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Not requesting ID upon arrival -

If the hotel you're staying at doesn't request ID from you, you can be almost sure that they didn't request it from others. This is a major safety concern.

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Questionable guests -

If you look around and see potentially suspicious or unsafe clientele, it can mean a risky environment. While it isn't always fair to judge a book by its cover, pay attention to the types of people who are also staying at this hotel.

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Inadequate security measures - Security in a hotel is essential. You are sharing space with lots of other people, including staff. Therefore, a lack of surveillance cameras or well-lit hallways and entrances can be a safety risk.

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Unmarked or blocked emergency exits -

When you look down the halls, keep an eye out for poorly marked or even blocked emergency exits. These safety hazards can speak to the hotel at large and how they prioritize the safety of their staff and guests.

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Old or outdated room keys -

Metal keys instead of electronic key cards can indicate outdated security practices. If someone dangerous stayed in your room before, then in theory they could have made a copy of the key. Hotels can avoid this danger by issuing electronic, custom key cards to each guest.

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Dirty or unkept lobby -

If you walk into a hotel and are met with a dirty or unkept lobby, this should immediately put you on alert. If a hotel doesn't care enough to keep its lobby clean and tidy, what else is dirty there?

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Unpleasant odors -

If you smell something foul or unpleasant, especially in common areas or your room, it should make you question if the place is actually clean.

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Maintenance issues -

Signs of wear and tear such as peeling paint, broken fixtures, stained carpets, and otherwise are what you can see—imagine what you can't see!

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Light bulbs out in common areas -

If you spot a light, or multiple lights, that are out, it shows a lack of attention to detail. Hotels should always be attentive places, so a light out could be a red flag.

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Poor condition of room -

Always look for cleanliness, functional appliances, and a well-maintained room. If you walk in and the bed is not tidy or the room feels off or isn't pristine, it's time to take a trip to the front desk.

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Unclean or discolored water - If the water is cloudy or smells bad, it can suggest poor plumbing or water filtration. It's not only a sign that you shouldn't drink it, but it should make you question what else the hotel is using that water for that might affect you.

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Unprofessional staff -

Staff who are rude, unprofessional, lazy, or any combination thereof should raise a red flag for you. One bad staff member can indicate a larger issue that may affect your stay.

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Lack of knowledge -

If the hotel staff are unable to answer basic questions, then it may suggest poor training. If something serious happened, you'd want to feel confident the staff could help you out.

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Lack of pre-arrival inquiries -

If the hotel isn't very communicative before your stay, it could signal poor hospitality. Remember: you're paying to stay at this location, so everything should be perfect or at least near perfect.

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No luggage carts or assistance - When you enter the lobby and look around, what do you see? There should be plenty of luggage carts and people there to help. If you see only one or neither of those things, be aware that trouble may be ahead.

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Price changes -

Unexpected rate increases upon arrival suggest dishonesty and a lack of consideration for the guest. While things may happen that warrant a rate increase, it's essential to inform and warn the guest before check-in so they can choose whether to keep their reservation or not.

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Overbooking issues -

If you arrive at the hotel you booked and are told there's no room anymore, it suggests poor management. Be wary of fighting to stay there, and perhaps try to get a refund and book somewhere else that is more organized.

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Lengthy check-in times -

Excessive wait times without some sort of justifiable explanation can indicate operational inefficiencies in a hotel.

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Unorganized paperwork -

Hotels want to always show that they are top-tier, tidy, and welcoming, regardless of their star ratings. But disorganized check-in processes might suggest poor management.

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Inconsistent room features -

If the room doesn't match what was advertised, whether in size, amenities, or otherwise, it may be a concern. Be sure they aren't charging you for any of these promised but not provided amenities.

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How your bed is made -

A poorly made bed reflects the quality of the housekeeping processes. If they aren't taking the time to make sure everything is crisp, clean, and properly executed, they may be cutting corners with other cleanliness standards as well.

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Thin walls or excessive noise -

If the hotel has thin walls and poor soundproofing or excessive noise, it can make for a very uncomfortable stay. Hotels should have walls that not only are sturdy, but that block out most if not all of the noise from other guests.

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Misleading information - Advertised amenities like Wi-Fi, breakfast, or a pool not being available or existing in poor conditions is a red flag. It shows that management is willing to blur the truth or outright lie to guests.

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Limited services -

If you discover a hotel's basic amenities (such as housekeeping and maintenance) are not up to par, you should be concerned.

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Negative reviews -

Check online for recent reviews and pay special attention to any reviews that highlight consistent issues. These negative warnings should be taken seriously.

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Unusual review patterns - When checking out reviews online, be wary if you see a sudden surge of overly positive reviews, as it may indicate fraudulent or company-sponsored reviews. The best reviews are genuine and include a mix of both happy and unhappy guests.

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Empty parking lot - When you pull up to the hotel and notice a vacant parking lot, it may suggest the hotel isn’t popular. If others have chosen not to stay there, it may indicate a problem you are unaware of.

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Frequent power outages -

Have the lights and power been going out since you arrived? Recurrent power issues can mean underlying infrastructure problems within the hotel.

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Poor lighting in rooms -

Insufficient lighting in rooms or common areas can imply neglect or cost-cutting measures by the hotel. Guests should expect and receive a well-lit room.

Sources: (Business Insider) (Quora)

See also: The world's most unusual hotels

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