You did your homework researching the best place to steal away your honey for a week. You found a great package and checked out your favorite review sites, drinking in as much info as possible before paying the bill. Trouble is, you arrived to a hotel that looks like it hasn’t been painted since Reagan was in office and that beautiful balcony overlooking the ocean is also overlooking a roof littered with rusty air conditioners.

What’s a girl to do?

• Before you book read the fine print and be sure you’re getting the room you’re paying for – deluxe, superior and luxury can mean very different things.
• Ask your travel agent to list the room categories from least to most expensive – ask when your room category was last renovated.
• Even if you’re working with a travel agent, don’t be afraid to call the resort directly to ask your questions.
• On the hotel’s website, you’ll see the cosmetically beautified version. Search Pinterest and Instagram and TripAdvisor.com for citizen reporting.
• Search Google Images to see what pictures people have uploaded to their blogs and social media.

And remember, hotel upgrades aren’t always a possibility. If you truly want a more expensive room, book one.

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