Do you plan on staying in a hotel? If so, there are many things you must plan out in advance in order to avoid a horrible hotel experience. Packing your luggage and purchasing plane tickets are a must. Another thing that must be done is you must make hotel reservations. To find out how to get the best rates for the best rooms, continue reading.
Do some research on travel websites before you book any hotel. This gives you first-hand accounts of people’s experiences in each hotel. What people say about a hotel can help you figure out where you should be staying.
Take advantage of the safe you have in your room, especially if you have electronics with you. You can stash your expensive electronics and jewelry in the safe and go about your day without worry.
Room service is one of the best parts about a hotel. How else could you possibly enjoy a midnight snack without leaving your bed? Sure, it might cost a bit more, but it is completely worth it to be able to kick back and relax, while your food comes to you.
Use hotel search tools online. You will typically find websites that provide deals on certain hotel chains. You can see the average price of the rooms, and you can check to see how those rates stack up to the rates you’re being offered now. You can also find out about local amenities and things offered by the hotels.
Be sure to put all valuables, such as jewelry and electronics, in the hotel safe. Your small electronic devices can be left in the safe when you are out, so you will not have to worry about them.
Check out your room ahead of unpacking. Is it tidy and sanitary? Are the toilet, shower and sink functioning properly? Do you need extra linens or towels? 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.
Check the organizations that you’re a member of. Many organizations provide hotel discounts for members. People often forget about these discounts, which can be 10% or more. This can lead to a great amount of money saved, especially for those spending multiple nights at the hotel. After a week has gone by it will add up to a free night almost!
Find out the exact time for check-in and check-out. If you don’t know when you can check in, you may find your room is not ready when you arrive at your hotel. Call the hotel if you are early and find out if your room is ready.
There are tons of online search tools that help customers find satisfactory rates they can’t find elsewhere. These websites can help you quickly find the best value. They can tell you what the average rate at a hotel is, ensuring you know the general pricing. Finally, they can help you determine when you’d like to travel and what you’d like to do when you’re there.
Never make the assumption that all hotels allows pets in your room. Be sure to ask even if the website says it’s ok to bring a pet. Verify exactly what is meant by “pet-friendly” since certain breeds and pets over a certain size may not be allowed.
Be sure to look at your room before unpacking your suitcase. Is it tidy and sanitary? Does your shower, sink, and toilet work in the right way? Are you given the linens and towels that you’re going to need? Any problems that you notice should be reported to front desk staff right away. That way, they can be rectified or you can change rooms.
If you go out to travel quite a bit, it’s good to get signed up for a hotel’s loyalty program. They have benefits for those who frequently stay at a hotel. It is possible to earn perks such as free stays, extended check out times and other upgrades.
Know when check-in time is. If you don’t know you may end up waiting a long time. If you find you will be arriving early, call the hotel in advance and find out if you will be allowed in.
Offer Membership
In order to save money on hotel stays, book far in advance. If you chose to book a month or even two ahead of your arrival date, you can get great discounts. This can save you as much as 40 percent off of the cost of your hotel.
If you often stay at the same hotel chain, check to see if they offer membership to frequent stay programs. Many hotels offer membership programs that allow you to earn points for each of your stays. As a result, you could have your next stay discounted or receive other benefits, like tickets to a show.
If you plan on taking a family pet with you to a hotel reservation, do three things in advance. Find out if the hotel allows pets. Remember to bring bags so that you can pick up your pet’s waste when you travel. When you make your reservation, request accommodations near the very end of the floor in order to not disturb other guests.
Do you care about your environment? If so, a “green” hotel may be for you. Fortunately, there are many green hotels available nowadays. Some new buildings are certified as green. Many older hotels are environmentally aware and have eco-friendly measures in place. Your travel agent can help to identify the environmentally friendly hotels.
Do you use the same hotels on a regular basis? If so, check out their membership programs for frequent guests. These hotel programs give you points for each stay. As a result, you could have your next stay discounted or receive other benefits, like tickets to a show.
Be sure you know the cost associated with hotel transfers when booking a room. Especially in situations where the price of the room represents a major deal, the hidden cost of the transfer can often make the difference. You will save more by asking about such a thing in advance.
What you will be charged for a room, depends on when it’s booked. Hotel rooms are priced based on how many are available. If you can, make your reservation no earlier than 24 hours before you arrive. This is the best way to get the best prices. Hotels are often happy to slash prices on impending vacancies since they will get nothing if they can’t book the room.
Steer clear of long distance calls while in a hotel. Instead, use the Internet. 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.
Sign up as an AAA member to make hotel arrangements easier when you are traveling. Not only will AAA members receive discounts for a lot of hotel chains that make it worth getting into, you may also find rental cars more easily than those without the membership. If you have young kids, find out if they have a free car seat service.
Check with the hotel to make sure the pools are ready to go if you are traveling with children. Your kids and you will be very frustrated if the pool at your hotel is closed because of repairs when you arrive.
When you feel the need to check the room in your hotel for signs of bed bugs, begin in the bathroom. This is where bedbugs are least likely to be. Stow you suitcases and other items here and then take a good look at the rest of your room. Kids and pets can safely wait there too.
Finding the right hotel is an essential part of planning any trip. Whether you are going on a family vacation with the kids, or traveling on business, the right hotel can make your trip more successful. Next time you make a hotel reservations, don’t forget all the tips you’ve just read.
Understand the smoking rules in your hotel, especially if you smoke. Many have designated nonsmoking rooms. You should try your best to book one of these if they are available. A few hotels will charge you in the event that they discover you’ve been smoking in their rooms where it’s prohibited, so abide by the smoking rules.
