You do not want your hotel stay to leave you are staying at. Whether you are paying too much or the place is just lousy, a bad experience leaves a bad taste in your mouth. Avoid this sort of situation by following the advice you’re about to read.
Before you pick out your hotel you’re going to reserve a spot at, check out review sites online like TripAdvisor. This gives you first-hand accounts of people’s experiences in each hotel. What patrons have to say about the hotels you are considering can help you make the best decision about where to stay.
Consider ordering room service when the urge strikes for a special meal without needing to go out. While it may cost a little extra, it’s worth having the convenience of staying in your room (and in your pajamas) while you wait to satisfy those nocturnal cravings.
You can enjoy a romantic dinner in your room by calling room service. Even though this will cost a bit more, the convenience and comfort are worth it.
You should put any expensive electronics and jewelry in the safe and go about your day without worry.
Check with the organizations that you are a member with. Some may offer discounts on hotels. Many people don’t remember these discounts, which can save them 10% or more. On a multiple night stay, these savings can really add up. This adds up to a night’s stay that is almost free.
Take advantage of online when searching for a hotel. These websites allow you to locate great deals quickly.
You want to look at a number of different things when booking a hotel stay. Price is always important, of course, but you might also want to find a hotel near a certain attraction or business. For example, you might want a room that is in walking distance to gym, or a hotel that has free Wi-Fi. Find a hotel room that includes all of the features that you demand. There’s sure to be one out there.
Know your check-in time is. Some people end up waiting for their room is still not ready. Call the front desk to find out if it is alright for you think you’ll be early.
When you get to your hotel room, look over the room before unpacking. Your room should definitely be neat and should not have any odd smells, suspicious stains or mildew. Is everything in the bathroom working as it should? Are there enough linens and towels? If you notice any problems, report them immediately. If your issues are not resolved, ask to move to another room.
Plan your trip in advance as you can to ensure best rates. Many locations offer the best discounts if you are willing to book more than a month or two ahead of time. You might even be able to save up to fifty percent off at some very exclusive hotels.
Do not assume that each hotel welcomes pets. Put a call into the front desk just to be sure, no matter what it says on their website. In addition, get specifics with regard to the pet policy, because only particular breeds or sizes of pets may be permitted at the hotel.
Don’t make assumptions about pet policies of thinking all hotels will accept pets.
If you are a member of AAA, ask about a hotel discount. It may be surprising that auto clubs members receive hotel deals, but they do. Membership in AARP, a union, an auto club or even being a police officer can get you a discount. This is a savings that can really add up over several nights.
If you are a member of AAA, look into hotel discounts included. You would be surprised to learn that your membership to the auto club also includes discounts may be lurking. You may save 5% or even more motels and hotels in the US. This can really add up over several nights.
If you are an avid jogger, a GPS watch is a great investment so you can always find your way back to your hotel. Also, don’t forget your exercise clothes! You can still enjoy your early morning jog while on vacation if you have your gear and the right room booked. Running not only provides you with great exercise, but it also helps you better learn the city in which you are residing.
If you want to keep your regular running routine, be sure to bring your running clothes and shoes.
Many hotels have loyalty programs available to customers who travel often. They provide benefits to travelers who regularly stay in the same hotel chain. You can often earn free upgrades, free stays, and complimentary late check out with enough points accrued.
Free Nights
You may wish to consider a “green” vacation if the environment is one of your concerns. There are several green hotels around. Some of the newer hotels are certified green. Some older hotels simply choose a variety of eco-friendly practices to be environmentally aware. Talk to your travel agent about what you want to do and let them seek out a few appropriate hotels.
If you often stay at the same hotel chain, check to see if they have a frequent-stay program. These hotel programs give you rack up points. They add up to free nights, free nights, show tickets, spa deals and a whole lot more.
Become a member of AAA in order to make your travel arrangements easier. Members of AAA will get additional hotel discounts up to five percent, but you’ll also get discounts on rental cars as well. It is definitely worth looking into.
Join the hotel’s membership program to get deals on business trips. These programs allow you to collect points that can translate into some major perks when you’re vacationing.
If you are going to inspect if your hotel room has bed bugs, then start looking in the bathroom. Bedbugs are rarely seen in this room. When you determine there are not any in there, set your bags down and inspect the remainder of the premises. If you have pets or children with you, ask them to wait in the bathroom too.
Get an AAA membership to facilitate the process of booking a hotel when you travel.Parents of small children will appreciate the car seat that’s provided for free in some locations.
If you smoke, be sure you’re aware of what the hotel thinks of smoking where you’re staying. Some hotels offer smoking rooms. If this is the case, then you shouldn’t be shy when asking for this type of room. If you smoke in one of the hotel’s non-smoking room, you can be charged hefty fees.
Try not to make long distance calling in hotel rooms. Many hotels will give you complimentary Skype connections via Wi-Fi. You can stay connected with family and friends while you are away without the additional expense of making expensive long distance calls from your hotel phone.
Ask for a roll away bed or crib when you are reserving your room, not when you arrive. Such items usually have a limited amount of such extras. In addition, there is sometimes an extra charge for these items. Therefore, when booking a hotel room, make sure you ask about these things so that you are prepared.
It can prove rather frustrating for you check in to your children to arrive at a hotel expecting a pool and/or other activities only to discover that there are none.
If it all possible, never check out before your scheduled departure date. Your hotel may charge you a fee to do so. A booked hotel room is taken off the market, meaning your early departure would cost them money. So, they may charge you a fee for early departure to replace the loss in revenue.
Start looking in the bathroom if you need to make sure there are no bed bugs in a hotel. This is where you won’t find bedbugs. It is usually a good place for pets or children to wait for a couple minutes as well.
Be prepared with a knowledge of your rights if a hotel ever tries to “walk” you. Hotels sometimes overbook, which means you discover that your reservation is unavailable. This will require that you have to stay at a different hotel. If you can’t avoid this, then make sure you are getting a room that is still worth the value that you have already paid.
Ask if your possible hotel reservation is either smoking allowed in the hotel.If you are a non-smoker, a smoking room may be unappealing. Smokers don’t always respect the fact that you are renting is a non-smoking room.
Be sure you don’t take off with any items from your hotel room. They might be lovely, but you will be charged for them. If you really like the linens, see if they are available for purchase.
Be sure you know what the hotel smoking policy if you smoke cigarettes. Many hotels set aside certain rooms designated for smoking guests. Ask to see if you are available. If they find you have smoked in a non-smoking area, a big penalty can come along with it.
Sometimes, you can save some money by bundling your flight and hotel. You may be able to save a lot of money by booking both from the same place. To make sure you are getting the best price through this service, compare the rates of different airlines and hotels.
Do not open that bottled water in your hotel room. You will likely be thirsty and tired when you check in. You may decide to reach for that bottle of water beckoning on the mini-fridge. Hotels know this and have hiked up the price of that tempting bottled water significantly. Check out the gym and see if they offer it for free. A better option to simply bring a few of your own bottles.
For a cheaper room, don’t book during a busy tourist season. Rates are always highest at this time. Instead, book your room in the off-peak time of year, when hotels are desperate to fill their rooms. You are more likely to find a great rate.
Don’t think that you depart.
You may be able to score a free upgrade. You can do this by checking in exactly at your expected arrival time. Often the room you have reserved will still be dirty, so the front desk may offer an upgraded room for no charge.
You can often save money saved if you book your flight and hotel at the same time. Travel websites offer big savings when you book more than one service at the same time.
If you need to book a hotel on short notice while traveling, take a look at different tourist centers, rest stops or gas stations to grab free pamphlets and guides which allow you to get good discounts and find names of hotels. This allows you to call the hotel to book a room, instead of driving from one to another in search of a good deal.
You may be able to score a free upgrade of your hotel room. You can be sure of this by arriving on time. Often the room you have reserved will still be dirty, so they might give you a room upgrade at no extra charge.
Tipping for maid service and room service can improve the quality of your trip. Don’t tip room service as it’s already in the cost, but do tip your maid. People will respect you and treat you better if you tip them.
If you want a better hotel experience, apply what you have learned here. By knowing what to look out for and how to spot a great deal, you will have a better experience. Your stay at a hotel should be relaxing and positive.
Online travel websites often compare the best prices for different hotel chains, helping you find the best possible deals. Both of these websites book large quantities of hotel rooms. This allows them to have cheaper rates than the competition. Some may require you to bid, while others may give you a price and the star rating but not tell you the name until you decide to buy, so be aware of that.
