As summer gets underway and travellers dust off their passports, the question of where to stay becomes more pressing than ever.
With global travel spend expected to climb by 9% in 2025, choosing the right accommodation could mean the difference between a dream holiday and a logistical letdown.
But according to seasoned travel expert Javier Sobrino, there are several hotels to avoid booking—no matter how tempting the price or location might seem.
“After staying in hundreds of hotels across Spain and beyond, I’ve learned which types of accommodations just aren’t worth the money,” says Sobrino, founder of the popular Spanish travel platform Descubriendo Viajes.
With over a decade of travel under his belt—from luxury coastal resorts to forested hideaways—Sobrino knows how to spot trouble before check-in.
Here, he shares five types of hotels to avoid booking if you want your trip to deliver on more than just the brochure.
1. Airport Hotels (Unless You’ve Got a Dawn Flight)
They’re convenient, yes. But charming? Not so much.
“These hotels know you’re choosing them solely for location, so they rarely invest in creating memorable experiences,” says Sobrino. “You’ll typically pay 30–40% more than a similar quality hotel just 15 minutes away.”
Unless your flight leaves before 8 a.m., he suggests steering clear. “Why spend your last night in a place with no local flavour when you could enjoy one final authentic meal and experience?”
2. Low-Rated All-Inclusive Resorts
All-inclusives are a mixed bag—and at the cheaper end, it can be a bit of a gamble.
“Budget all-inclusives often serve mediocre food in buffets where items sit out for hours,” warns Sobrino. “The alcohol is typically watered down, and activities are frequently canceled due to ‘weather conditions’ regardless of the actual forecast.”
He urges travellers to focus on food and hygiene reviews. “If multiple guests mention stomach issues or bland food, believe them. And be wary of resorts with less than 25% of excellent reviews on major booking platforms.”
3. Remote Roadside Hotels
They might look cost-effective online, but the reality can be disappointing.
“Hotels located on isolated highways typically suffer from three major problems: constant traffic noise, inconvenient distance from attractions, and often outdated facilities,” explains Sobrino.
He recalls one particular misfire: “I once booked a roadside hotel near Valencia that looked decent in photos, only to discover it was situated very close to a truck stop.
The constant engine noise made sleep impossible, and there was nowhere within walking distance to eat or experience the local culture.”
4. Hotels in Mid-Renovation
This is the travel equivalent of stepping into a half-painted house—no matter how well it’s marketed.
“This is one of the hotel industry’s most frustrating practices,” Sobrino notes. “They’ll offer slight discounts while claiming renovations are ‘minimal,’ but arrive to find half the amenities closed and construction noise starting at 7 a.m.”
His tip? Call ahead. Ask directly about renovations, timelines, and what areas are affected. “If they hesitate or give vague answers, that’s your red flag.”
5. Suspiciously Cheap Hotels in Prime Areas
That five-star view at a two-star rate? Probably not worth the risk.
“I call these ‘bait-and-switch hotels’ because what you expect rarely matches reality,” Sobrino says. “They either have hidden fees that double the final price, terrible service, or rooms that haven’t been updated since the 1980s.”
He suggests researching the hotel’s history. “Look for recent reviews mentioning unexpected charges, and check if the hotel has changed names recently; that’s often a sign they’re trying to escape bad reviews.”
Final Advice from the Field
Sobrino leaves travellers with a few hard-earned truths for spotting hotels to avoid booking: “First, be suspicious of hotels with mostly filtered professional photos but few guest images. Genuine properties encourage guests to share real experiences.
Second, check review dates – a cluster of glowing reviews in a short timeframe often indicates paid feedback.
Third, research the neighbourhood thoroughly, as many disappointing stays stem from misleading location descriptions.
And finally, message the property with specific questions before booking. Slow, vague responses typically reflect the service level you’ll receive during your stay.”
His parting wisdom? “The best accommodations are transparent about their offerings and enthusiastic about addressing your needs, whether you’re seeking luxury or simplicity.
Remember, a truly great stay isn’t always about luxury. Rather, it’s about honest value delivered with genuine hospitality.”
In other words, book smart—or risk spending your holiday surrounded by construction dust, bad buffet eggs, or the never-ending hum of lorries.
