Hotel Booking Tips: How I Choose the Best Hotels Around the World

Table of Contents

Introduction

Picking the best hotels can be quite challenging and a little overwhelming. There are now so many different websites Booking.com, HostelWorld, Expedia, Agoda, which from my opinion, are all great, and they all cater to every type of traveller and every kind of budget. Along my travels, I’ve picked up a lot of hotel booking tips that I always follow, and I figured it was about time I wrote them all down in one place so you can go and travel in still and depth and choose the best hotels around the world to stay in.

At this point, I’ve stayed in more hotels than I can honestly count. From boutique hostels and budget stays to luxury resorts, I’ve experienced it all, and I’ve definitely picked up a few tricks along the way, some from getting it right, and a fair few from getting it wrong.

If you’re wondering about genuine booking tips and hotel reservation tips, these hotel booking tips will help you narrow it down. Whether you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful weekend spot or a high-end luxury stay, this post will help you make smarter hotel choices.

My Hotel Booking Tips: What I Look For First

I usually already have my destination sorted before I start hotel hunting. However, I wouldn’t suggest that it is necessarily a good idea. I have seen very affordable flights, but the hotels can be very pricey in comparison. For example, in Luxembourg, the flights are and were cheap, but the hotels are more than 6x times the price of the flights. Not a good way to travel if you are on a budget.

I’m very intentional with my budget, especially with bills to pay back home, but that doesn’t mean I’m the traveller who says “we’re not going to be in the hotel much anyway.” Absolutely not. I love a hotel that feels as nice or even nicer than my home. After a long day of exploring, walking, and sightseeing, coming back to somewhere that feels good matters more than people give it credit for. Here are a few tips on booking hotels to look out for:

Aesthetics and Vibe

One of the best booking tips I can give is to look for aesthetics and vibes. I want the hotel itself to feel like part of the travel experience, not just somewhere to crash. The lobby, the room, the little design touches, all of it adds to the overall trip. A hotel with character can genuinely elevate a destination, while a bland, corporate-feeling room can make even a beautiful city feel a bit flat when you get back to it at the end of the day.

Food

Food is also a big factor for me. While I don’t usually eat breakfast, if the hotel has traditional food of the destination, I will likely have dinner there, which saves me having to go out and find a restaurant if there is one right where I am staying.

Location

Location is a game-changer when you choose the best hotels you stay in. I check how far the hotel is from the airport, the city centre, and key attractions before booking anything. You don’t want to be spending a fortune on taxis or transport just to get to and from your hotel every day. That adds up fast and eats into both your budget and your time.

Hostel-Style Hotels

In the past, as a student and while travelling on a tighter budget, I’ve stayed in hostel-style hotels, which are great. If you’re only just starting out with your travels, or simply don’t have the budget for higher-end stays, these are perfect. You can still get clean, social, well-located places to stay without the price tag of a full hotel, and honestly, some of my favourite travel memories come from hostel stays.

Reviews: My Non-Negotiable Step

Another of my biggest hotel booking tips is to always check the bad reviews first. Not the average rating, not the glowing five-star reviews. Just save yourself some time and go straight to the one and two-star reviews and read what people didn’t like. Sometimes it’s something minor that won’t bother you (noise from a nearby bar, for example), but sometimes it’s a genuine red flag.

I then cross-check photos on Google, TikTok, and Instagram against what the hotel itself has posted. If something looks off, or if the “real” photos look noticeably different from the polished marketing shots, I trust that instinct and move on.

How I Choose the Best Hotels

When I’m actively booking, I tend to shortlist 3-5 options and “heart” Booking.com. I also use sites like Expedia and Agoda, which have useful filters for narrowing things down by price, amenities, and star ratings.

Once I’ve done that, I head to social media. TikTok, Instagram, and even Google Maps reviews which gives me a real-time, visual sense of what a hotel actually looks like. It’s not just what it says on the booking page that matters for me, If a hotel has an active Instagram with guest stories or a TikTok presence, that’s usually a good sign.

Examples of Hotels I’ve Loved Staying In

Nobus Hotel & Spa in Albania – the infinity pool views for days
Fairmont Jaipur in India – a literal palace vibe
Maddison Boutique Hotel & GHL Arsenal Hotel in Columbia – top-tier local breakfast and aesthetics
Le Mersenne in Zanzibar – sea views, good food and peace
Pullman Paris Eiffel Tower in Paris – perfect view of the Eiffel Tower
The Bubble Luxotel Hotel in Jordan – a desert bubble to see the stars

All these hotels were booked through Booking.com, Expedia, or Agoda – feel free to use my links to book or pick your own hotel.

Tips on Booking Hotels That Will Save Money

Travel off-season – I paid half the price in Croatia by going in April instead of peak summer.
Book early – My Cape Verde hotel saved me money because I booked months in advance.
Choose free cancellation – That way, you can monitor price drops and rebook if it’s cheaper later.
Use comparison apps or price alerts – Google Travel and Hopper are great options.

Finally, on Picking The Best Hotels

When I travel, I know exactly what I’m looking for, adventure during the day, but comfort at night. I want to come back to a hotel that feels safe, clean, stylish, and well-fed.For me, it’s not just about star ratings, it’s about how the hotel makes you feel, what the photos or videos tell you, and whether it fits your preferences and budget.

A gym with local food and a proper night’s sleep are are all essentials that I need. So pick what matters most to you, and go from there.

Ready to Book?

Use these links to find your next perfect stay:

And let me know in the comments. What about you, what hotel booking tips can you share?

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See you soon,

MBV x

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