3 Common Mistakes When Booking a Luxury Hotel (and How to Avoid Them)
After booking hundreds of nights at luxury hotels for myself and my clients, I’ve noticed a few mistakes even savvy travelers make, mistakes that can affect the service you get and the overall experience.
Here are three I see all the time, and what to do instead.
1. Booking Through the Wrong Channel
It might be tempting to use Expedia, Amex Travel, or another online travel site — but most of the time, that hurts more than it helps.
Hotels value reservations booked directly much more than ones that come through third-party sites, because they don’t pay the same commission and they have more flexibility to take care of you. Bookings that come through Expedia (and even Amex Travel, which often uses Expedia behind the scenes) usually give the hotel less information about you and your preferences.
That said, booking “direct” doesn’t have to mean doing it yourself. When I book for you, I use the hotel’s own systems — whether through their GDS (Global Distribution System) or their preferred partner programs — so your reservation is treated as direct.
Sometimes, there are also hidden perks or lower prices through certain hotel programs or consortia (which I also have access to) that make more sense than plain direct booking — and I help you figure out when that’s the case.
2. Not Introducing Yourself
Most guests just show up at the front desk without ever letting the hotel know anything about them beforehand — and miss out on a chance to make their stay more personal.
A quick introduction email can go a long way. When I book, I always let the hotel know about you ahead of time — what you’re celebrating, your preferences, and anything they should know — so they’re ready to welcome you properly and tailor your experience.
3. Automatically Using the Hotel’s Transfer Service
Sometimes, the hotel’s car service is worth it — especially at resorts where the arrival experience is part of the magic, or when the area is hard to navigate.
But other times, it’s just a regular car at twice the price. Knowing when it’s worth paying for the hotel’s service (and when it’s better to use a trusted local driver) saves you money and hassle.
I always check and advise based on the property and destination — some places it really does make a difference, others not so much.
Final Thought
Luxury hotels are all about the details — and booking the right way sets the tone for everything that follows.
Whether it’s through the hotel directly or through a perks program that still counts as a “direct” booking, the goal is the same: make sure your reservation is valued, your preferences are known, and you’re set up for the best experience.
