scam,
not a penthouse suite.
If a place is offering a five-star room for the price of a
samosa, that’s a red flag. Cross-check the same hotel elsewhere. Still sketched
out? Call the hotel. Yeah, like, with your phone. It’s old-school but it works.
Never trust just the photos, bro. Read reviews that aren’t
ancient—last three months is best. Use Google Maps or Street View to check if
the “beachfront” is actually a puddle next to a highway.
If you’re not 100% sure, avoid paying the whole amount
upfront. “Pay at hotel” is your friend, especially for unknown joints. And
always carry an ID, plus a backup of your booking confirmation. Some places get
weird about who you are.
Heads up: Some hotels in India get all traditional and might
deny locals or unmarried couples. Check their policies unless you wanna reenact
a Bollywood drama in the lobby.
Oh, and don’t sleep on loyalty programs or credit card
discounts. Free upgrades are the dream. And book at least a week or two ahead
if it’s peak season or you’ll be left fighting over the last single bed with
someone’s grandma.
Last thing—if you want early check-in or late checkout, call
ahead and sweet-talk them. Works more often than you’d think.
TL;DR: Be smart, double-check everything, and don’t get
suckered by deals that sound too good to be true. Happy travels!
0 Comments