In order not to risk being disappointed or surprised by the condition of your hotel or hostel over the years I have experienced several techniques, the last of which proved to be quite successful. I usually take small, quick steps.
1.To research. I always search for accommodation on the internet, often with the help of some kind of trusted guide Lonely Planet or Time Out that reveal to me the little hidden gems of cheap cities.
2. Compare. Once I have found 3, 4, 5 alternatives for my stay, I move on to the funniest phase. Very often the photos on the sites are not true, the rooms all perfect without an imperfection never convince me. Above all, I resort to comparison when I am in front of a hostel or a category 1 or 2 hotel, as often happens to me. A curiosity that I have found over the years of low cost travel is the Tripadvisor site, writing the hotel or hostel you are about to book will bring out lots of photos and videos taken by travelers who have stayed there before you. Here are the rooms and here is everything a traveler would never want to see.
Right before my trip in Paris I was about to book a 2-star hotel, I was almost convinced when photos appeared on the Tripadvisor site that left me speechless, walls without plaster, ruined stairways, electricity wires outside the walls, and so on and so forth .
3. Book. After the test of the comparison I am ready to book. I don't compare only with this site but I also go to see in other portals or in the google images section, so as to have a complete panorama. I always book accommodation through the internet and so far I have never had any nasty surprises and I think there won't be any because it is convenient for everyone, customers and hoteliers to book directly without intermediaries, that's why I think we won't be screwed.
Now to you, you have advice not to risk nasty surprises upon arrival at the hostel?
