Whether it’s a hostel or hotel or some other sort of accommodation, it’s important to do your due diligence before arriving to minimise any potential issues (and stress).
After making a booking for the place where you want to stay at your travel destination, it’s important to check a few things before you arrive at the accommodation location.
Here are some essential things you should you check before you check into your accommodation.
Double-check the accommodation address
The last thing you want is arrive at your new destination and not being able to find your accommodation place!
Have a quick check on Google Maps (or more practically Maps.me since you use it without mobile data) to make sure the accommodation address is correct and you know where to go and how to get there, whether by foot or transport options like bus, train, or taxi.
It’s best practice to not only save the accommodation address but also the arrival port location and see the route from the arrival port (such as airport, bus depot, or train station) to the accommodation – how long will it take to get to your accommodation place and what are the transport options available (could you even walk there?). Knowing the location and route details will make things a lot easier when you arrive at the destination.
Make sure you have the contact phone number and email address
If you have trouble finding the accommodation, it helps to have a contact phone number so you can call the accommodation to ask for assistance in finding the place.
Furthermore, things can happen in your journey to the destination where you are delayed arriving at the destination, where you may arrive hours after reception opening hours (if there are limited reception hours) so it’s important you are able to contact the accommodation provider so arrangements can be made to help you check in outside of reception opening hours (such as emailing you an access code to be let inside the building and letting you know which room you are sleeping in).
Have the invoice/bill of how much money left to pay
There are a few occasions where the total left to pay for your accommodation stay is different to what you actually owe after making an online deposit or have agreed to pay (I’ve experienced this at a few hostels throughout Europe).
You should always be conscious of how you’ve paid (if you’ve made an online deposit) and how much is remaining to pay at the physical location.
Always have the invoice on hand should you find yourself with different remaining amount to pay.
Taking a screenshot of the booking confirmation email showing what you owe and already paid helps in resolving such payment issues.
After making an accommodation booking, here are some things to check before you arrive and check into your accommodation:
- Double-check the accommodation address: Is it the right address? Do you know where it is?
- Make sure you have the accommodation contact phone number and email address.
- Have the invoice/bill of the exact amount of money left to pay at the accommodation.
These are the practical checks you should do before arriving at your booked accommodation.
Have I missed anything important?
What are some other things you should check before arriving at your hostel or hotel?
Let other travellers and myself know.
Know someone who should know about these important checks before checking in?
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