Travel expert Javier Sobrino, founder of Descubriendo Viajes – a Spanish travel platform specialising in curated stays – has reevealed five types of accommodation that savvy travellers should avoid. Top of his list is the often-overpriced and underwhelming airport hotel, which many book out of convenience without realising the cost in both money and experience.
“Unless you’ve got a flight departing before 8am, you’re wasting your final night in a sterile room when you could enjoy a meal with local flavour and charm,” he said. Another red flag to look out for, according to Sobrino, is the too-good-to-be-true budget all-inclusive resort, especially those with a string of lacklustre reviews. While all-inclusives can offer great value, poorly rated ones are more likely to disappoint, with watered-down drinks, questionable buffet hygiene and a disappointing atmosphere.
“Budget all-inclusives often serve mediocre food in buffets where items sit out for hours,” Sobrino warns, adding that fake weather excuses are commonly used to cancel promised activities.
Guests are advised to pay close attention to food-related reviews and avoid any resort where the majority of comments are lukewarm at best.
If less than 25% of reviews are marked as “excellent”, it’s likely a sign that the experience will fall short.
Sobrino adds that remote roadside hotels, though seemingly affordable, often come with hidden downsides that ruin a trip, especially for those unfamiliar with the area.
These types of accommodations, usually situated along busy highways, often suffer from poor sound insulation, lack of dining options and an overall sense of isolation.
“I once booked a roadside hotel near Valencia that looked decent in photos, only to discover it was beside a noisy truck stop,” said Sobrino, citing sleepless nights and missed local experiences as major drawbacks.
While prices may be tempting, the lack of convenience and ambience makes these hotels a poor choice for most travellers. Being too far from city centres or attractions can easily turn a dream trip into a logistical headache.
Hotels undergoing renovations round out Sobrino’s list of major red flags, often misleading guests by downplaying disruptions.
“They’ll offer slight discounts while claiming renovations are ‘minimal’, but arrive to find half the amenities closed and construction noise starting at 7am,” he said.
The expert urges travellers to contact hotels directly before booking to ask about any ongoing work, and to treat vague or evasive answers as a serious warning sign.
Lastly, hotels offering rock-bottom prices in prime locations should be approached with caution, as they often hide poor conditions behind slick marketing.
“They either have hidden fees that double the price, terrible service, or rooms that haven’t been updated since the 1980s,” he warned. Sobrino says: “A truly great stay isn’t about luxury, it’s about honest value delivered with genuine hospitality.”
