| To my mind, location, pictures, reviews and cost are | | | | extra charge.This is fine so long as I know in |
| the decisive factors when I'm making a hotel booking. | | | | advance. There is nothing worse than an unexpected |
| I know photos and stars can be misleading, but a | | | | bill at the end of the holiday. I stay away from |
| series of 20 good reviews is always a sign that I | | | | minibars because the costs are usually exorbitant, no |
| should be OK. | | | | matter where you go. |
| Basically I want detail and lots of it. I want to know | | | | I like a balcony with a good view. When booking |
| about the room the beds, the pillows, the pool, the | | | | always specify if this is required, or else you could |
| restaurant, the staff, and above all the noise levels at | | | | end up round the back with a view of a brick wall. |
| 2:00am. Thankfully the web gives us the opportunity | | | | Not necessarily a problem for many people, but it is |
| to read detailed descriptions from previous guests. | | | | good to know in advance. |
| When it comes to hotels, the star rating system is | | | | My final piece of advice, is to ask for a discount. |
| generally a good guide, but beware B and Bs or small | | | | Nobody gets upset by the request (just as you |
| hotels in out-of-the-way places that make up their | | | | shouldn't be upset if it is declined), but if you are |
| own star ratings. | | | | lucky they will say yes and you will get a little more |
| Sometimes, to use some services involves paying an | | | | cash in your pocket to spend on the holiday. |