Have you ever booked a hotel room that turned out to be a complete dump? If you nodded yes, then you know first-hand how a bad hotel can trash your whole trip. However, you shouldn’t want to spend all of your vacation money on a hotel room. Continue reading for useful tips on booking a fabulous hotel room at an affordable price.
Check online reviews before booking a room. These types of sites let you read about real customers’ experiences with each hotel. These reviews can aid you in your decision about whether to book the hotel.
Find great hotel room prices by checking out travel websites like Orbitz and Expedia. If you are a member of a loyalty program, use that info when checking rates. You may also be able to get discounts through AAA or AARP.
Think about using room service if you want to enjoy late-night dining without needing to leave your hotel room. It may cost more, but it’s convenient when you don’t feel like leaving.
If you want a meal at night, it is much more comfortable to enjoy room service. Although you will probably have to spend more money to do this, it’s usually worth the cost because you have the luxury of receiving excellent food without having to leave your hotel room.
To get the best prices on hotel rooms, start your trip planning weeks, or even longer in advance. It’s not uncommon for a hotel to offer a discount if a room is booked a couple of months ahead of time. You might only pay half price for premium hotels.
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 put your iPad, GPS watch, and other small, costly items into the safe, and then head out for the day with peace of mind about their security.
Never make the assumption that all hotels allows pets in your room. So call ahead and make sure you understand if there are extra fees or a limited number of rooms available. In addition, get specifics with regard to the pet policy, because only particular breeds or sizes of pets may be permitted at the hotel.
What groups are you a member of? Many organizations provide hotel discounts for members. Some discounts can be over ten percent! This can result in significant savings, especially for longer stays. This can mean a lot of savings over a full week stay.
Think about these three things if you plan to bring a pet with you during your hotel stay. You want to ensure you’ve chosen a pet-friendly hotel. Take some bags to clean after your pet. Be kind to other hotel guests by requesting a room that is as far away from other guests as possible, so they won’t be disturbed by any noise your pet may make.
Check the Internet for the best deals before you book a hotel room during your next trip. Often, the reservations clerk will not advise you that a better deal is available online. So you should always search on your own for discounts prior to booking. Look to websites like RueLaLaTravel or Jetsetter for more help.
If you run regularly, continue your routine when traveling by bringing running clothes and your GPS. Try enjoying an early jog at your new destination. This can be a great way to stay in shape while seeing some of the local scenery. It will give you a better perspective of the city you are visiting.
Make certain you know when your check-in time is. If you are early, your room may not be ready. Call the front desk to find out if it is alright for you to arrive before check-in.
Do you use the same hotels on a regular basis? If so, check out their membership programs for frequent guests. They provide you with points for every stay. These points can be traded in for restaurant discounts, tickets to shows, free nights at the hotel, and much more.
Plan your trip as far in advance as you can to ensure best rates. You can get some great discounts if your trip is booked several months into the future. This can save you as much as 40 percent off of the cost of your hotel.
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. Asking about this ahead of time helps you maximize your savings.
Now that you have the right advice, you should be able to figure out how to find an exceptional hotel. Just get to work to find a great room today. Follow the tips presented here to get great accommodations.
Become a AAA member if you want to make arranging hotel accommodations a bit simpler. AAA members receive excellent discounts on hotels, car rentals and other attractions. At some locations they even offer free car seats.