You’ve probably experienced this yourself at some point. You see a hotel for €49 a night, but when you go to pay, the price suddenly turns out to be a lot higher. Breakfast isn’t included, parking costs extra, and on top of that there’s the tourist tax. Suddenly, that attractive offer isn’t such a bargain after all.
That’s why we no longer just compare the price per night, but also look at the location, reviews, cancellation policies and any additional costs. It might take a few extra minutes, but in the end it often saves you tens of euros and a lot of frustration. In this blog, we’ll show you how to compare hotels more effectively, avoid hidden costs and find a hotel offering the best value for money more easily.
Why the lowest hotel price is often not the cheapest at all
Booking sites usually let the lowest available room rate . That might sound appealing, but in many cases the additional costs only become apparent during the final stage of the booking process. Think of tourist tax, service charges, resort fees, parking charges or breakfast that isn’t included in the price. For a budget hotel in Amsterdam, the city tax can easily amount to between €3 and €7 per person per night. Add to that: breakfast (€15 per person), parking (€30 per day) and Wi-Fi (sometimes an extra €10).
Suddenly, that ‘cheap’ night ends up costing you twice as much. We experienced this ourselves once during one of our trips. We booked a hotel that looked very cheap on paper, but turned out not to be. What’s more, this hotel was much further from the city centre, which meant we ended up spending a lot on public transport. Since then, we don’t just look at the price; we always compare the total cost and the location before booking a hotel. Read our Tips for a city break in Barcelona for more useful tips.
Our step-by-step guide to comparing hotels fairly
These days, we actually always follow the same step-by-step guide when looking for a hotel. It takes no more than an extra quarter of an hour, but it stops you from being faced with unexpected costs or a less-than-ideal location afterwards. Below, we explain step by step how we compare hotels before making a booking.
Step 1: Decide what’s really important to you
Before you start searching, it’s a good idea to think about what’s important to you first. This will save you from comparing dozens of hotels that ultimately don’t meet your needs. What you’re looking for will, of course, depend on the type of trip you’re taking. Are you going on a city break? In that case, we often find that a central location, good public transport links and free cancellation are important. On a road trip, on the other hand, we tend to focus more on free parking, flexible check-in times and plenty of space for our luggage. So make a note of up to five things that are really important for your trip. Anything on top of that is a bonus.
Step 2: Compare total prices, not base prices
A low starting price often doesn’t tell you much. It’s usually only during the final step of the booking process that you see the actual costs. You should therefore always check whether the price includes tourist tax, service charges and any other surcharges. Also check whether breakfast, parking or other extras are already included. Use a hotel comparison site such as HotelsPedia Netherlands to quickly view several options. Always click through to the final booking step. There you’ll see the actual price, including taxes and surcharges. Never just compare the first price you see.
Step 3: Check the location on the map
A cheap hotel might seem appealing, but it can actually end up costing you more if you spend a lot of time and money on transport every day. Open Google Maps and check how far the hotel is from the sights you want to visit. For a city break to London A hotel in Zone 2 is often half the price of one in Zone 1, whilst the metro journey only takes 10 minutes longer. Check out our blog about planning a city break to London for more practical tips.
Step 4: Read reviews using a filter
We actually never look at the average rating on its own. A hotel may have an excellent score, whilst the most recent reviews paint a very different picture. Focus on reviews from the past 6 months. Look out for specific themes: ‘cleanliness’, ‘noise’, ‘location’. If several guests complain about the same issue, take it seriously. Reviews older than a year are often no longer relevant due to changes in management.
Step 5: Choose flexible booking terms
Perhaps our most important tip: if possible, choose a hotel that offers free cancellation. Travel plans can always change. You might find a better deal later on, your itinerary might change, or the weather might turn out to be worse than expected. By opting for a flexible booking, you keep all your options open. We find this particularly handy during longer road trips. For example, we often book a hotel in advance that meets our requirements, whilst continuing to keep an eye out to see if a better deal becomes available later on.
Compare by type of trip
Not every trip requires the same approach. Whilst on a city break you tend to focus mainly on the location, on a road trip or nature holiday, completely different factors come into play. That’s why we always tailor the way we compare hotels to the type of trip we’re taking.
- Citytrip: focus on accessibility and price per night. When it comes to a city break in New York, location is everything. A hotel in Manhattan is expensive, but saves on travel time. It’s better to choose a room in a suburb with good underground links. Use city break to New York for a guide to each neighbourhood. Also compare the price per night, including breakfast, as in New York, eating out for breakfast can easily cost $15 per person.
- Nature: safety and facilities. In nature reserves, a central location is less important. Choose a hotel in a safe neighbourhood with access to supermarkets and places to eat. Check whether there is a 24/7 reception and whether the rooms are above ground level. For a canoe trip in Friesland, a campsite by the water is ideal, but check that there is parking available for your car. Read canoeing in Friesland for a comprehensive travel guide.
- Roadtrip: flexibility and parking. When I’m on a road trip, I often don’t book until the day before. Use a hotel comparison site with an app, so you can book quickly whilst on the move. Choose hotels with free parking and late check-in. Avoid hotels in the centre of major cities; they often charge €30 to €50 a day for parking.
- Longer holiday: price per week and facilities. For a trip of two weeks or longer, the price per week is the deciding factor. Look for hotels with a kitchenette, laundry service and a swimming pool. This will help you save on daily expenses. Also compare the total cost for a 14-night stay, including all surcharges. Sometimes an apartment booked through another website is cheaper than a hotel.
Hidden costs at hotels: what you need to watch out for
We may be repeating ourselves a little, but a low hotel price doesn’t automatically mean you’re getting a good deal. It’s often the extra charges that mean an attractive offer ends up costing a lot more than you’d initially thought. These are the most common extra charges we always keep an eye out for:
- Tourist tax (city tax): varies depending on the destination and is often between €1 and €7 per person per night. In some cities, such as Amsterdam, a percentage of the room rate is even charged.
- Service charges: Some hotels charge an additional fee for cleaning or other services. These costs are not always included in the initial price.
- Parking charges: Are you travelling in a hire car or your own car? If so, check the parking charges in advance. In large cities in particular, these can run to between €30 and €50 a day.
- Breakfast: A hotel may sometimes seem cheap, but it turns out that breakfast isn’t included. So always compare the total price, including breakfast, if you’re planning to eat at the hotel every morning anyway.
- Resort fee: Particularly outside Europe, some hotels charge a mandatory daily surcharge for facilities such as Wi-Fi, a swimming pool or a gym. Even if you don’t use these facilities, you’re often still required to pay these charges.
- Deposit: Some accommodation providers temporarily place a hold on your credit card as a security deposit. Check in advance how much this deposit is and when it will be released.
- Early or late check-in: Are you travelling outside the standard check-in times? If so, please check whether any additional charges apply.
Tip: don’t just look at the price on a comparison site; always check the terms and conditions on the hotel’s own website as well. That way, you’ll know exactly what is and isn’t included. See Consumer Guide about your rights in the event of unexpected costs.
Keep your travel plans flexible
Things can always change whilst you’re travelling. You might discover a more appealing destination along the way, the weather might change, or you might find a better hotel deal later on. That’s why, whenever possible, we almost always opt for a hotel with cancellation free of charge. This offers much greater flexibility and prevents unnecessary costs should your plans change unexpectedly.
For trips to destinations with unpredictable weather, such as a road trip through Scotland, this is crucial. Please also check the government’s travel advice at Netherlands Worldwide for the latest safety information. If your trip to Singapore ends up being expensive, you can always book a cheaper hotel outside the city centre. Read Is Singapore expensive? for a budget overview.
Common mistakes when booking a hotel
We, too, have made the odd wrong choice in the past. Fortunately, you learn from them quickly. These are the most common mistakes that you can easily avoid.
- Just looking at the lowest price. A slightly more expensive hotel may ultimately work out cheaper because of its better location or because breakfast and parking are already included.
- Failing to check the cancellation policy. A cheap hotel that doesn’t offer free cancellation can actually end up costing you more if your travel plans change.
- Forgot to factor in the parking costs. These can be particularly high in large cities.
- Just look at the average review rating. Always make sure you read the most recent reviews as well. They often give a much more realistic picture.
- Check out just one booking site. The price of the same room can vary by tens of euros between different providers.
Use the checklist below before booking a hotel.
| Checkpoint | What should you look out for? |
|---|---|
| Total price | Check the price, including taxes and charges. |
| Location | Check the distance to places of interest or public transport. |
| Cancellation Policy | Where possible, opt for free cancellation. |
| Recent reviews | Read reviews from the past six months. |
| Parking charges | Check whether parking is free or costs extra. |
| Breakfast | Check whether breakfast is included or charged separately. |
| Check-in time | Check whether you can check in late at no extra cost. |
Frequently asked questions about booking hotels
1. How do you find a cheap hotel with no hidden costs?
A low starting price doesn’t automatically mean you’re getting a good deal. You should therefore always check the total price during the final step of the booking process and see whether costs such as tourist tax, breakfast, parking or other surcharges are already included. This will help you avoid a situation where an attractive offer ends up costing you much more.
2. What is the difference between a resort fee and service charges?
A resort fee is a compulsory daily charge for facilities such as Wi-Fi, a swimming pool or a gym. You often have to pay this fee even if you don’t use the facilities. Service charges are usually a fee for services such as cleaning or other hotel services, and vary from one accommodation to another.
3. Is it a good idea to book a hotel with free cancellation?
Yes, we actually always recommend that. By opting for free cancellation, you retain greater flexibility should your travel plans change or if you come across a better deal later on. We think this is a major advantage, particularly on a round trip or when you book well in advance.
4. What should you look out for in recent hotel reviews?
Don’t just look at the average rating; make sure you read the most recent reviews. Pay particular attention to recurring issues, such as cleanliness, noise, the location or the friendliness of the staff. If several guests mention the same problem, there’s a good chance it’s still an issue.
5. Is a cheap hotel always the best choice?
Not always. A hotel that’s slightly more expensive may actually work out cheaper in the end, as breakfast, parking or other amenities are already included in the price. A convenient location can also save you a lot of time and transport costs. So always compare the total price and look beyond just the lowest room rate.
6. Is it cheaper to book a hotel well in advance?
That depends on your destination and the time of year. During the high season or when popular events are taking place, booking early is often better value and gives you more choice. Are you travelling outside the peak season or are you flexible? In that case, you can sometimes benefit from last-minute deals. That’s why we always compare several providers and keep an eye on prices for a while before making a final booking.
7. Is it better to book directly with a hotel or via a booking site?
That varies from hotel to hotel. Booking sites are ideal for quickly comparing different accommodation options. Once you’ve found a suitable hotel, it’s a good idea to check the hotel’s official website as well. Sometimes you’ll find the same price there with added benefits, such as free breakfast, a room upgrade or more flexible cancellation terms.
8. When are hotels usually cheapest?
There’s no hard and fast rule, but hotels are often cheaper on weekdays than at the weekend, especially in popular cities. Prices are also usually lower outside school holidays and public holidays. Are you flexible with your travel dates? If so, you can often save a lot by shifting your travel dates by a few days.
9. Is a hotel with breakfast always the best choice?
Not necessarily. In some cities, eating breakfast out is actually cheaper and more enjoyable. In other destinations, where there are few restaurants nearby, a hotel that includes breakfast can actually be much more convenient. You should therefore always compare the total costs and see what suits your trip best.
10. Is it best to book hotels on a computer or via an app?
Some booking sites offer exclusive app discounts or limited-time mobile deals. We therefore regularly compare both the website and the app before booking a hotel. A small difference in price can quickly add up to tens of euros on a longer trip.
11. How can I find a cheap hotel in Amsterdam with no hidden costs?
Use a hotel comparison site such as HotelsPedia Nederland and filter by total price, including city tax. Choose a hotel just outside the city centre, such as in De Pijp or Oud-West, and check whether breakfast and parking are included. Book outside the peak season (November–March) for the best deals.
Conclusion
Booking a hotel doesn’t have to be complicated at all. By looking not just at the lowest price, but also at the location, reviews, cancellation policy and any additional costs, you can avoid a lot of unpleasant surprises during your trip. These days, we always take a few extra minutes to compare different accommodation options. Not only does this often result in a better deal, but it also ensures that we know exactly what to expect when we’re travelling. After all, choosing a good hotel isn’t just about the lowest price, but above all about getting the best value for money.
One last tip from us! Before we book, we often check neutral sources such as Netherlands Worldwide, Central Government Travel, ConsuWijzer, IATA, WHO Travel Advice to minimise avoidable surprises.
We hope this step-by-step guide will help you book a hotel more quickly and efficiently next time, so that you can enjoy your trip without any worries. Do you have any questions? If so, you can always send us a message via Instagram.
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