You need to learn about hotels and how to book the ideal room. Hotels can often be quite expensive. So be sure that it’s money that is well spent by choosing the best option for you. Keep reading to find out all you need to know.
Check online reviews before booking a room. Online review websites will allow you to see previous guests’ experiences at the hotels you are considering. What people say about a hotel can help you figure out where you should be staying.
Before you choose a hotel and make reservations, check online review sites, such as TripAdvisor. This gives you first-hand accounts of people’s experiences in each hotel. Reading other people’s reviews of the hotels you’re considering can really help you decide which one to choose.
Use Orbitz or Expedia to find a great deal. If you have a hotel loyalty program your a part of, be sure you enter this information while looking through rates. You may also be able to get discounts through AAA or AARP.
To get the very best prices for the hotels that you’d like to visit, use travel sites online like Orbitz and Expedia. If you are a member of a loyalty program, use that info when checking rates. You may also be eligible for other discounts through any memberships you have with organizations such as AAA and AARP.
Would you like to enjoy the comfort of enjoying an incredible evening meal with your loved one without having to dress up and leave your room? If so, consider using room service. While it may cost a little extra, it is worth it if you can stay in your comfortable room as you satisfy your cravings.
Consider ordering room service if you want a special meal without needing to go out. Room service can be expensive, but the luxury of being able to lounge about in your room in your jammies can make it worthwhile.
Check with any membership programs for deals. There are times when an organization will give you great deals on the price of hotels. These discounts can be as much as 10 percent or even more. If you are planning to stay a few nights, this can really add up. After a week has gone by it will add up to a free night almost!
Search for the best deals in hotels online before making reservations. Hotels don’t usually advertise their lowest rates, so you may have to ask. It is your responsibility to find any available discounts. Check websites like Hotwire.com, Kayak.com and Priceline.com for great discounts.
Use online hotel search tools. These kinds of websites allow you to locate great deals fast. You can see the average price of the rooms, and you can check to see how those rates stack up to the rates you’re being offered now. These travel sites also list activities available in your area.
Prior to emptying out your suitcase, carefully look over your room. Is it free of mildew and mold while being clean? Do the toilet, sink and shower work properly? Do you have the blankets, pillows and towels you need? If you notice a problem, be sure to inform the front desk right away to have these problems resolved.
Verify the check-in time at the hotel. If you show up too early for check-in, then your room may not be ready for you yet. Call the hotel if you are early and find out if your room is ready.
To benefit from the best prices at hotels, start planning your trips several weeks or even months in advance. Quite a few locations will give discounts if you choose to book a room a month or more in advance. You can expect savings up to fifty percent if you book months in advance.
In order to get the best hotel deals, always plan your trips weeks ahead of schedule, or even a few months. Some hotels have great discounts when you book a couple of months in advance. Even high end hotels can offer you a substantial savings this way.
If you are traveling with a pet, it is best to find a pet friendly hotel ahead of time. Call the hotel to verify, even if it says so on the website. A hotel may be pet-friendly, but still has restrictions against certain breeds or animals. Find out ahead of time if your pet is acceptable.
Although many hotels have certain rooms that allow pets, never assume your hotel will without researching ahead of time. Call the hotel to verify, even if it says so on the website. Also, find out if there are any size or breed restrictions.
If you want a nice massage for you and your loved one, book that as early as possible. Often the best masseurs and masseuses at top resorts are booked by name, so if you do your planning early, you can make your experience sublime.
If you and a loved one are wanting to go to a hotel and get massages, it is important that you book the appointment way in advance. Many top masseuses book by name, so plan as early as possible.
Loyalty Program
Be sure you know the cost associated with hotel transfers when booking a room. If the rooms are cheap, the transfer could ruin the deal. You can increase the amount you save by simply finding this information out in advance.
If you travel often, consider signing up for a loyalty program with your favorite hotel chain. A loyalty program offers many benefits. There are many rewards given when you accumulate loyalty points such as free stays, free upgrades and later than usual check out times.
For those frequent travelers, it may be better to build loyalty and perks by joining the membership club of your favorite hotel. When you do, you get points every time you stay at a hotel.
The cost of your hotel will vary depending on when you make your reservation. Hotels price their rooms based on how many rooms are available. If possible, don’t make your reservation more than a day in advance. This will get you a great price on your room. The hotel is not going to make any money on a room that is unoccupied, which is why the reduce the price.
Get an AAA membership for hotel perks when you travel. A membership with AAA not only provides you with hotel discounts but a guaranteed piece of mind when trying to rent a vehicle. It is definitely worth looking into.
To make sure you don’t have an unexpected expense, ask about how much hotel transfers will cost. Especially if you’re in a situation where the room’s price is a really good deal, the price of your transfer can make a big difference. Ask the hotel representative ahead of time to make sure you get the most savings.
Avoid using the hotel phone to make long distance phone calls. Use the Internet, instead. A lot of hotels have free Wi-Fi that you can use to connect with people. You can stay in touch with work or family without the high cost of a call from the phone in your room.
If you want to save money, and you stay at the same place a lot, consider signing up for the hotel’s version of a frequent guest program. Each hotel stay can accrue points towards vacation perks.
Find out what the policy on pets is. If you are allergic to pets, avoid pet friendly hotels. Usually, hotels that do allow pets will have a strong odor coming from the linens as well as the carpeting. Some hotels may charge you extra for pets, and some may not charge at all, or the fees are lower. The fee may be for any cleaning that needs to be done.
Being a member of AAA can save you money on hotels. Members of AAA receive many travel benefits including reduced hotel rates and lower car rental rates. Parents can also often enjoy a free car seat that comes with some rentals.
Remember, that early check-ins are a rarity in most hotels. Make your plans accordingly if you do not want to spend hours waiting in the lobby. The hotels need a chance to clean up your room prior to check in. Check with the front desk if you arrive early, but do not be angry if they can’t get you in early.
Call ahead of arrival to see if the pool is open to keep the family happy. Your kids and you will be very frustrated if the pool at your hotel is closed because of repairs when you arrive.
Avoid using the hotel bedspread. Although hotels will wash the sheets that lie underneath the bedspread, the bedspread itself is not typically washed. This bedspread could be a source of germs. Take the bedspread off of the bed.
If you are worried about bed bugs, start your inspection in the bathroom. You probably won’t find any in there. So, that means it’s the best place to stash your luggage and other belongings as you inspect the remainder of your suite. It is usually a convenient place for young children to sit for a moment too.
If a hotel tries to “walk” you, know what your rights are. This happens when the room you requested is unavailable because of overbooking on the part of the hotel. The hotel “walks” you to a new hotel nearby. If you do choose to move, be sure that you get a better room and your travel is paid for.
If you are going to need a rollaway or crib, ask for this when making your reservation. Some hotels don’t offer these amenities at all. Sometimes, there are also extra charges for items like these. Therefore, when booking a hotel room, make sure you ask about these things so that you are prepared.
Avoid drinking bottled water from a hotel! You may arrive at your destination exhausted and thirsty. That’s what the hotel owners had in mind when they packed the min-fridge with delicious, yet expensive, refreshments. Hotels know this and charge more for bottled water. The gym in the hotel may have water for free. Better yet, bring some bottles with you.
Early Departure
Don’t take any of the linens. This may be tempting, but it’s easy for the hotel to find out and bill you for the items. Ask the hotel upfront if you can buy similar items from them directly.
It you’re able to, try not to check out until it’s time for you to depart. Some hotels charge early departure fees. A booked hotel room is taken off the market, meaning your early departure would cost them money. So, in leaving early you risk being charged a fee for early departure.
If you want the best rate for a hotel room, never book during the height of tourist season. Rates are always highest at this time. You should book a room during the off season as hotels are desperate then for their rooms to be occupied. You chance of getting a discount is much greater.
Avoid the bottled water! After you check-in you may feel tired and thirsty. That bottle of water in the mini fridge can be might tempting. Hotels are really aware of this, and the water will cost you quite a bit more than it really should. Sometimes you can get a free water bottle in the hotel gym. Plan ahead and bring your own bottled water.
Sometimes, certain hotel rooms have a better view than others. If the prices are not changed by the view, ask for a room with a better one. This can really make your experience great. It never hurts to ask if there are rooms with better views available.
Now you are knowledgeable about what it takes to find and stay in a great hotel. To really absorb this information, you may want to read these tips again. You can now rent a hotel room confident that you’re getting the best possible price.
Travelocity and Expedia are two great sites on the web for great hotel room prices. These sites help hotels sell a lot of rooms, and they offer discounts that can’t be found elsewhere. Some of these sites may require that you bid for the price you are willing to offer, yet others may show you the price along with what the star rating is, but they won’t tell you the hotel name until you book it, so be aware.