7 hotel booking mistakes that could be costing you money

Sometimes, getting the best possible deal on a hotel room requires a bit of strategy. Savvy travelers know the lowest rate sometimes means paying more for other aspects of the trip — say, meals, transportation or cancellation penalties. "I always encourage travelers to compare the complete booking, not just the first number they see," says Eric Goldreyer, founder and CEO of the vacation rental booking platform Savvy.com . "Look at the total price, what's included, the deadline to cancel and the payment terms. That's how you determine the actual value of the reservation." No matter what type of trip you're planning, make sure to avoid these all-too-common booking blunders.

1. You compared room rates instead of the total cost of your stay

The room isn't the only thing to consider when you book a hotel stay. It's important to consider what extras you'll be using too. 

"A higher nightly price may include breakfast, parking or other amenities that would otherwise cost extra," explains Goldreyer.

Packages can certainly be cost-effective, but only if you'd otherwise be paying separately for the services they include. For example, compare a $180-per-night room with a $35-per-night parking fee to a $200 room with parking included. If you're not planning on bringing a car, the $180 room is a better deal. If you have a car with you, you're better off paying the higher rate, assuming all other taxes and fees are equal.

2. You booked a cheaper hotel, but it isn't where you want to be

Properties situated downtown and near the city's main attractions tend to be more expensive than those on the outskirts. Still, a hotel that has a cheaper per-night rate may not be quite the bargain it seems if those savings disappear into ride-hailing apps, a public transit pass or rental car costs. 

"When I pick a hotel, I look at the itinerary first, not just the nightly price," says Andres Serra, head of operations at the travel-planning and concierge service Optimise Travel . 

Serra recommends mapping the hotel against your planned activities and then calculating transportation costs before deciding whether a farther-away property is actually the better deal.

3. You chose a nonrefundable rate without weighing the risk

Booking a nonrefundable room isn't necessarily a mistake in itself — but it's important to weigh the discount against the risk.

"If your plans are firm and the savings are meaningful, a nonrefundable rate may make sense," says Goldreyer. "If there's a reasonable chance your plans could change, paying slightly more for flexibility can be the smarter financial decision."

Cancellation flexibility can matter, but when the payment is due is equally important. The payment requirements can differ between third-party booking platforms and a hotel's own website, says Steve Bartlett, president of the hospitality management consulting company Travality Consulting . Whereas one might require an upfront deposit or full payment, the other might offer the option to reserve a room now and pay later.

Before you book, check the terms, including the cancellation deadline and whether cancellation penalties may apply.

Sometimes, prepaying the full amount can unlock a lower rate, but that rate may not be refundable. While a pay-later or refundable rate may have a higher nightly price, it gives you more flexibility that could save you money in the long run. 

Also, keep in mind that "refundable" doesn't necessarily mean you won't have to pay anything upfront. Some hotels may still require a deposit, so it's worth looking into what you'll be charged and when.

4. You assumed your whole group would fit 

A room with two queen beds might seem like adequate space for your whole family, but before booking, it's a good idea to check the maximum occupancy — as well as the hotel's policy on extra-person charges.

"Being the friend picked to rough it on the floor is never fun, and adding a room last minute is usually expensive," says Megan Rodrigues, travel adviser and owner of Together We Travel , who notes that an additional room may not even be available. 

Bartlett also points out that adding a rollaway bed may cost extra — if the hotel even offers this option.

That's why when searching for a room, it's crucial to enter the total number of adults and children. If the number of guests can be accommodated, but you require an additional sleeping space (such as a sofa bed or rollaway cot) be sure to confirm whether it will incur an extra cost. 

5. You booked the first rate you found

One way to find the best deal on a hotel room is to compare prices and included amenities across the hotel's own website and multiple third-party booking sites — and then check whether any memberships or status could unlock additional discounts.

"Many travelers simply book the initial rate they find, not realizing they may be eligible for a much lower rate," says Jamie Larounis, travel industry analyst for the travel and credit card rewards site Upgraded Points .

For example, Larounis notes you can sometimes get discounted hotel rates using your AAA and Costco memberships (the latter when booking directly through Costco Travel).

"Booking directly may offer a loyalty member rate, better cancellation terms, loyalty benefits or a package that includes breakfast, parking or other amenities," Bartlett adds.

6. You waited for a last-minute deal 

While last-minute hotel deals do exist, waiting to book can be a risky move, particularly when your dates aren't flexible (say, because you're traveling for a specific event, like a wedding or a conference). Room rates can surge when demand is high around peak season, holidays and local events. And according to Bartlett, the least-expensive rooms often sell first.

If your dates are fixed and your trip falls during a popular travel period, Goldreyer advises booking several months in advance.

"The biggest advantage isn't necessarily that you'll get the absolute lowest price, but that you'll have more inventory and more flexibility to choose the property and room type that actually works for you," he explains.

7. You never rechecked the price after booking

Even after you've booked a room, there may still be an opportunity to save.

Bartlett recommends rechecking the rate periodically after booking, including once right before the cancellation deadline, to see if it's dropped. If you do find a better deal, don't cancel your reservation just yet — consider contacting the hotel first to ask if they can offer the lower rate for your existing reservation. Hotels will occasionally honor the lower price, Bartlett says, especially if you booked directly. Your odds of getting the lower rate may be higher if you're part of the hotel's loyalty program.

Larounis notes that many hotel chains also offer best-rate guarantees — if you find a better deal on another website, they could honor the lower rate as long as it's publicly accessible and you have an eligible booking.

If the hotel won't adjust the rate but your original reservation is refundable, Larounis suggests booking the lower rate first, then canceling the original reservation within the permitted window. That way, you won't be left without a reservation if the lower rate sells out or disappears.

But remember: A lower room rate isn't worth jumping on if it means losing something valuable. So make sure the room type, inclusions, currency and cancellation terms are actually comparable before making a new booking.