Before You Book Checklist

A one-page checklist for catching total cost, cancellation, loyalty, and property-rule issues before you book.

Before You Book

Price & Fees

Final checkout total includes taxes and fees. Resort fee, destination fee, or amenity fee is included. Parking, breakfast, pet, cleaning, and service fees are checked.

Cancellation

Cancellation deadline and local time zone are clear. Prepaid or nonrefundable terms are acceptable. Refund timing and change rules are understood.

Loyalty

Direct booking was compared against OTA pricing. Points, elite credit, and member benefits are confirmed. Rewards value does not hide a worse total cost.

Property Rules

Room type, bed setup, occupancy, and accessibility are correct. Pet rules, House Rules, deposits, and parking rules are read. Official provider page confirms the final total before you book.

The Friday 3 PM Getaway Alert.

One short email every Friday with practical ways to book a last-minute weekend stay without overpaying. No spam, and you can unsubscribe anytime.

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Trip Stay Guide is an independent, reader-supported comparison site. We may participate in affiliate programs and earn a commission when readers book through eligible links, at no extra cost to them. We are not affiliated with any hotel group, travel platform, or vacation rental marketplace, and we do not control prices, fees, availability, loyalty benefits, cancellation rules, or refund policies. Always verify the full tax-and-fee-inclusive total and current terms on the official provider site before you book.