Travel Tip Tuesday: The Room in the Photo Isn't Always Your Room 🏨
This is one of those small details that can make a big difference on your trip.
A hotel's website shows you a gorgeous room. Big windows, a perfect view, fresh décor. You book it, check in, and... it's not quite that room.
That's because the photo you fell in love with might be:
A higher room category than the one you picked
A renovated section of the hotel, when your room is in an older wing
A specific view, like ocean or theme park view, that costs more
Just a sample image of what rooms "look like" at the property
None of this means the hotel is trying to trick you. But it does mean the photo isn't a promise.
What to Look at Before You Book
Before you click "book," check these things:
The room category name. "Standard," "Preferred," "Deluxe," and "Club Level" are different rooms, often with very different prices.
The view type. "Standard view" can mean a parking lot. "Partial view" can mean you lean over the balcony to see it.
The bedding setup. Two queens? One king? A pull-out sofa? This matters a lot for families.
The maximum occupancy. Some rooms sleep four, some sleep five, and kids count, even babies.
Whether the room has a balcony. Not every room in the hotel has one, even if the photo does.
What's included. Lounge access, breakfast, parking, resort fees... read the details.
Whether the photo matches that exact category. If the website doesn't say, it's worth asking.
Disney example: At many Disney resorts, the same hotel has several room types, like standard, water, or preferred views. The rooms might look similar, but the price, the walk to the bus stop, and what you see out the window can be really different.
This Is Where I Come In
You see a pretty room photo.
I'm looking at the fine print, the category differences, and asking the questions that make sure the room actually fits your trip. How many people are sleeping where? Do you need to be close to the lobby with a stroller? Is a view worth the extra money for your family, or would you rather put that toward a character meal?
Because the goal isn't just to book a hotel.
It's to book the right room for the right traveler.
Want help picking the right room for your next trip? Head to thatkatiefath.com/travel and let's find the one that fits.
xoxo,
Katie