Choosing a hotel is not always an easy task. Sure, you can look at an endless stream of pictures online, read reviews, and study a map. But since you can't visit every hotel in person, there can still be surprises when you show up to the hotel you've booked. To help ensure you book a hotel you love, try to avoid these common mistakes during the selection process.

#1: Not considering how you'll get from the hotel to your destination.

The closer your hotel is to your key destination, the easier it will be for you to get around. However, you don't want to just focus on the mileage between your hotel and any places you plan on visiting. You also need to consider how you'll get from the hotel to your destination. Is the hotel near a bus or train stop, or will you need to take an expensive taxi? In some cases, you might be better off booking a hotel that's further away but on the train line over one that's closer but not easily accessible.

#2: Not checking the room size and number of beds.

Many people picture the standard hotel room as having two double- or queen-sized beds. But this is not always what every hotel offers. Some hotels that cater primarily to business travelers may have more rooms with one bed. Other hotels are designed with families in mind and extra beds. Check the room size and number of beds before booking to ensure there are no surprises.

#3: Failing to look at pictures of the amenities.

There are various amenities people often look for in a hotel, such as a swimming pool, gym, and buffet breakfast. But if you do not also look at photos of these amenities, you may face some surprises upon arrival. The pool may be much smaller than you expected, or there might be a gym without the equipment you planned to use. Browsing pictures will make it easier to compare amenities between hotels. Focus on the amenities that are most important to you. (Searching for reviews that mention your preferred amenities can give you more information, too.)

If you avoid the mistakes above, you are more likely to smile when you arrive at the hotel you booked. There are lots of great hotels out there. The key is to find the one that's the type of great that you, specifically, need.

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