Sooner or later, you’re going to find yourself in need of a decent hotel room. You should know how to look for a nice hotel, either for vacation or for business. This article will help you learn more.
Find great prices at online travel sites like Orbitz and Expedia. If you are a member of the hotel’s loyalty program, don’t forget to add that information as you check rates. You might also have other discounts from a membership in the AARP or AAA.
Online travel sites like Expedia or Orbitz can help you get the best price for rooms at the hotel you would like to stay at. Are you a member of a certain hotel’s membership program? If so, make sure you put this information into the travel site. Don’t neglect to check for other discounts in which you may qualify, including AAA and AARP.
Checking online is the best way to find a good price and get the information that you need about hotels. A lot of the time, when you book a room with someone, they’ll tell you there aren’t any online discounts. So, it’s up personally to you to go searching for such discounts. Sites, such as Jetsetter, will let you know of any discounts available.
Room service is one of the best parts about a hotel. How else could you possibly enjoy a midnight snack without leaving your bed? You will probably pay more for this meal, but for the convenience of having it delivered to your room, it is worth it.
When can you check in? You don’t want to arrive early only to find out your room isn’t ready yet. Call the front desk to find out if it is alright for you to arrive before check-in.
When thinking about the type of hotel you would like to stay at, there are plenty of options to consider. Your budget comes first, but proximity to attractions is also important. You may or may not care about such amenities such as a gym, large pool, WiFi or a free breakfast buffet. Choose an establishment that offers the amenities you desire.
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. Resorts that have masseurs often have very fully booked massage schedules, so it is important to plan ahead.
Check out the search tools offered by online travel sites. They allow you to quickly locate great discounts. They also let you see what full price is, so you know you are saving money. In addition, these tools can help you determine the best time to go on vacation and the things that you can do there.
Do you use the same hotels on a regular basis? If so, check out their membership programs for frequent guests. You should be able to earn points every time you are visiting one of the hotels. Over time, these points can really add up, allowing you to enjoy numerous upgrades, spa visits, restaurant discounts, and even free nights at the hotel.
When you get to your hotel room, look over the room before unpacking. Is the room clean and devoid of issues like mildew and mold? Check the shower, toilet and sink to ensure they work properly. Do you have the blankets, pillows and towels you need? If you have any problem with the room, report it immediatlely to have it fixed as soon as possible.
If you are concerned about the environment, you may want to take a “green” vacation. Fortunately, there are many green hotels available nowadays. Some of the newer hotels are certified green. Some older inns just select one or more of several eco-friendly strategies to show environmental awareness. Your travel agent can help to identify the environmentally friendly hotels.
Know when you are able to check in and get your room. You don’t want to arrive early only to find out your room isn’t ready yet. If you can’t help your arrival time being early, you can ask for an early check-in but it might cost a bit extra.
Inquire about hotel transfer costs before before booking. If the room is the bargain, then an expensive transfer can ruin the whole savings. Asking about this beforehand will help to maximize your savings.
Although many hotels have certain rooms that allow pets, never assume your hotel will without researching ahead of time. Even if a web listing says a hotel is pet friendly, call the hotel to verify. Always ask about what exactly a pet-friendly policy entails, as there could still be limits on breeds and sizes.
If you travel frequently, you can maximize your hotel benefits by looking into reward programs from large hotel chains. Every stay in a particular hotel chain where you are a member will add points to your total, which can later be used on free rooms or amenities that usually cost you.
Taking a pet on a trip requires some extra responsibility. Find out if the hotel you have selected is pet-friendly. For easy cleanup, make sure that you have brought along an adequate number of plastic bags. Ask for a corner room so that your pets’ noise doesn’t bother anyone else.
If you are traveling with children, be sure the hotels you book have clean swimming pools that are up and running. 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.
Hotel Discounts
Determine what the policy on smoking is if you smoke. Some have smoking rooms. If that happens to be the case, then you need to ask for that type of room. If you stay in a room that doesn’t allow smoking and the hotel staff discover evidence of you smoking in this room, then you could be charged a large penalty. Therefore, it is important that you always follow the hotel’s rules when it comes to smoking.
If you have a AAA membership, look into hotel discounts included. You could also get a surprise that you have an auto club membership that gives you hotel discounts. You may save 5% or even more on nationwide hotels. Those discounts add up to great savings, especially if you will be having an extended stay.
GUests should be aware whether or not the hotel allows pets. If you’re scared of pets or have allergies, you may not want to stay in a pet friendly hotel. The hotels may have the smell of pet odors on the linens and floor. While some hotels charge fees for pets, they don’t always charge a lot. In fact, the extra charge for pets might not even cover the costs of cleaning; therefore, you should make sure you know all this ahead of time.
If you are a runner, be sure to bring your running clothes and shoes. 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.
Remember, that early check-ins are a rarity in most hotels. Unless you’re okay with waiting for your room to be ready, plan your timing wisely. The rooms can’t be readied and cleaned until the prior guests are gone, so this means that check-in time is usually around 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. If you do arrive early, ask the desk clerk if it’s possible to check in early, but don’t necessarily expect it.
If you often frequent the same hotel chains, look into their frequent stay membership programs. These are similar to frequent flyer programs. They allow you to accrue points during your hotel stay. These points can be used to earn free nights, discounts and more.
It you’re able to, try not to check out until it’s time for you to depart. The hotel might charge you an early departure fee. When you book a hotel room, the hotel takes that room off the market; thus, if you depart early they will lose money. That’s why they will charge you a fee for early departure.
If you are a frequent business traveler, establishments like Marriott and Choice Hotels offer attractive membership programs. When you stay at a hotel, you get points you can use later on.
Understand your rights when it comes to hotels “walking” you. Occasionally a hotel will be overbooked, and the room you reserved will not be available. The hotel will then “walk” you, or send you out to another hotel. 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.
Sign up for AAA to ensure easier hotel arrangements when traveling. AAA members can receive great hotel discounts as well as locate a rental car much more easily. Parents of younger children are likely to enjoy the free car seat provided in many locations.
Whatever you do, don’t open the bottled water. After checking in you may be thirsty and tired. That’s what the hotel owners had in mind when they packed the min-fridge with delicious, yet expensive, refreshments. The hotel knows this, and charges high prices because of it. A number hotels offer free bottles of water in their gyms. If not, hit a convenience store and save some money.
Everyone stays in a hotel at some point or another. Whether you are staying for business or pleasure, it’s important you do your homework. This article provides some valuable advice for finding the hotel you love, so make sure you use it.
Think about bundling your flight and hotel together. Travel websites offer big savings when you book both your flight and hotel. To maximize this service, be sure to compare the rates of different airlines and hotels.