Booking your vacation online: practical tips

Compare offers

Offers, prices, and availability often vary from one platform to another. Be vigilant about the details provided. Indeed, a hotel deal may seem more attractive on one platform than on another, but on closer inspection, certain fees - such as city tax or breakfast - may not be included.

Moreover, some platforms do not always comply fully with consumer protection rules, so caution is advised.

It is also important to know that the criteria for star ratings used to classify hotels vary by country. For example, a three-star hotel in Italy will not necessarily offer the same services or level of comfort as a three-star hotel in another country, due to the lack of international standardization.

Before booking, make sure to check the quality of the establishment by consulting its website or reliable travel guides.

Contact the hotel

Even if online booking platforms offer attractive deals, it can be useful to contact the hotel directly. This allows you to check whether they offer a better deal or to ask specific questions (cancellation policies, room with a view, child’s bed, breakfast, etc.).

Beware of urgent messages

Some platforms display messages such as “Last room available” or “Nine other people are viewing this hotel.” These indications should not pressure you into making a rushed booking.

It may be that the platform you’re using actually has few rooms available for your selected dates, but this does not mean the hotel has no rooms available through other channels (other platforms or the hotel’s own website).

Furthermore, some platforms show crossed-out prices suggesting a false discount. Such practices are misleading and may be penalized by the Directorate for Consumer Protection.

We also invite you to consult our dossier on “Dark Patterns”.

Customer reviews

Customer feedback and reviews can be a good indicator of a hotel’s quality. However, do not rely solely on reviews from a single platform, as ratings can sometimes be biased to favor certain establishments.

Consult multiple sources to get a more complete and objective view.

Verify your information

Check the accuracy of your personal details (name, first name, email address, etc.) before confirming your booking, an if information may be corrected later in case of errors.

Keep confirmation emails for your booking and payment carefully.

Don’t hesitate to communicate any special requests to the hotel (expected arrival time, preference for a quiet room, etc.).

Online payment

A certain level of caution is also required when making payments online. In this regard, we invite you to consult our dossier on “Worry-free online shopping”.

By following these tips, you will increase your chances of enjoying a peaceful vacation and avoiding unpleasant surprises.