15 Red Flags to Watch Out For When Booking Hotels

As a budget backpacker, I’ve seen it all when it comes to booking hotels. From the comfort of cozy hostels to the places that made me question my life choices, I’ve faced everything from bedbugs lurking in the sheets to spider nests hiding in the corners of bathrooms.

With all those experiences under my belt, I’ve created a list of essential red flags to watch out for. Here are 15 key warning signs to look out for when booking hotels that could signal trouble ahead.

1. Overly Aggressive Air Fresheners

You know that moment when you walk into a room, and it smells like a can of Lysol exploded? It’s likely the hotel is trying to cover up something way nastier than just last night’s takeout. Think mold, sewage, or the permanent smell of old cigarettes.

2. Evidence of the Dreaded Bedbugs

If you ever are questioning a hotel, pull back the sheets to see if there are little brown spots near the top of the bed or mattress seams. Bedbugs are a real thing, and a real problem to deal with if you get them.

No one wants to wake up covered in itchy bites or, worse, bring those critters back home. Unfortunately, this is a problem I’ve had to deal with more than once.

3. Bulletproof Barriers

If the first thing you see is bulletproof glass around the reception desk, it may not exactly be the warm welcome you were hoping for. If the staff needs protection at the reception, what does that say about the neighborhood? It’s a pretty clear sign that safety might not be the hotel’s top selling point.

4. Uber Driver Doubts: When Even Your Ride’s Concerned

If your Uber driver appears uncertain about your destination as you arrive at your hotel, it’s a sign that things may be sketchy.

They know the area well and likely drop people off here frequently. If they’re giving you the side-eye, it might be time to think twice.

5. No Exterior Photos

Hotels pay to have photoshopped close-ups of perfectly made beds and beautiful breakfast rooms. That alone doesn’t mean much, but with no exterior shots, they may be hiding the fact that their ‘charming’ exterior is actually a crumbling facade.

Always remember: if they’re not showing it, there’s a reason, and it’s probably not a good one.

6. Aggressive Management Responses to Reviews

Before you book, it’s always smart to read the Google reviews. But if you see the owners or managers attacking negative reviewers, run the other way!

A hotel that cannot handle criticism is likely hiding more than just a bad attitude. It shows that it might not care about fixing issues or improving its services.

7. Musty Odor Alert

Ever walked into a room that smells like an old, damp basement? That’s the unmistakable scent of mold and mildew. If your hotel room smells like this, it’s a sign of poor maintenance and possibly even health hazards. Breathing in mold spores is definitely not part of your vacation plans.

8. Hidden Fees: When the Price Isn’t What You Think

It’s super annoying when you think you’ve found a great deal, only to be hit with hidden fees at check-in. Urban fees, WiFi charges, parking costs—it all adds up.

I’ve been there, thinking I scored a bargain, only for the fees to add up more than an AirBnb. Always read the fine print and check for additional fees before booking. It’s better to know upfront than to be surprised later.

9. Absent Reception: The 24-Hour Service That Isn’t

You arrive late, exhausted, and guess what? There’s nobody at the reception desk, even though they claim to offer 24-hour service. This either means the staff is overworked or they just don’t care, and either way, it’s a bad sign.

Understaffing leads to long waits and poor service across the board. If the reception is a ghost town, expect the rest of your stay to be just as frustrating.

10. Unverified Calls

Ever had a call transferred to your room without the front desk verifying who it is? Anyone could call pretending to be someone they’re not. It’s a huge risk to your privacy and safety.

Hotels should always verify the caller’s identity before connecting them to your room. If they don’t, it’s a sign of lax security and poor training.

11. Shouting Out Your Room Number

When hotel staff shout out your room number for anyone within earshot to hear, it’s a big no-no. Your room number should be kept confidential for your safety. Anyone overhearing it could potentially cause trouble. It might seem like a small slip-up, but it speaks volumes about the hotel’s attention to guest privacy.

12. When the Hotel Confirms Your Stay to Strangers

Sometimes, people try to get info about your stay by pretending to be a relative or friend. If hotel staff fall for this and confirm your stay to unauthorized people, that’s a major breach of privacy. You never know who could be fishing for information.

13. When the Price is Too Good to Be True

You find a hotel that’s way cheaper than all the others in the area and think, “Score!” But hold on, there’s usually a reason for that low price. It could be poor maintenance, bad service, or hidden fees.

I’ve been burned before, thinking I got a great deal, only to end up in a place with more problems than perks. Always read reviews and compare the amenities to other options.

14. Hourly Rates

If a hotel advertises hourly rates, that’s a big warning sign. Hotels that rent rooms by the hour often cater to a less savory clientele. It’s best to avoid places with this kind of pricing model. Look for hotels with a clear daily rate and catering to travelers like you.

15. Do a Street View Check

Before booking, take a few minutes to check Google Maps Street View of the hotel and its surroundings. It’s a simple step that can save you from unpleasant surprises. If the area looks run-down or unsafe, a quick virtual tour can help you avoid staying in a sketchy neighborhood.

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.