A little preparation goes a long way.
Compare the actual hotel and room, not just a comfort label.
Get the room details
Confirm the hotel, location, bed setup, occupancy, breakfast and cancellation terms. With older relatives, ask about lifts, showers and quiet-room needs. Adjacent rooms and connecting rooms are different requests; booking photos may show several room categories.
Arrival versus check-in
An early flight does not guarantee early room access. For a late-night arrival, advise the hotel and confirm the reservation will be held. Ask whether early check-in, late checkout or luggage storage is available, chargeable or guaranteed.
Documents and registration
Prepare original documents for each guest. Official guidance says hotels can handle accommodation registration for foreign guests; stays elsewhere involve separate registration requirements. Confirm before booking that the property can process check-in for your documents.
If the room differs from the booking
Compare the room with the confirmation and category description. Explain the specific mismatch to reception, keep photographs and contact the booking representative. Discuss the bed, noise or facilities concretely rather than only the star rating.