Booked five stars and got a parking-lot view? The problem is the unasked questions. Location truth: walking minutes to your daily landmark (measure it yourself), what surrounds the hotel at night, the real daily transport cost if far. Room truth: is the photographed view every room's or one suite's (request confirmed-view in writing), guest-controlled AC (half of old Europe lacks it), family rooms confirmed not "subject to availability". Money truth: full buffet or continental, resort/city fees at arrival, cancellation in hours not slogans. The closers: read the last ten reviews not the average, and for sea destinations judge the house reef before the pool. Write every important request in the booking notes and keep the reply — written words are currency at check-in.