Hotels can be simple and inexpensive or they can be luxurious and pricey. The services and prices vary widely. When planning your vacation, search for a budget friendly hotel that will make your vacation enjoyable. Keep reading to learn how to find a great hotel.
Prior to booking a hotel, refer to TripAdvisor and similar online travel review sites. This gives you first-hand accounts of people’s experiences in each hotel. What former guests have to say with regards to a hotel being considered can ensure you make an informed decision.
Before you pick out your hotel you’re going to reserve a spot at, check out review sites online like TripAdvisor. These provide you with first-hand information about people’s recent experiences at each hotel. Reading other people’s reviews of the hotels you’re considering can really help you decide which one to choose.
Find great hotel room prices by checking out travel websites like Orbitz and Expedia. If you are a member of a hotel loyalty program, make sure to indicate this when searching for rates. Additionally, there may be other price breaks for you through various organizations, like AAA or other exclusive clubs.
If you belong to any organizations, check with them for travel deals. Many clubs, groups and organizations are able to get members discounted hotel rates. Many people don’t remember these discounts, which can save them 10% or more. This can lead to a great amount of money saved, especially for those spending multiple nights at the hotel. This can also net you a free hotel night.
Room service can be a great way to have a private, comfortable meal. It might cost a little extra, but it’s definitely worth the bill. Nothing is more enjoyable than having food delivered to your room while you’re in your PJ’s.
Don’t assume your hotel is pet-friendly. Call before you book so that you know for sure. Get the term “pet-friendly” defined, as well. The hotel may not allow large dogs or certain types of pets.
Take advantage of search tools online. There are a lot of websites that have great deals and other useful tools to help you comparison shop to find the right hotel at the right price. They also let you see what full price is, so you know you are saving money. Finally, by using these websites, you can learn the best places and times to take a vacation.
There are three different things you should do in advance if you’re going to be traveling with a pet. Find out if the hotel you have selected is pet-friendly. Be sure to have plenty of plastic bags on hand to make pet cleanup easy. And, ask if your room can away from guests.
There are three things to do ahead of time if you want to bring your pet to a hotel with you. Be sure that this hotel will be friendly to pets. For easy cleanup, make sure that you have brought along an adequate number of plastic bags. And, ask if your room can away from guests.
If you want to arrange for a couples massage at your hotel, be sure to book the appointment right away. Most of the time, the most reputable masseuses will be booked, so plan early in order to have the most enjoyable experience.
If you want a couples massage, book early. Most of the time, the most reputable masseuses will be booked, so plan early in order to have the most enjoyable experience.
Are you a member of the AAA? If so, find out about membership discounts at hotels. You may be surprised that your auto club membership includes hotel discounts, but it does. You can save 5 percent or even more on hotels around the country. This can add up on a long trip.
If you are a daily runner, make sure you pack exercise clothes and a GPS watch. If you want to jog early in the morning, don your gear and then go for it. Running in a city allows you to see things other travelers miss.
If you want to keep up the running regimen you have while traveling you should get your GPS watch packed with some running clothes. Jogging around the city before you start your day will add enjoyment to your vacation. Even if you have to run down roads or the streets in the city, you can learn a lot more about the city when you get finished.
For people who are frequent travelers, consider signing up for some loyalty programs with your favorite hotels. These programs provide perks to those who stay at a particular chain regularly. There are many rewards given when you accumulate loyalty points such as free stays, free upgrades and later than usual check out times.
Loyalty Programs
If there’s a hotel chain you stay at often, check out their membership programs for frequent guests. These programs give you points every time you stay there. They can amount to show tickets, free nights, spa deals, hotel restaurants discounts and much more.
If you travel frequently, sign up for loyalty programs at your favorite hotels. Loyalty programs provide frequent guests benefits for booking with them on a regular basis. There are many great rewards even leading up to free stays as you gather up more loyalty points.
Think about going on a “green” vacation. Luckily, you can choose from quite a few green hotels these days. Many new hotels are constructed to meet green standards, earning green certification. Some older hotels simply choose a variety of eco-friendly practices to be environmentally aware. Check online or ask a travel agent for help.
Vacation “green” if you are worried about the environment. The great thing is there are plenty of green hotels you can select from. Some new buildings are certified as green. Older hotels might change practices to be more green. Request the help of the travel agent in identifying hotels that are environmentally friendly.
Timing matters when booking a hotel room. The prices are based partly on availability. If it’s possible, your room should be booked around a day in advance or more. This is the best way to get the best prices. Empty rooms don’t earn the hotel money, so they’re happy to cut the price and reserve a room.
For those frequent travelers, it may be better to build loyalty and perks by joining the membership club of your favorite hotel. Every stay in a particular hotel chain where you are a member will add points to your total, which can later be used on free rooms or amenities that usually cost you.
If you don’t want to get a big expense on the hotel bill you get, speak to the place about hotel transfers prior to booking things. It is not uncommon to find that greatly discounted bookings may have a hidden cost for the transfer. Inquire before you book, so you aren’t hit with an unexpected price increase.
Sign up for AAA if you wish to get better hotel arrangements while you travel. If you do a lot of traveling, the AAA membership can pay for itself, and you can also get deals on rental cars. At some locations they even offer free car seats.
If you wish to get a lot out of a hotel stay, especially if you’re traveling for your business, get a membership program and join it like what the Marriott or Choice Hotels offers. The more points you get, the more free stays you can use for vacations.
If you want your family to have a happy stay, call the hotel ahead and ensure that their swimming pools are available and in good working order. There is nothing worse than getting to a hotel with kids to find the pool is closed.
Being a member of AAA makes travel very easy. AAA members are given many discounts and booking privileges on hotel rooms and rental vehicles. Those who have small children will be pleased to find car seats available for free.
If you are a parent who needs a roll-away or a crib in their hotel room, then you’ll need to call prior to making your reservation and find out if they are available. Not all hotels supply these items, and those that do have limited quantities. They may charge extra for this. Talk about these when reserving your room so you aren’t hit with unexpected expenses.
Try to avoid long distance calling in hotel rooms. Use the Internet, instead. A lot of hotels offer wi-fi, making it possible for you to use Skype. But the Internet is infinitely useful while traveling so it is usually worth it.
Whenever possible, do not check out prior to the scheduled date of your departure. The hotel could impose a fee if you check out early. 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. So, in leaving early you risk being charged a fee for early departure.
The bathroom is the first place to go when checking for bed bugs in your hotel room. This is usually one of the few places you won’t see any. That means you can store your luggage here as you inspect. It is a safe place for pets and kids to stay.
You may wish to use a different blanket than the comforter that is in your hotel room. Sheets are generally washed after guests leave the room, but the bedspread typically isn’t. The bedspread can be laden with germs. Remove the blanket and sleep in peace.
Always ask about the hotel’s smoking policy if you smoke. Many hotels still offer smoking rooms. If you smoke, you should make a specific reservation for this type of room. You may be charged hefty fees if there is evidence that you have smoked in a that is designated as non-smoking.
To enjoy your vacation, it is important to choose a great hotel. Take some time to research and compare your different hotel choices. You ultimately want the best bang for your buck. By choosing to follow what you’ve just learned, you are making sure that you are going to have a positive experience.
Be sure you understand the pet policy of the hotel. If you’re scared of pets or have allergies, you may not want to stay in a pet friendly hotel. Rooms that allow pets may also have the odor of animals. This can be in the linens and carpet. Extra fees are sometimes imposed by hotels for guests who bring pets, but sometimes the fee is not too high. It might not cover deep cleaning.
