It is important that you feel well-cared for while staying in a hotel. This should be true even if you choose not to spend a ton on hotel accommodations. The following article will teach you how to book a hotel room and get the most out of your stay.
To help you make a good choice, you should check out hotel review websites like TripAdvisor online. Here you can get first-hand reports of the experience people had staying at different hotels. What others say will help you make a wise decision.
Get room service if you don’t want to leave. While it may cost more, it is more convenient to remain in your room while satisfying your hunger.
You can enjoy a romantic dinner in your room by calling room service. This will cost you a little extra, but the convenience it provides is worth it.
Check the organizations that you’re a member of. You may be able to receive discounts on hotel through these organizations. People often forget that they are eligible for these discounts, which may be for 10 percent or more off of your stay. When you’re staying for more than one night, this can add up to a decent savings. It may equate to one whole free night.
To keep your electronics safe when you are out of the hotel room, use the safe that you’ll find in your closet. You should put any expensive items in the hotel safe.
Once you get to your hotel, do not unpack until you check the room. Is it clean? Are all bathroom fixtures in proper working order? Do you have an adequate number of towels? If you find obvious problems, notify the front desk right away so the hotel can correct the problems or they can assign a different room.
The organizations that you are a member of might be of help. Hotel discounts are often one of the benefits offered. People often forget that they are eligible for these discounts, which may be for 10 percent or more off of your stay. This can result in significant savings, especially for longer stays. It may equate to one whole free night.
Make sure that you know the check-in time for the hotel that you book. People sometimes forget when they will be let into their rooms, showing up early only to learn that their room isn’t ready yet. Call and ask if you think you’ll be early.
Many factors come into play as you choose a hotel. The location of the hotel may be just as important than the price. Amenities that you might personally want or need include a swimming pool or gym, on-site restaurant, continental breakfast and free Wi-Fi or local calls. You want to secure a room at a hotel that provides the things you desire.
Plan your trip in advance for the best rates. A lot of hotel locations offer discounts for reservations a month or more in advance. Doing this could save you up to 50 percent off your room, and this holds true with the more elite brands as well.
You can use hotel search tools on the Internet. You will typically find websites that provide deals on certain hotel chains. They can also allow you to look at the average rates of a hotel. In addition, these tools can help you determine the best time to go on vacation and the things that you can do there.
If you’d like to bring Fido on your next trip, you must make some advance plans. Find out if the hotel allows pets. Pack a supply of plastic grocery bags with you – you will need to clean up any pet waste. When you call to make reservations, try getting a room away from other guests so any noise your pet makes won’t bother people.
Look for deals online. The reservation clerk won’t offer these details to you over the phone. It is your responsibility to find these discounts. Websites like Orbitz, Travelocity and Hotels.com usually have some great discounts.
If you would like to treat your partner to a massage, be sure to make the appointment far in advance. Frequently, the best massage people will be booked by name. This means that if you book early, you’ll have a better experience.
To benefit from the best prices at hotels, start planning your trips several weeks or even months in advance. A lot of places will give you a discount if you’re going to book about a month or so in advance. Some of the most popular hotel chains can end up giving you up to 50 percent in savings.
Vacation “green” if you are worried about the environment. These are much more common today than they were in the past. Some of the newer hotels are certified green. Some older hotels choose to use eco-friendly practices as well, making them a good green option. Talk with a travel agent to find green hotels.
Think about these three things if you plan to bring a pet with you during your hotel stay. Take time to ensure that the hotel you’re booking is, in fact, pet-friendly. Remember to bring bags so that you can pick up your pet’s waste when you travel. When you go to make the hotel reservation, see if there is room on the end that would prevent the other guests from hearing a noisy pet.
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. This allows you to earn point you can redeem for vacation freebies for you and your family.
Book any massage appointments you make early. Usually, the best massage therapists are booked well in advance at top resorts. If you plan early, you will have the best experience possible.
Never use the hotel phone for long distance calls. Use your cell phone or the Internet. You can access Skype with the Internet connection at your hotel. You can stay connected with friends, family and business colleagues this way, rather than making expensive long distance calls.
If you’re a member of the AAA, you should see what your hotel membership discount will be. Many people are surprised to see hotel discounts included with their auto club membership. It’s possible you could save 5 percent or higher on hotels across the United States. The savings can really add up nightly.
Be sure you know what the hotel smoking policy is if you smoke cigarettes. Many have rooms set aside for people who smoke. Ask for those rooms if you are a smoker. If you smoke in one of the hotel’s non-smoking room, you can be charged hefty fees.
There are membership programs that hotels offer for those that stay frequently at their chains. You should be able to earn points every time you are visiting one of the hotels. These points can be traded in for restaurant discounts, tickets to shows, free nights at the hotel, and much more.
You should be aware whether or not the hotel allows pets. If you’re fearful of pets or have an allergic reaction to them, it would be in your best interest to make reservations at hotels that have a strict no pets policy. The smells tend to stick around. Certain hotels will charge guests extra for keeping pets in the room; however, many hotels’ extra charge is very little. The fee may cover the extra cleaning or it may not, it all depends on the hotel in question.
The price of a hotel room is often a mix of many factors. Availability dictates the prices of hotel rooms. If it’s possible, your room should be booked around a day in advance or more. You’ll end up with a great deal this way. They’ll lower the price to fill the room.
Hotel Early
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. When you stay at a hotel, you get points you can use later on.
You should know that it is not usually possible to check into your hotel early. Make sure you plan around your check-in time, or you will be forced to sit in a lobby to wait for your room. Usually, hotels have your room cleaned prior to check-in time. If you do get to the hotel early, ask at the front desk if you can possibly check in early, but there is a chance you won’t be able to.
Being a AAA member has many advantages when it comes to booking a hotel room. People who are AAA members receive discounts at many hotel chains. In addition, having a AAA membership will make it easier to get a rental car when it’s needed. It is definitely worth looking into.
Be prepared with a knowledge of your rights if a hotel ever tries to “walk” you. You might find that a room you booked isn’t available when you arrive because they overbooked. In these situations, the hotel may try to book you at another hotel, or “walk” you. Avoid getting “walked” whenever you can, but if you have to switch hotels, be certain that your reservation there is equivalent or even an upgrade.
Avoid using the hotel phone to make long distance phone calls. Try using the Internet, instead. Skype connections that are accessed through Wi-Fi are offered by many hotels. In this way, you can stay in touch with friends, relations and colleagues without racking up a big phone bill.
Don’t take linens from your room! If you do take any items, the housekeeping staff is sure to notice, and you may receive a bill from the hotel. If you really love those linens or pillows, find out if you can purchase them from the hotel.
If you are traveling with children, be sure the hotels you book have clean swimming pools that are up and running. Imagine arriving at your destination looking forward to a dip in the pool, only to discover that you can’t use it.
For a cheaper room, don’t book during a busy tourist season. These times feature the highest rates. Instead, book during off-season for the best prices. This will get you a real bargain.
If you are going to need a rollaway bed or crib, specify this when booking your room. These items are not available at all hotels. When they are available, they are often in limited supply. On occasion, these services may require an additional charge. Talk about what you need when booking your room so you are not unpleasantly surprised.
You have to work hard to avoid disappointment. Now that you know these tips, you’re going to enjoy your next hotel stay so much more. You just need to learn how to find the best room for you.
Don’t drink the water! After checking into your room you will probably feel exhausted and thirsty. You might feel the urge to untwist the cap on the bottled water sitting in the mini-fridge. Hotels take advantage of guests by charging ridiculous amounts for bottled water. Some hotels offer complementary bottles of water in their gyms. Plan ahead and bring your own bottled water.