Top 7 Reasons Why Your Hotel Booking May Go Wrong

Reservations are a key part of the customer experience. They can be made over the phone, online or in person, but they all have one thing in common – they're an opportunity to build a relationship with your customers.

But if you don't do them right, they can end up costing you money. Here are some of the most common reasons reservations go wrong:

There are many reasons why reservations can go wrong, from overbooking and double booking to technical glitches and poor customer service. However, by being aware of these potential issues and taking steps to prevent them, customers can increase the chances of their reservations going smoothly and as planned.

Overbooking One of the most common reasons why reservations go wrong is overbooking. This occurs when a hotel or airline is fully booked than it actually has available. This can result in disappointment for customers who have made a reservation and are now left without a room or seat.

Double Booking Double booking occurs when a reservation is made for the same room or seat by two different customers. This can happen due to human error or system glitches, but the result is always the same - disappointment for one of the customers.

Technical Glitches Technical glitches can also cause the cancellation of your reservations. For example, a computer system may not be able to process a reservation correctly, leading to confusion and frustration for customers.

Miscommunication Miscommunication can also lead to problems with reservations. For example, if a customer requests a specific room or seat and the reservation agent misunderstands, the customer may end up with a different room or seat than they expected and may have to find a room or another hotel.

Human Error Human error is another common reason why things go wrong with some reservations. For example, a reservation agent may make a mistake while entering information into a computer system, or a customer may forget to confirm their reservation, leading to confusion and disappointment.

Unforeseen Circumstances Unforeseen circumstances, such as weather disruptions or natural disasters, can also cause problems with reservations. For example, if a flight is cancelled due to a storm, customers may have to rebook their reservations or face the disappointment of not being able to travel as planned.

Poor Customer Service A poor customer service can also lead to problems with reservations. For example, if a customer has a question or concern about their reservation and is not able to get a satisfactory answer from a customer service representative at the front desk, they may become frustrated and feel like their reservation has gone wrong.

Top 6 things to do if your hotel reservation goes wrong

When a hotel reservation gets cancelled, it can be extremely frustrating. Here are some tips to help you get back on your feet and ensure the rest of your night is enjoyable:

Remain Calm and Patient The first step in resolving a problem with a reservation is to remain calm and patient. Losing your temper or becoming aggressive will not help the situation and may even make it worse. Instead, take a deep breath and approach the problem with a calm and rational mindset.

Contact the Service Provider The next step is to contact the service provider, such as a hotel staff, airline, or rental car company, and explain the issue about your lost reservation. Be polite and concise in your explanation and provide any relevant information or confirmation numbers. The customer service representative will then be able to help you resolve the problem.

Check Your Options While waiting for a response from the service provider, take some time to review your options. For example, if your flight has been cancelled, check to see if there are alternative flights available or if you can rebook for a later date. If your hotel room is not available, you can look for comparable hotel or a nearby hotel to spend the day.

Ask for a Refund If you have not yet received a response from the service provider and your missing reservation has not been resolved, you can politely ask the hotel general manager or front desk staff for a refund. You may be able to get back some of the money you spent on your reservations by asking for a full or partial refund.

Use Social Media If you are not getting a response from the service provider, or if you are not satisfied with the resolution offered, you can use social media to bring attention to your situation. Posting about your experience on Twitter or Facebook can often get the attention of the service provider and lead to a faster resolution.

Consider Legal Action In some cases, it may be necessary to consider legal action if your hotel reservation goes wrong and you are unable to resolve the issue with the hotel. However, this should be a last resort and only used after all other options have been exhausted. Before pursuing legal action, it is important to consult with a lawyer to understand your rights and the best course of action.

How to Prevent Future Mishaps

When you're trying to plan a vacation, the last thing you want is to run into trouble with your hotel reservations. But it happens. Here are some tips for how to prevent future mishaps:

Use an intermediary

You can use an online travel travel agent or call center instead of making reservations booked directly with the hotel. If you need help with your travel plans , it's best to leave it up to professionals who know what they're doing although they would receive compensation or commission. they will be able to get you the best rates and tell you about any hidden charges before you book.

check reviews online

Check reviews online before making a reservation. You can use sites like TripAdvisor, which allows users to rate hotels and restaurants and leave comments about their experiences there. This gives travelers an idea of what they can expect from each establishment so they will know what sort of accommodation or food to expect if they should check-in.

make research

Find out if your hotel booking has any special deals available before booking on its own website or through another site like Expedia or booking.com. These deals may come in the form of free nights or upgrades that aren't advertised when booking directly through the hotel itself (for example, booking with Marriott Hotels gives members access to its "Marriott Rewards" program).

Questions Globe Migrant Readers Ask

Q: What should I do if there is a problem with my hotel reservations?

A: If your hotel reservation goes wrong, there are several steps you can take to try and resolve the problem. These include remaining calm and patient, contacting your service provider, taking note of your options, and asking for a refund where necessary.

Q: How can I avoid problems with my hotel reservations?

A: To minimize the chances of encountering issues with your hotel reservations, it is recommended to book directly with the hotel or through a reputable third-party website.

Q: What should I do if my hotel does not have my reservation when I arrive?

A: If your hotel does not have your reservation when you arrive, the first step is to remain calm. Provide the hotel with a copy of your reservation and ask them to check again. If they still cannot find your reservation, contact the booking website or travel agency that you used to make the reservation for assistance.

Q: What if my hotel cancels my reservation without any notification?

A: If your hotel cancels your reservation without notifying you, contact them immediately to understand the reason for the cancellation. In case of a confirmed reservation, the hotel should provide a valid explanation and offer an alternative accommodation if possible. If the hotel fails to do so, contact the booking website or travel agency for further assistance.

Q: Can I get a late checkout at my hotel?

A: Late checkout availability can vary depending on the hotel's policies and availability. It is recommended to check with the hotel at check-in if late checkout is possible and if there are any additional charges for this service.

Q: What should I do if there is a problem with housekeeping during my stay?

A: If you encounter any issues with housekeeping during your stay, such as the room not being cleaned or certain amenities missing, contact the hotel's front desk or guest services immediately. They should be able to rectify the situation and ensure a satisfactory stay.

Q: What if my hotel reservation confirmation goes missing?

A: If your hotel reservation confirmation goes missing, you can contact the booking website or travel agency and request a new copy of your reservation confirmation. Having a hard copy or a digital copy of your reservation can help prevent any issues during check-in.

Q: What if I must stay at a different hotel due to a problem with my original reservation?

A: If you need to stay at a different hotel due to a problem with your original hotel reservation, contact the booking website or travel agency. They should assist you in finding an alternative accommodation that meets your requirements.

Q: What if the hotel refuses to honour my confirmed reservation?

A: If the hotel refuses to honour your confirmed reservation without a valid reason, it is recommended to escalate the issue with the hotel manager or supervisor. If the issue is still not resolved, contact the booking website or travel agency for further assistance.

Q: How can I protect myself when making hotel reservations online?

A: To protect yourself when making hotel reservations online, always make sure to keep a copy of your reservation confirmation and any correspondence with the hotel or booking website. It is also recommended to read and understand the terms and conditions of your booking, including cancellation policies and any additional charges.

Q: What should I do if I must stay at a different hotel because my original reservation requires a spa or specific room type, but the hotel cannot accommodate it?

A: If your reservation requires a spa or specific room type , but the hotel cannot accommodate it, contact the booking website or travel agency. They should assist you in finding an alternative accommodation that meets your requirements.

Unfortunately, it's inevitable that your reservations will go wrong. Sometimes, the problems have been greatly exaggerated by the guest (it's a common complaint), while on other occasions, they are down to genuine errors either made by you or outside your control.

Whatever the problem, you need to be prepared for it, and there is no better place to find a solution than in our guide.

Conclusion

In the end, a reservation can go wrong for numerous reasons at the last minute. It's hard to predict exactly what will happen in each circumstance, so it's best to be prepared for the inevitable. However, it shouldn't ruin your trip. Keep calm and carry on, take note of our list of things to do when your hotel reservation goes wrong, and do whatever you can to make the best of the situation until it is resolved.