A travel expert has identified five types of accommodation that holidaymakers should avoid to prevent disappointment. Javier Sobrino, founder of the Spanish travel platform Descubriendo Viajes, advises travellers to research thoroughly before booking.
At the top of his list are overpriced airport hotels. Sobrino warns that unless you have a flight before 8am, staying at an airport hotel is a waste of your final night, as you miss out on local dining and charm.
He also cautions against budget all-inclusive resorts with poor reviews, noting that they often serve mediocre food, offer diluted drinks, and have underwhelming atmospheres. Sobrino suggests paying close attention to food-related reviews and avoiding resorts where fewer than a quarter of reviews are rated 'excellent'.
Roadside hotels in remote locations are another red flag. Sobrino recounts a personal experience near Valencia where a seemingly decent hotel turned out to be next to a noisy truck stop, leading to sleepless nights and missed local experiences. He warns that such hotels often have poor soundproofing, limited dining, and a sense of isolation.
Hotels undergoing renovations can also be problematic, as they may downplay disruptions. Sobrino advises contacting the hotel directly to inquire about ongoing work and being wary of vague answers. Finally, he warns against extremely cheap hotels in prime locations, which often hide poor conditions, hidden fees, or outdated rooms behind slick marketing.
Sobrino concludes: 'A truly great stay isn't about luxury, it's about honest value delivered with genuine hospitality.'
