Most people have had unfortunate experiences in low-quality hotels. It can cost you a lot of money, so you want to avoid it in the future. Fortunately, the below article provides solid advice on how to ensure you book the best possible hotel room at the best possible price.
Look at organizations you’re part of for discounts. Some of these organizations will offer you discounts on hotel prices. These discounts are often forgotten about, and they can provide significant savings. You end up with an even bigger savings if your hotel stay is going to be for multiple nights. This can rack up a free night over the entire course of a whole week.
There are plenty of websites that offer reviews for local hotels, for example TripAdvisor. Use these websites to review a hotel before you make the actual reservation. 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.
There are a number of things to consider when deciding which hotel to stay at. You should look at the price, but you should also look at the location that is most convenient for what you want to do. Other amenities, such as a swimming pool, an onsite restaurant and free continental breakfast are important to travelers. Choose a hotel that meets all of your needs.
Use online travel sites, such as Expedia and Orbitz, to find the best prices at the hotels you want to stay at. If you belong to a hotel’s loyalty program, be sure to input that information when checking rates. You might also have other discounts from a membership in the AARP or AAA.
Never assume that all hotels are pet-friendly. Even if the website says they are pet-friendly, always call in advance to verify. Be certain you understand all rules pertaining to pets. Some hotels only allow certain types, sizes and breeds.
To get a meal later at night order yourself some room service. 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.
If you want to take your pet along on a trip, take care of three tasks before you leave. Ascertain that your hotel is really pet friendly. Remember to bring bags so that you can pick up your pet’s waste when you travel. And, ask if your room can away from guests.
If you have a safe in your closet, then you should use it to keep your valuables safe while you are outside of the room. You can use it to store your tablet and other expensive items to keep them secure.
If you would like to treat your partner to a massage, be sure to make the appointment far in advance. In order to get the best masseurs at these top hotels, you must plan early to ensure that you get a good experience.
Check in on the organizations you belong to. Many clubs, groups and organizations are able to get members discounted hotel rates. These discounts are often forgotten about, and they can provide significant savings. This is especially useful if you plan to book a longer stay. Over the course of a week it’s nearly a free night!
Take your GPS watch with you on vacation and some running clothes. Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you should skip on your daily running regimen. Simply set an alarm or get a wake up call and take an early morning run. Whether you are running on roads or city streets, you will gain more knowledge about the city you are visiting while you run.
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. If you will be arriving early, call and ask if this is okay.
How much you pay for a hotel room depends on when you book your room. Availability dictates the prices of hotel rooms. If you can, make your room reservations only a day in advance. This will get you a great price on your room. This is because the hotel will want to book rooms that are currently empty.
If you’re taking your pet with you, do these things in advance. First, inquire as to whether the hotel really is a pet-friendly place. Be sure to bring some bags with you so you can pick up your pet’s waste. Reserving a room near the end of a hallway will keep other guests from being disturbed by your pet.
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. If you are getting a very low price on the room, it is especially important that you ask about any hidden fees that might be tacked onto your bill. Asking about this ahead of time helps you maximize your savings.
Auto Club
Never use the hotel phone for long distance calls. Make use of the Internet, instead. Hotels usually have Wi-Fi, so you can call using Skype. Use this type of thing to get with people you know while you’re in your hotel room so you can save quite a bit of money.
If you belong to AAA, see what kinds of discounts the hotel offers. Many people are surprised to see hotel discounts included with their auto club membership. Membership in AARP, a union, an auto club or even being a police officer can get you a discount. The savings can really add up if you’re staying multiple nights.
Call ahead to your hotels to make certain the swimming pools are ready for your kids. There are few things as frustrating as showing up to a hotel, with your kids chomping at the bit to get in the pool, only to have it closed for repairs.
Pack your GPS and running clothes while on vacation. Jogging around the city before you start your day will add enjoyment to your vacation. Even if you are running down roads or down city streets, you’ll get a new perspective on the city you’re visiting before you’re done.
When checking your hotel accommodations for bed bugs, begin in the bathroom. You probably won’t find any bedbugs in the bathroom. That makes the bathroom the safest place to keep the luggage while you look through the remainder of the accommodations. It’s also a safe spot for kids and pets to sit for a bit too.
If you stay in a particular hotel chain, ask about their membership program. These programs give you points every time you stay there. These points can be used to earn free nights, discounts and more.
Ask if your possible hotel reservation is either smoking or non. If you are a non-smoker, you may not want to stay in a smoking room. You may rent a non-smoking room, however, the smoke from the smoking rooms can still be present in the air and make your clothes smell like it. Sometimes, smokers book rooms that are non-smoking and smoke anyway. If you don’t want to stink like a cigarette when you are leaving a non smoking hotel may be a good choice.
Timing matters when booking a hotel room. 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 net you the best price when it comes to hotel rooms. This is because the hotel will want to book rooms that are currently empty.
Be sure you understand your hotel’s smoking policy if you smoke. Many have designated nonsmoking rooms. If this is what you’re looking for, inquire about these rooms. If they find you have smoked in a non-smoking area, they may charge you a fine.
Before you decide to book, always find out if there are any hotel transfer fees so you won’t be surprised on your bill. A transfer can sometimes come with a substantial hidden cost. Ask the hotel representative ahead of time to make sure you get the most savings.
Unless it is an emergency, always stay for the total number of nights that you have booked. Your hotel may charge you a fee to do so. If you check out too early, the hotel will lose money because they remove the room off the reservation list. That’s why they will charge you a fee for early departure.
Hotel Rooms
Know your personal rights when any hotel tries to “walk” you. This refers to hotels overbooking their hotel rooms; therefore, the hotel room that you booked may not be available when you check in. The hotel will attempt to foist you off on another hotel. You should try to avoid this; however, if this is necessary, ensure you are provided with the same quality room or better at the same price you would have paid.
One way to get discounts on hotel rooms is to join AAA. AAA members are given many discounts and booking privileges on hotel rooms and rental vehicles. Many car rental agencies add perks, such as a child car seat at no charge, for AAA members.
Don’t steal hotel linens. They might be lovely, but you will be charged for them. If you really love those linens or pillows, find out if you can purchase them from the hotel.
Find out if the hotel you want is smoking or non-smoking. If you are not a smoker, you might want to avoid hotels with smoking rooms. You may rent a non-smoking room, however, the smoke from the smoking rooms can still be present in the air and make your clothes smell like it. Sometimes, smokers book rooms that are non-smoking and smoke anyway. If you don’t want to smell like cigarettes, consider staying at a hotel that’s non-smoking.
You will be able to get a decent room rate if you book during the off season. These times feature the highest rates. Book when the hotel is empty for the best deals. You are more likely to be offered a good rate.
Nobody ever wants to reserve a room in a bad hotel. A greatly discounted price is no bargain if your hotel is a mess. It can ruin your whole vacation. Use the information here to help you plan your next trip and find a good hotel. Once you find a great hotel, enjoy!
If you need to book a room while driving, check rest areas, gas stations and tourist centers for complimentary tourists books which contain hotel prices, maps and great discounts. This will allow you to book a room with a phone call instead of traveling from hotel to hotel trying to find a room.
