There are many different types of hotels. Prices and the level of service can vary widely. When planning for a trip, search for the best hotel value to improve your hotel experience. Keep reading to learn how to find a great hotel.
Prior to choosing and reserving a hotel room, check review sites online like TripAdvisor or Expedia. These offer feedback from those who have recently stayed at the hotel you are considering booking. Their opinions can help you decide whether or not a certain hotel is the right one for you.
Use Orbitz or Expedia to find a great deal. If you are a member of a particular hotel’s loyalty program, remember to include that information when you are checking on rates. If you have a membership in any other organization, put that down as well.
Look for a closet safe in your hotel room, and use it for any expensive electronics you may have brought with you. You can stash your expensive electronics and jewelry in the safe and go about your day without worry.
You can enjoy a romantic dinner in your room by calling room service. Room service generally costs more than ordering out; however, it is nice to be able to order a meal in the middle of the night if you so choose.
Check the organizations that you’re a member of. Many of them offer hotel discounts to members. People often forget about these discounts, which can be 10% or more. This is a good discount that only gets better the longer you stay in a hotel. This can mean a lot of savings over a full week stay.
There are quite a few things you need to think over when you’re about to stay at a hotel. Price is important but a shabby, dirty hotel room is no bargain at any price. For example, you might want a room that is in walking distance to gym, or a hotel that has free Wi-Fi. Shop around for a hotel that has the features that are most important to you.
Figuring out which hotel you want to book isn’t an easy process. Of course price is a big deal, but a hotel close to where you are head is a big consideration. Amenities that help you choose a hotel are free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, exercise room, pool, and a restaurant on the premises. Look for a hotel that provides you with the amenities that are a priority to you.
Do not assume that each hotel welcomes pets. Call before you book so that you know for sure. Ask about their pet policy. Many hotels have restrictions on the breed and size of pet allowed on the premises.
Always look for online deals before booking a hotel room. A lot of the time, when you book a room with someone, they’ll tell you there aren’t any online discounts. That’s why doing a bit of research pays off, so you are aware of discounts and specials. Check websites like Hotwire.com, Kayak.com and Priceline.com for great discounts.
If you want to arrange for a couples massage at your hotel, be sure to book the appointment right away. The best massage therapists are well-known at resorts, so planning early is the best way to create a good experience.
Know when check-in time is. Some people fail to check when they will be able to access their rooms. They arrive at the hotel but find that their room isn’t ready yet. If you anticipate arriving before check-in time, make a call to the hotel and inquire if you can arrive early.
One of the best bonuses of a AAA membership is great discounts on booking a hotel. It might be surprising to learn that some auto club memberships include hotel discounts. You can save 5%, 10% or more at quality hotels throughout the country. Those discounts add up to great savings, especially if you will be having an extended stay.
If you’re interested in the massage services of a hotel you intend to stay at, reserve your appointment ahead of time. Experience a truly special moment with a top masseur or masseuse by asking for your appointment well in advance.
Think about going on a “green” vacation. Fortunately, there are many green hotels to choose from today. Some new hotels are built to green standards and are certified green. Old hotels will change their practices to be more green. Ask your booking agent about green hotels.
If you belong to AAA, see what kinds of discounts the hotel offers. You may be surprised that your auto club membership includes hotel discounts, but it does. You may be able to save upwards of five percent at hotels nationwide. It’s a way to save money that can add up fast.
The cost of your hotel will vary depending on when you make your reservation. Hotels price rooms in part based on availability. When possible, you can often get a good price if you book a room at the very last minute. This will get you a great price on your room. A room that’s empty loses money for the hotel; so, they usually cut the price.
Do you travel on a periodic basis and use the same hotel chain? If so, check out the loyalty programs provided by that hotel. These are exceptional benefits reserved for customers who frequently use a particular chain of hotels. You can often earn free upgrades, free stays, and complimentary late check out with enough points accrued.
If you are bringing your kids along for the trip, then it’s a good idea to call a hotel in advance and make sure they have working pools. There is nothing worse than getting to a hotel with kids to find the pool is closed.
If you tend to stay at the same hotel a lot, see about signing up for their frequent guest program. These programs usually work by letting you rack up points. As a result, you could have your next stay discounted or receive other benefits, like tickets to a show.
If you are worried about bed bugs, start your inspection in the bathroom. This is the last room they are likely to be. That means that the bathroom is a great place to keep your bags while you check the rest of your accommodations for bedbugs. If you have pets or children with you, ask them to wait in the bathroom too.
Timing matters when booking a hotel room. Availability sets pricing. Try booking your hotel room within 24 hours of your stay. This will get you the best hotel rates. If the hotel never rents the room they’ll get zero dollars for it, so most of the time they will give you a steep discount on it.
If you smoke, you should understand the hotel’s policy about smoking before you book a room. Most hotels have designated smoking rooms. If that is the case, you should ask for one of those rooms. Certain hotels will charge you a steep fee if you get caught smoking in a room that is non-smoking. Be sure to follow the rules of the hotel.
One way to get discounts on hotel rooms is to join AAA. If you do a lot of traveling, the AAA membership can pay for itself, and you can also get deals on rental cars. It’s great to know that you can count on both of these things.
You should be aware that early hotel check ins are not always possible. Plan to get there at the right time if you don’t want to wait. Hotels usually need to get the room cleaned and ready before you check in. If you are early, don’t expect miracles.
Understand the smoking rules in your hotel, especially if you smoke. Some hotels offer smoking rooms. If this is the case, then you shouldn’t be shy when asking for this type of room. Certain hotels will charge you a steep fee if you get caught smoking in a room that is non-smoking. Be sure to follow the rules of the hotel.
Early Departure
In most cases, checking into a hotel room ahead of schedule isn’t possible. Be sure to plan your arrival with that in mind, or you may be sitting in the lobby area for some time. Usually, hotels have your room cleaned prior to check-in time. You can see if your room is ready should you arrive early. However, do not count on it.
It you’re able to, try not to check out until it’s time for you to depart. Some hotels charge early departure fees. The room is not marketed by the hotel and you will have to make up that lost revenue. You may end paying for a day you don’t use the room. Therefore, they have to make up for the loss by charging an early departure fee.
If your requirements include a roll-away bed or a crib, you should call ahead to reserve them. Not every hotel will carry them, and the ones that do may not have enough to go around. Also, you may get charged extra for these types of things. Talk about these issues as you reserve your room.
Some people choose not to use the bedspreads provided by the hotel staff for hygienic reasons. Hotel sheets are laundered daily; however, bedspreads are not. This means they may be a hotbed of germs. Just get that blanket off of the bed.
Be prepared with a knowledge of your rights if a hotel ever tries to “walk” you. When you check-in, you may discover the room you secured isn’t actually available. They might try and send you to a different hotel. If you do choose to move, be sure that you get a better room and your travel is paid for.
Beware of an establishment that attempts to “walk you.” When hotels overbook rooms, the one you reserved may not be available. In this case the hotel has to send you to a different hotel. If you can’t avoid this make sure the room you get there is better or comparable and that they pay for the travel there.
You can get better hotel rates when you don’t book during peak tourist seasons. That’s when it costs the most. Instead, try and travel during the off season when there are lots of vacancies. You chance of getting a discount is much greater.
Don’t think that you should steal the hotel’s property. No matter how much you love them, housekeeping will note missing linens and the hotel is likely to bill you for them. If you really have to have the stuff, see if the hotel will sell it to you.
If an upgrade is desirable, try a strategy that might get it free. An easy way to get this to happen is to show up on time for when you’re supposed to be checking in. Hotels often count on their guests being late; therefore, they will often not have their rooms ready at the set time; therefore, by showing up on time, the hotel may provide you an upgraded room at no extra cost to you.
You can often save money if you book your flight and hotel at the same time. There are numerous travel websites that give a fair deal when you book the hotel with a rental car or flight. Be sure and compare the rates on different sites, as some will offer better deals than others.
If you find yourself having to book a hotel while on the road, look at tourist centers, rest areas and gas stations for free tourist books that contain maps of hotels, prices and incredible discounts. So you can call ahead and get a room, rather than driving all around and hoping to find a good deal.
Staying in a nice hotel with great service is all part of your vacation experience. You need to work on looking over a hotel carefully. Doing the proper research will help you get the best deal possible. Use this article for guidance when you’re booking your next hotel room and you’ll make a great decision.
Sometimes, certain hotel rooms have a better view than others. Request a room with a great view if you can. This can make your stay better. It is always smart to find out if you can get a room with a nice view.