Have you ever reserved a hotel room, only to arrive and find the place is a dump? If something similar has happened to you, you understand that it makes it hard to have fun on vacation. However, you shouldn’t have to book a pricey hotel to avoid this. The following article is packed with tips on how to find a great hotel room.
Before you choose a hotel and make reservations, check online review sites, such as TripAdvisor. Online review websites will allow you to see previous guests’ experiences at the hotels you are considering. Find out what actual customers say about the hotel and it can help you avoid a costly mistake.
Be sure to read online review websites prior to booking a hotel. These sites will allow you to see previous guests’ experiences at the hotels you are considering. These reviews can aid you in your decision about whether to book the hotel.
Make use of the room safe to ensure the safety of your electronics when you are not in your room. Your iPad, watch, and other smaller, expensive items can be placed into the safe, then you can rest assured at their safety as you head out for a fun-filled day.
Be sure to keep your valuables and electronics secure by locking them in your hotel room’s safe. You can put your iPad, GPS watch, and other small, costly items into the safe, and then head out for the day with peace of mind about their security.
If you belong to any organizations, find out if they get any discount from certain hotel chains. Some organizations will receive discounts for different reasons from different hotels. You may save ten percent or more. This can help you to save some cash, especially if you’re going to be staying for a few nights. After a week has gone by it will add up to a free night almost!
Find out if any organization to which you belong offers good discounts. Some of these organizations will offer you discounts on hotel prices. Discounts of 10% or more are often available, and people sometimes forget that they are eligible to claim them. That can add up to huge savings over multiple nights. This can also net you a free hotel night.
Check your room when you arrive. Is it tidy and sanitary? Does the plumbing work right? Are linens and towels in ample supply? If you see that there are problems with your room, let the people at the front desk know right away so they can get things taken care of. Or, they can move you to another room.
When booking a hotel, you need to establish what you need and what you would ideally like from your stay. Price is one factor, however you may also need your hotel to be close to a particular destination. Other amenities that people look for are a gym, pool, free local phone calls, free Wi-Fi, and free breakfast. So decide on the amenities that mean the most to you and start looking.
Ask when you’re able to check into the room. If you show up too early for check-in, then your room may not be ready for you yet. If you think you will arrive before check in time, call the hotel and ask if you can come.
Take advantage of tools provided online when searching for a hotel. These kinds of websites allow you to locate great deals fast. They can also show you what the hotel’s average rates typically are, allowing you to see whether you are actually getting a good deal or not. Finally, they can help you determine when you’d like to travel and what you’d like to do when you’re there.
Plan your trip in advance for the best rates. If you chose to book a month or even two ahead of your arrival date, you can get great discounts. You can expect savings up to fifty percent if you book months in advance.
Use your AAA discount at hotels. Did you know that this membership entitles you to hotel discounts? You may be able to save upwards of five percent at hotels nationwide. The savings can really add up nightly.
If you’re interested in the massage services of a hotel you intend to stay at, reserve your appointment ahead of time. 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.
It may be wise to look into loyalty programs that your favorite hotels offer. There are some great benefits offered to clients who often book the same chain. Enjoy late check out, bonus upgrades and free nights with the loyalty paints you have earned.
Do you care about your environment? If so, a “green” hotel may be for you. There are several green hotels around. Many new hotels are certified as green hotels. Many older hotels are environmentally aware and have eco-friendly measures in place. Talk with a travel agent to find green hotels.
The time you book the room will change how much you’ll pay. Hotels price their rooms based on how many rooms are available. Try to book a specific room at least 24 hours ahead of time, but it’s even better if you book weeks ahead of schedule. This can get you a seriously discounted rate. The hotel will earn no money at all if the room is empty, which gives you a much better bargaining position.
The cost of your hotel will vary depending on when you make your reservation. Hotels price rooms in part based on availability. Don’t book a room more than a day in advance. This is the best way to get the best prices. Empty rooms earn no money, so the hotels often slash the prices.
For those frequent travelers, it may be better to build loyalty and perks by joining the membership club of your favorite hotel. Then you can accrue points, get extra perks, and save money.
To avoid major expenses on your final hotel bill, be sure to ask the sales representative about the price of hotel transfers first. In many situations in which the room’s price is a great deal, the undisclosed price of your transfer can frequently eat up the savings. Asking these things before anything happens will allow you to save more.
Being a member of AAA makes travel very easy. Members of AAA will get additional hotel discounts up to five percent, but you’ll also get discounts on rental cars as well. Some places provide free car seats too.
In order to enhance your hotel visits, especially when traveling for work, you should consider joining membership programs that hotels provide. Examples include membership programs provided by Marriott or Choice Hotels. This allows you to get more points with each stay that you can convert into free rooms and other benefits on your next family vacation.
Phone Calls
Learn about the smoking policies if you smoke. There are sometimes rooms designated for people who smoke. If the hotel has one, ask for this kind of room. Some hotels will levy a large fine if they can determine that you smoked in a room where smoking was not allowed, so make sure you understand and follow the hotel’s smoking policy.
Avoid using the hotel phone to make long distance phone calls. Instead, use the Internet. Most hotels offer Wi-Fi, but you will probably need their password and may have to pay a fee to use this service. You will be able to stay in touch with family and friends while you are away without the additional expense of costly phone calls.
It may come as a shock to you, but most hotels don’t allow you to check-in early. Unless you’re okay with waiting for your room to be ready, plan your timing wisely. The hotel must clean each room prior to the next visitor taking it. Should you arrive early, ask at the desk if it is possible to check in, but do not be surprised if they say no.
Call ahead of arrival to see if the pool is open to keep the family happy. It is extremely frustrating for you and your children to arrive at a hotel expecting a pool and/or other activities only to discover that there are none.
If you are going to need a rollaway or a crib, make sure that the hotel knows this in the reservation process. Such items usually have a limited amount of such extras. Additionally, there may be an extra fee for these items. You should discuss this with the hotel agent prior to booking so that you do not have an unexpected charge to your bill.
Be sure you know what the hotel smoking policy is if you smoke cigarettes. Certain hotels provide rooms that are specifically for people who smoke. Therefore, if you are a smoker, always ask for a room that allows smoking. You may be charged hefty fees if there is evidence that you have smoked in a that is designated as non-smoking.
If you book a room during a heavy occupancy period, don’t be surprised if you have a mandatory stay of a few days or more. Many hotels will charge a fee for early departure. When a hotel room is something you book, they are taking it away from other people and will lose some money if you leave early. This is why they usually charge you an fee for early departure.
Now that you’ve read this, you should know how to find an affordable hotel. Knowing the information provided in this article will help ensure you enjoy your trip. Always remember the tips that have been presented here.
Do not open that bottled water! After checking in you may be thirsty and tired. It is tempting to simply grab that refreshing bottle of water conveniently available in the mini-fridge. Hotels are aware of this fact, and that bottle will be much more expensive than a bottle anywhere else. Sometimes the gym at the hotel will provide free bottled water. Or better yet, bring your own bottled water.
