Online booking has become the norm when going on a vacation. With only a few clicks, you can book a room and get a vacation package anywhere in the world. However, there are some good and bad practices you should know before doing any online reservations in Haiti. We’ll be talking about the best ways you can ensure safe booking in Haiti and share valuable tips!
Do:
- Research Extensively
Before you book any hotel, do your research based on several factors such as travel date, budget, amenities, location, personal preference. You should also read reviews from previous guests and see what the hotel is like. The quality of the services is what matters the most, after all.
- Use Reputable Booking Platforms
Platforms like Booking.com and Expedia are the most popular for booking hotels, even in Haiti. Stick to these reputable sites and you won’t have to worry about fake reviews, fake pictures, and unsecure transactions. They have a proven track record and won’t let you down. The same applies no matter where you’re going!
- Check for Secure Payment Options
If you’re booking a hotel room on the hotel’s website, check and see if they have secure payment options. There should be a padlock symbol in the browser’s address bar when you’re on their website. That means the connection is encrypted and it’s safer for you. You should also use fraud protection on your credit or debit cards.
- Red Cancellation Policies
Before you book anything, you should make sure you understand the hotel’s cancellation policy. Read their Terms and Conditions and learn more about your reservation. Some Haitian hotels offer a more flexible cancellation policy, like Residence Royale Hotel – Cap-Haitien, Hotel in Okap Haiti. Others aren’t very welcoming with unexpected changes in your travel plans.
- Compare Prices
When looking for hotels in Haiti, prices are one of the big talking points. Don’t just settle on the first comer and book a room with them. Perhaps you’ll find a more affordable but just as qualitative hotel in the same area. Or in a better area! You should compare rates between multiple hotels and get the best deal for more affordability. Some platforms will also offer deals and exclusive discounts, so be on the lookout for that as well!
- Contact the Hotel Directly
It’s better to contact the hotel directly and confirm the details of your booking before going forward with the travel plan. Call their reservation desk or send them an email via their website. This will let you ensure that everything is alright with your reservation and you will receive answers to your question.
- Keep All the Documents
After booking a hotel, make sure you keep all the emails and relevant documents on hand. These will act as proof of reservation once you get to the actual location. They’ll be necessary once you check-in. And in any case, if something unexpected occurs and they need to check your identity, you should have the documents ready.
Don’t:
- Use Unverified Websites
You should never use unverified websites or sites that look a bit suspect. Are you seeing unrealistically low hotel rates or other dubious things? Then that’s most likely a scammer website devised to steal your personal and financial data. Stop using these sites and go back to reputable sources like the hotel’s actual site or a platform like Booking.com.
The best way to see if a site is unverified is if their URL (website address) is HTTP or HTTPS. No professional website will use HTTP. They will all use the -S, which comes from “Secured” protocol.
- Don’t Share Personal Information Via Email
Never share any personal information via email. This includes credit card details or any passport scans. Legitimate hotels will never ask for such information via email. They will use secure booking forms on their website to get this information. If you’re ever asked for this by a booking platform, don’t provide anything. It’s likely a scam!
- Be Wary of Free Wi-Fi
Even if the hotel might offer free Wi-Fi, don’t access any sensitive information (online banking) while you’re connected to the hotel’s Wi-Fi network. It’s incredibly easy to create a fake Wi-Fi network or hack the existing one and syphon personal data from guests. Consider using a VPN or your own mobile data when going to a hotel.
- Beware of Prepaid and Non-Refundable Bookings
Prepaid and non-refundable bookings might be cheaper but what if something unexpected happens and you need to cancel the trip? You won’t get any money back, and that’s horrible. Use these options only when you’re 100% sure about your travel dates. Residence Royale Hotel is a great option to start with!
That’s about all you should know when booking a hotel in Haiti. All the do’s and don’ts of online reservations. Happy holidays in Haiti!
