When you’re recommending hotels to clients, there’s nothing quite as powerful as firsthand experience. That’s why site inspections are one of the most valuable tools in a travel agent’s toolkit and something I will always take the time to do when away.
Visiting a hotel in person gives you insights that no brochure or website can offer — but only if you go in prepared.
Here’s how I conduct hotel site inspections to make the most of each every visit and gather content that not only helps me, but also my clients!
Before the inspection – preparation is key
Email the hotel ahead of time to confirm your appointment. I use a standard template to ensure I include all the key details. Then, I always reconfirm the date and time the day before — just to avoid any miscommunication.
Top tip – if you are somewhere hot, go for an early morning appointment if possible (I’ve made that mistake before in Turkey and spent the inspection melting…)
I also always do a bit of homework before the inspection and get the key facts about a resort so I can ask more relevant questions, not waste time and show my host I’ve come prepared
📱 When I arrive – setting expectations
I always start by letting my host know that I will be taking notes on my phone so they don’t think I am random texting people / checking my phone while they are showing me around!
I also tell them I’m am going to be taking pictures and videos but will do my best to make sure guests are not in them.
❓ Questions to ask during the inspection
Things to ask – I ask these as walking around to keep the conversation flowing
About the Rooms:
- How many rooms are there across the resort?
- How many different room types?
- Are there accessible rooms for disabled guests?
- Are in-room minibars restocked daily?
About the Guests:
- Where are most of the guests from?
- Do they see a lot of repeat visitors?
Facilities & Amenities:
- Is spa access included, or is there an extra charge?
- Are any of the pools heated?
- What are the age ranges for the kids’ clubs?
- Can children be left with staff at the clubs?
- Are kids’ clubs free, or is there a fee?
- What are the resort’s opening and closing dates for the season?
- Are there any adults-only areas?
Dining Options:
- How many restaurants are on-site?
- Do any restaurants require an additional charge, especially for all-inclusive guests?
📸 Getting that content – photo and video checklist
I try to take both photos and videos of everything — that way I have flexible content for blog posts, reels, and carousels.
Exterior & Common Areas:
- Walking up to the hotel entrance
- The lobby and welcome areas
- General walk-throughs of the grounds to give a sense of atmosphere
Guest Rooms:
- Multiple room types (keep track of what’s what!)
- Room walkthrough: start by showing the room number, then walk in
- Details: bedside area, bathroom amenities, minibar contents, safe, ironing board, etc.
Restaurants & Bars:
- Table settings and restaurant ambiance
- Menus, if available
- Bar area, drinks selection, and bar menus
Facilities:
- Spa, indoor pool, sauna, steam room
- Gym and fitness equipment
- Beach (especially if it’s pebbly — people want to know!)
- Sunbeds and general vibe of the beach area
🤝 Building relationships
I always ask the person who is showing me around how long they have worked at the resort, do they live locally etc shows interest in the individual and helps build rapport.
Recently I have always asked for a photo with the person who had shown me round, which again shows an interest in the individual and great for if you are doing a write up / social post and you can tag them (make sure you get their social handles!)
After the visit, email them thanking them for the opportunity and if you have done any social posts etc, send them the links!
🤓 Optional extras – not required but super useful!
- I have a gimbal to help take smooth videos, it’s an investment but I love mine
- Give my business card to the person showing me around
I hope you’ve found this info useful and if you have any questions just drop me an email on mimi@findyourresort.co.uk!
Want to see a site inspection on action and some detail on the photos / videos I capture? Head over to my Youtube channel! 👇🏽
If you are a busy travel agent looking for a way to easily find resorts based on your client requirements then check out the Find Your Resort Membership! Watch the 5 minute introduction below and take your client enquiries to the next level!
