What should I inspect personally before committing to budget hotels, guesthouses and hostels?

Budget accommodation can offer excellent value, but room size, lifts, noise, deposits and guest policies differ. Recent room-specific reviews are more useful than headline ratings alone. Inspect the exact room or unit, water pressure, air conditioning, internet, noise, lifts, parking, access roads and signs of damp or construction. Record the condition in photographs and make sure the written inventory and contract match what you were shown. Booking note: Confirm the exact location, room type, noise exposure, cancellation terms, deposits and guest policy directly. “Central”, “beachfront” and “sea view” can describe very different layouts.