Beautiful photos, an attractive price and good reviews are often enough to convince us to book a particular hotel. When we arrive, however, it sometimes turns out that access to the spa area incurs an extra charge, parking is limited, or the chosen room does not have the expected amenities. Such situations can easily be avoided if we know in advance what to ask the hotel before booking.
A brief chat with reception or carefully reading the terms and conditions can save you extra costs and nasty surprises. This is especially important for family trips, spa breaks, holiday packages and group bookings.
What exactly is included in the price of the stay?
The first and most important question is what you actually get for the advertised price. Check whether it is for a room, per person or for the entire stay, and whether it includes tourist tax, insurance and other mandatory fees.
Clarify what type of board is included – bed and breakfast, half board or full board. It is a good idea to ask whether drinks during meals are charged extra and whether the hotel can offer a children's, vegetarian or special dietary menu.
When booking a spa hotel, check which amenities are included in the package. Access to the mineral pools, sauna, steam room, and relaxation areas is usually part of the stay, but some treatments, massages, and specialised wellness services incur an extra charge.
What are the conditions in the chosen room?
Descriptions such as „standard room“, „deluxe“, „studio“ or „apartment“ do not always mean the same thing in every hotel. Ask about the size of the room, what type of bed it offers and whether there is the option to put in an extra bed or baby cot.
If you are travelling with children, check the maximum room capacity and the conditions for their accommodation. Also check whether the room has a balcony, air conditioning, a minibar, bathrobes, slippers and a suitable view. If silence is important to you, you can request a room that is away from the lift, restaurant or entertainment areas.
For special needs, ask whether the hotel offers accessible rooms, a lift and facilities for people with reduced mobility. These details are significantly easier to arrange in advance than after arrival.
How do the spa area and mineral pools work?
Do not assume automatically that the entire spa area is accessible at all times. Ask about the opening hours of the swimming pools and thermal facilities, whether there are any maintenance periods, and if prior booking is required for massages and treatments.
If you are holidaying with children, check whether they have access to all pools and which areas are out of bounds. Some hotels feature separate family and quiet wellness spaces, as well as specific visiting hours for young children.
It is useful to find out whether the mineral pools are indoor, outdoor or year-round, what the approximate water temperature is, and whether bathrobes and towels are provided free of charge. This will help you pack your bags and plan your time for relaxation.
What are the conditions for accommodation, parking and cancellation?
Ask what time check-in and check-out take place. If you plan to arrive earlier or depart later, check whether early check-in or late check-out is offered and at what extra cost.
If you are travelling by car, be sure to check whether the hotel has its own car park, whether this is included in the price and if it is necessary to reserve a space in advance. Also check whether electric vehicle charging points are available, if this is important to you.
Do not overlook the booking modification and cancellation terms. Ask by what date you can cancel the stay without a penalty, whether a deposit is required, and if it is refundable in the event of changed plans. For holiday and special packages, the terms are often stricter than those for a standard booking.
Shortlist before final confirmation
Before paying a deposit or confirming your stay, check:
- the final price and included services;
- view of the room and its capacity;
- the conditions for children's accommodation;
- the included food and drinks;
- access to the spa area and mineral pools;
- availability and price of parking;
- check-in and check-out times;
- the modification and cancellation policy;
- the potential additional fees;
- the need for prior reservation for treatments.
When you know what to ask the hotel before booking, you can comfortably compare different offers and choose the most suitable one for your needs. A few clarifying questions beforehand are enough to turn planning into an easy process, and the stay into a true and hassle-free holiday.
