General Hotel Tips To Make Your Stays Easier

Most people have stayed at a bad hotels in the past. It can be a costly error that nobody wants to repeat.

There are tons of online search tools that help customers find satisfactory rates they can’t find elsewhere. You can use such websites to discover great deals with ease and speed. They also list the average cost of a hotel room, allowing you to ensure you are receiving an acceptable deal. Finally, they can help you determine when you’d like to travel and what you’d like to do when you’re there.

TIP! Take advantage of search tools online. Some websites are designed to help you find the best deals.

Check online hotel reviews before booking a room. This will give you know what others’ experiences have been like. What others say about their experiences at the hotels you’re thinking of booking can aid you in coming to the right decision.

Be sure to look at your room before unpacking your suitcase. Make sure the room is entirely clean and free from any mildew or mold. Do the plumbing fixtures function properly? Count how many linens and towels you were given and make sure there are enough for everyone traveling with you. 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.

TIP! Inspect your room before unpacking your bags. Is the room mildew-free and otherwise clean? Does the plumbing work right? Do you have all the towels and linens you need? If there are any obvious problems, report them to the front desk immediately so that they can be taken care of or you can be moved to a different room.

Consider taking advantage of room service when the urge strikes for a special meal without needing to go out. While it may cost a little extra, it’s worth having the convenience of staying in your room (and in your pajamas) while you wait to satisfy those nocturnal cravings.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking all hotels will accept pets. Therefore, make sure you call the hotel staff to confirm that they will allow pets. Even if they have a website that states pets are allowed, you should still call to confirm this. In addition, get specifics with regard to the pet policy, because only particular breeds or sizes of pets may be permitted at the hotel.

TIP! Don’t make assumptions about pet policies of hotels. Even if a web listing says a hotel is pet friendly, call the hotel to verify.

Take advantage of tools provided online hotel searching tools. These sites allow you to locate great deals quickly.

If you’re taking your pet with you, do these things in advance. First, ensure that the hotel actually allows pets. Additionally, bring along a few plastic bags suitable for cleaning up after your animal. Ask for a corner room so that your pets’ noise doesn’t bother anyone else.

TIP! There are three things you must do before bringing your pet along on your vacation. Ascertain that your hotel is really pet friendly.

Check the Internet for great hotel deals. This is why it’s up to you to search for discounts yourself. Check out websites such as Jetsetter, Jetsetter, and SniqueAway.

If you’re going to be wanting a massage at your hotel, book it well in advance. Many top masseuses book by name, so plan as early as possible.

TIP! If you want to have a massage with your partner on your vacation, make sure that you schedule an appointment with a masseuse as early as possible. The best massage therapists are well-known at resorts, so planning early is the best way to create a good experience.

Don’t make assumptions about pet policies of thinking all hotels will accept pets.

If you have a AAA membership, look into hotel discounts included. It may surprise you that AAA gives hotel discounts, but most of them do. You may save 5% or even more on nationwide hotels. These savings really add up.

TIP! Check your AAA membership for a hotel discount. You might be surprised to learn that your membership to the auto club also includes discounts on hotels.

There are three different things you have to do before taking your pet on a pet. Be sure that the hotel will be friendly to pets.Be sure to bring some bags on hand to make pet cleanup easy.

If you like running and frequently stay in hotel rooms, be sure and pack up a GPS watch, along with your favorite running clothes. In this way, you can simply suit up and enjoy your workout as usual while on the road. Running down city streets or country roads can give you a fresh view of the place you are visiting.

TIP! If you are an avid jogger, a GPS watch is a great investment so you can always find your way back to your hotel. Also, don’t forget your exercise clothes! You can still enjoy your early morning jog while on vacation if you have your gear and the right room booked.

If you belong to AAA, look into hotel discounts included. You might be surprised where hidden discounts on hotels. You may save 5% or even more on certain hotels. It’s a way to save money that really adds up fast.

If there’s a hotel chain you stay at often, check out their membership programs for frequent guests. Many hotels offer membership programs that allow you to earn points for each of your stays. These points can be traded in for restaurant discounts, tickets to shows, free nights at the hotel, and much more.

TIP! Sign up for frequent guest programs at hotels. These programs give you points every time you stay there.

Hotel Restaurants

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. Be sure and inquire about this beforehand so that you get your savings.

TIP! To make sure you don’t have an unexpected expense, ask about how much hotel transfers will cost. If the rooms are cheap, the transfer could ruin the deal.

If you stay at the same chain of hotels often, ask about the “frequent stay” program. These programs usually work by letting you points every time you stay there. They add up to free nights, discounts at hotel restaurants, spa deals, hotel restaurants discounts and much more.

In hotel rooms, avoid calling long distance if possible. Use the Internet, instead. A lot of hotels offer Skype connections over Wi-Fi. Use these connections to keep in touch instead of costly long distance calls.

TIP! Be careful not to make long distance phone calls on the hotel phone. If you don’t have a cell phone or the Internet, buy a calling card to keep with you during your trip.

If you are worried about the environment, you should look into “green” hotels. There are a lot of “green” hotels out there. Many newer hotels are certified as green hotels. Some hotels simply choose a variety of eco-friendly so they can show they care. A good travel agent or similar source can help you find hotels that are considered ‘green’.

Check with the hotel to make sure the pools are ready to go if you are traveling with children. There is nothing worse than having to tell your excited kids they cannot swim.

TIP! Your children will be happy when you call the hotel to make sure their pool is open and working. There is nothing worse than arriving at your destination anxiously looking forward to splashing around in the pool, only to find that it is closed.

The timing for the hotel room is going to affected by how early you pay. Rooms prices are priced based on their availability. This gives you the very best hotel rates.

Figure out if you want a hotel you can or cannot smoke in. If you are a non-smoker, you will enjoy a non-smoking room more. Even if you reserve a non-smoking room, the smell of smoke can circulate through the hotel’s air vents and cause your clothes to pick up the odor. Even if a room is designated as nonsmoking, sometimes people smoke in there anyway. If you don’t want to smell like cigarettes after leaving your hotel room, you might want to look for a non-smoking hotel.

TIP! Make sure to ask up front if the hotel you’ll be staying in allows smoking or does not. If you are a non-smoker, you may not want to stay in a smoking room.

Get a AAA membership for hotel when you travel. Parents of small children will probably like the complimentary car set offered in some locations.

Do you smoke? If so, it is important that you are aware of a hotel’s smoking policy in advance. A lot of hotels have rooms designated for smokers. If they do, ask for this type of room. There are hotels that will charge you quite a bit if they find out that you were lighting up in the room that wasn’t for smoking. This is why you should stick to the rules.

TIP! Learn about the smoking policies if you smoke. A lot of places have specific rooms just for people who smoke.

Distance Calls

Always find out the pet policy at any hotel you stay at. 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 hotels may have the smell of pet odors on the linens and floor. Some hotels add an extra charge for pets, other do not. The fee may be for any cleaning that needs to be done.

TIP! Find out how the hotel handles pets. If you’re scared of pets or have allergies, you may not want to stay in a pet friendly hotel.

Try to avoid long distance calls from your hotel room. Many hotels now offer Skype connections on their Wi-Fi.This is much cheaper than paying for a ton of long distance calls from your hotel room.

Be aware that it is normally not possible to check into a hotel early. Be sure you plan according to this rule unless you desire to sit in the lobby for quite some time. The hotels need a chance to clean up your room prior to check in. You can inquire about checking in early, but do not expect that you’re going to be able to do it.

TIP! It may come as a shock to you, but most hotels don’t allow you to check-in early. Unless you’re okay with waiting for your room to be ready, plan your timing wisely.

It is extremely frustrating when you and your room with the kids screaming “pool” only to find out it’s closed.

Avoid sleeping under the bedspread. The top bedspread usually isn’t cleaned as often as the sheets or blankets underneath. This means you might find that the bedspread is carrying germs and bacteria. Just remove it from the bed.

TIP! For hygienic reasons, it might be best to avoid the provided bedspread in your room. The bedspread isn’t washed often, while the sheets are.

Start by inspecting the bathroom if you need to make sure there are no bed bugs in a hotel. This is where you will find them. It is a convenient place for young children to sit for a moment too.

Don’t get that bottled water and open it! When you arrive at your hotel, you might be very thirsty. That’s what the hotel owners had in mind when they packed the min-fridge with delicious, yet expensive, refreshments. Hotels take advantage of guests by charging ridiculous amounts for bottled water. Certain hotel gyms will provide guests for bottled water free of charge. The best option, however, it to bring your own bottled water.

TIP! Avoid drinking bottled water from a hotel! Sure, you’re thirsty and hot. You can be tempted to casually open that bottled water beckoning on the mini-fridge.

Not all hotel will be able to accommodate you. Talk about these issues as you reserve your reservations.

You can save quite a bit on your next vacation when you choose to bundle your hotel room and flight. Travel websites offer big savings when you book both your flight and hotel. Make sure you do your research, though, to ensure you are getting a good deal.

TIP! Remember that booking both your flight and hotel can often save you money. Online sites allow for bundles which lead to great discounts.

Never check out before the departure unless it is absolutely necessary. The hotel may charge you a fee for your early departure fee. When you make your reservation, the hotel can’t offer the room to someone else, if you depart early they will lose money.

In order to pay the lowest rate possible, don’t travel during the peak season. That is when you’ll pay the highest rates. Instead, try and travel during the off season when there are lots of vacancies. You will have a better chance in getting a good rate.

TIP! If you wish to get a low hotel rate, you shouldn’t book when the tourist season is at its peak. Hotel rates are very high during tourist season.

You have rights if a hotel attempts to take advantage of you. The hotel will attempt to foist you to another hotel. If you can’t avoid this, you need to be booked at a comparable hotel or upgraded room for your troubles.

Try to get a hotel upgrade without spending any money. Show up exactly when you are to check in. Quite often, your room has not been cleaned yet, so you may be able to get an upgraded room at no extra charge.

TIP! If you want an upgrade, use an approach that may snag it for free. Arrive right at your check-in time.

Don’t give into the temptation to take hotel linens from your room!

It is possible to enhance your hotel experience by providing tips as necessary. Many hotel guests do not realize that they are supposed to tip the maid, but not room service. Tipping whill show you appreciate what they do and you will be seen as a patron that deserves respect during your hotel stay.

TIP! Tip when appropriate to help ensure a pleasant hotel stay. For example, tip the housekeeping staff for keeping your room tidy.

You can save money by not booking a decent room rate if you book during the off season. Rates are always highest at their peak then. You will normally receive a great rate.

Never let a hotel charge you the advertised rates. Savvy travelers never pay the “rack rate”. In fact, most hotels expect guests to want to haggle on price. Just give the hotel a call, and request the best deal available. Stay strong! A number of travel websites provide deep discounts.

TIP! Don’t ever pay the advertised prices. Hotels post this rate, referred to as a “rack rate”, in hopes that uninformed travelers will pay it.

Tipping for maid service and room service can improve the quality of your hotel. Room service will often bill you the tip, while you are supposed to tip your maid before you leave. Tipping whill show you appreciate what they do and you will make your needs.

When trying to get the best deal on a hotel, you can often ask the clerk to make you a deal. The clerk may not be able to lower the price, but often they can throw in a freebie or two to keep you happy. It never hurts to ask!

TIP! When you’re looking to get a great deal on your hotel room, don’t be afraid to barter with the clerk. While the price may not go down, they may add on special offers, such as gift cards for a local restaurant.

Some rooms have better views while others do not. If the view quality does not impact the price of the room, see if you can get a room with a view. These little things can enhance your stay better. It never hurts to ask the hotel for rooms with better views.

The quality of hotels in a chain may be inconsistent. Just because you enjoyed the hotel chain at one location does not necessarily mean you will enjoy it at another location. You should always look into each hotel so you can avoid any surprises when you’re checking in.

TIP! All hotels are not the same in a hotel chain. If you have a nice stay at one hotel, it doesn’t mean a hotel by the same name will be good anywhere.

Use a special occasions to book your hotel room. Hotels often provide some complimentary gifts if you let them know you are celebrating an anniversary or birthday. You may also be able to get a free champagne bottle or a similar thing.

Sometimes hotel websites or brochures enhance their photos with Photoshop. The pool might actually be tiny or dirty. Make sure you find some photos of the hotel from a third party.

TIP! Most of the websites for hotels doctor up the photographs of the rooms you see. That large lovely pool you’re viewing may actually be small and decaying.

Check out online websites such as Expedia to find good deals. You may have to bid on the price, and some may just provide you with a star rating and price without giving you the name of the hotel.

TIP!

Nobody wants a bad hotel experience. Even a price that’s really cheap can’t make a horrible experience go away. The quickest way to ruin a trip is to stay in a substandard hotel. That is why you should use the tips above to find a great hotel. Once you find a great hotel, enjoy!

TIP!