Booking a hotel is a pretty simple act right? Well, not really. Sometimes, you can make a mistake that will change your experience to a sour one. For inexperienced travellers, this is a list you need to keep close to your heart. Here are some grave mistakes you need to avoid when booking.

Booking through travel agencies

If you want the best of rooms in a hotel, book directly through their website. Normally, the best located rooms are given to loyal members, or the ones who booked via the website. The rooms left are then allocated to other travellers. The aim for this is to create loyal customers and motivate travellers to book regularly. Additionally, you could join a hotel loyalty program. You may even get better amenities such as Wi-Fi or complimentary breakfast.

Using the wrong dates

For international travellers, your booking dates are going to be a little different. Avoid booking the hotel on the same night as your flight unless you are really sure of the dates. You'll probably arrive at your destination the next morning. Also remember to put the International Date Line into consideration if you'll be crossing it. It has a huge impact on your check in time. Double check your itinerary tickets just to be sure before hitting the confirm button. You don't want to waste your hard-earned money.

Neglecting the reviews

Another huge mistake people make is choosing to believe the glossy hotel descriptions. For a better experience, ask the necessary questions, and don't forget to check the reviews. Hotel descriptions reveal only the benefits and hide the imperfections. The infinity pool described with so much elegance could only be a metre or two in size. Reviews would give you a better impression of the hotel, but try and place emphasis on the recent ones.

Booking in the wrong times

Last minute plans can have devastating consequences on your pocket. The rates can skyrocket, and the rooms can go out of your budget range without warning. A good rule of thumb is to avoid booking within 21 days of your arrival. Also refrain from booking a hotel during the summer season if you're able to; most people book during this time. In low traffic periods, not only will the rates be lower, you'll also be able to negotiate better.

Remember that most hotels normally set their price quotes based on the assumption that some of the people would negotiate. The price can fall down to as low as 60% of the initial. So don't hesitate to ask for discounts when searching for accommodation on a budget.