Recommendations before booking
When we travel, it is important to dedicate some time to planning and organizing the trip. To do this - in addition to looking for means of transport, choosing the places we would like to visit, or taking an interest in the gastronomy we want to taste - it is essential to choose the right accommodation where we are going to spend our time of rest. Nowadays, there are a large number of tools that offer us numerous options to choose from. To help consumers make the right choice, ECC-Spain offers a series of recommendations to bear in mind before making a reservation.
Location and transportation
Check the location of the accommodation. The geolocation maps of search engines are a useful tool to locate it.
Comments from other travelers
Check reviews and comments from other travelers on different websites. Take into account the proximity of the publication date and the type of traveler. On many occasions, establishments respond to comments with very useful information that can be filtered by country of origin, language or type of tourist.
Photographs of the lodging
Check that the photographs used to advertise the accommodation are real and correspond to those of the building where it is located. To do this, you can enter the address of the accommodation in an image search engine and check if the images match those advertised.
Rates and discounts
The price of the accommodation may include additional services to the stay, so it is recommended to check the conditions of the chosen rate.
For the same accommodation, you may find different prices. Booking at the establishment itself, rather than through intermediaries, is usually more economical.
Depending on the season, rates may vary, so booking in advance and in writing, especially in high season, can save money.
Outside the historic centers and tourist areas, accommodations are usually cheaper and may be well connected.
It is advisable to contact the hotel or owner directly to check information such as price, cancellation conditions, amenities, or the type of accommodation listed on online booking platforms. It should be noted that the service charges of the platforms may increase the price offered directly by the establishment.
Aggressive sales techniques
Social engineering is a technique that can be used by some businesses to pressure and manipulate consumers, forcing them to make an impulsive or hasty purchase decision. For this, expressions such as "Last chance", "Unique opportunity", or "Only one room available" are often used.
Meals
The price of the accommodation may include additional services to the stay. Check, for example, the meal plan contracted. Most commonly it includes breakfast or half board, being less frequent the full board or that the minibar service is included.
Minors
Childcare and children's entertainment services are a plus that can be found in many accommodations, especially during the tourist seasons. Other common services are extra beds or cribs. Availability should be checked, in each case, with the establishment.
Accessibility
Many accommodations have facilities adapted for people with disabilities. In case you need it, contact the establishment directly and clarify any doubts you may have. >> More information on accessible tourism in Spain.
Travel insurance
Before taking out travel insurance, check the coverage included in your credit card or home insurance policy.
Pets
Always check if pets are allowed. Normally, only one pet per accommodation is allowed. In addition, it is usually easier for pets under 10 kilos to be accepted and their admission is more frequent in rural lodgings. Remember to always carry your pet's documentation in order.
Other services
Additional amenities such as Internet access, air conditioning, airport pick-up or drop-off service, laundry facilities, swimming pool, fitness center, or parking may sometimes be required. Check the hotel's website or phone for all the information you need.
Modification policy
Depending on the hotel's policy or the selected rate, in general, the reservation may be modified under certain conditions. If the user does not show up at the establishment without prior notice (non-show), he/she may be penalized.
Payment Policy
Do I have to pay a reservation fee and what are the methods of payment? Although there is no common rule in Spain, to book in some hotels it is necessary to provide a credit card as a guarantee or to make a deposit. In tourist accommodations, make sure that the bank account is in the owner's name or that it is not in a different country from the one in which the owner supposedly resides. It is also common to ask for a security deposit to cover possible damages that may occur in the property. Keep the payment confirmation and remember that bank transfers are irrevocable.
Cancellation Policy
Although there are no harmonized cancellation rules, the establishment may penalize the consumer with a charge in these cases. Pay attention to the cancellation policy that is usually included in the terms and conditions. Find out if you are entitled to a refund or partial refund. In addition, in case of cancellation due to extraordinary circumstances (force majeure), it will usually be a court ruling that will determine whether you are entitled to a refund. In any case, it is always recommended to inform the hotel at least 24 hours before the planned date of arrival.
In addition, it should be noted that if the online reservation is for a specific date or period, the user will not have the right of withdrawal (14 days to cancel the reservation without penalty), unless the accommodation is part of a package tour.
Related Document
Brochure: Accomodation in Europe
