Research 8,000+ hotel reviews: these are hotel guests' biggest annoyances

A weekend or city break is meant to be relaxing. Yet sometimes something can disappoint. HotelSpecials.nl researched more than 8,000 hotel reviews and shares the biggest annoyances of Dutch hotel guests and how they can be easily avoided.

Annoyance #1: small rooms and cramped bathrooms 

48% of the complaints are about the room. This is where you spend most of your time, so a comfortable room is essential. Although the number of square metres of the hotel is often mentioned, guests can sometimes have different expectations of the hotel room. By checking the room layout and photos beforehand, you will know exactly what to expect. "The room was so small that we had to open our suitcases on the bed. The bathroom had hardly any room to move." 

Annoyance #2: breakfast that disappoints 

10% of guests complain about food and drink. Breakfast is the time of day for many hotel guests. Therefore, the disappointment is great if the buffet is too small, products are not fresh or the coffee is lukewarm. Those who check the breakfast offerings in advance will start the day relaxed and well prepared. 

"Breakfast was sparse, little choice and not everything was hot. The price was not worth it." 

Annoyance #3: parking costs money or is a challenge 

3.6% of annoyance arises when arriving by car. Clear parking information in advance helps guests better plan their stay, avoid stress and avoid unexpected costs. "Finally arrived at the hotel after a long drive, but then parking turned out to cost €25 per night and we had to walk around to another car park." 

Annoyance #4: climate and temperature 

A room without air conditioning or with poorly adjusted heating is a major source of frustration, especially in summer. Guests tell how they lie awake at night, having to put up the window or arrange a fan themselves at reception. A well-ventilated room or good working heating makes for a relaxing stay. Those who check in advance whether a hotel has air conditioning or good heating can sleep comfortably, regardless of the season. "It was way too hot in the room. Without air conditioning, we slept badly and had to open the windows at 3am." 

Annoyance #5: noise, smells and no lift 

Less frequently mentioned but often the culprit of a poor night's sleep: loud noises from the street or neighbours, nasty smells or inadequate cleaning and no lift, making lugging suitcases a sport. "We slept right above the hotel entrance and heard people talking and doors slamming late into the night. The next morning, we were wrecked." 

Tips to avoid disappointment: 

• Read review to get realistic images of rooms and facilities 
• Check room layout, size and photos 
• See what is included in breakfast 
• Ask about additional costs such as parking or wifi 

Reading tip: On HotelSpecials.nl you can see per hotel which reviews previous guests gave. This way you avoid surprises and book a stay that really suits you. 

Conclusion: recognisable, solvable and sometimes funny 

The good news? These annoyances are not inevitable. Those who read reviews in advance and check the facilities can avoid many of these disappointments. And it is reassuring: you are not the only one who balks at a cramped room, a sparse breakfast or a small lift. 

Yet many guests show that sometimes small inconveniences actually make you smile: 

• "If I have to mention something... I'm not very fond of small lifts, and the hotel has two of those." 
• "No cons... but if I really have to mention one, it's the tap of the washbasin which is too far and the jet comes more onto the top than into the sink." 
• "The time went way too fast, unfortunately we were there too short. So we will definitely come back!" 

In short: With a little preparation, you can avoid the biggest annoyances and keep room for pleasant, unexpected moments during your stay. Humour and little quirks often make a hotel experience memorable.