Hotels run the gamut when it comes to quality. Prices and the level of service can vary widely. Keep your budge in mind, and look for a hotel that suits your needs. Continue reading for some excellent tips on how to find a great hotel.
Always look for online deals before booking a hotel room. Hotels don’t usually advertise their lowest rates, so you may have to ask. That’s why it’s always your duty to search the web for better deals whenever you are booking a hotel room. RueLaLaTravel, SniqueAway and Jetsetter are all good Internet sites to check with.
Prior to reserving a room at a hotel, look on the Internet for reviews. One great site is TripAdvisor. Here you can get first-hand reports of the experience people had staying at different hotels. The information provided by patrons of the hotel will help you make a good choice of where to stay.
Prior to emptying out your suitcase, carefully look over your room. Is it without mildew and mold? Does your shower, sink, and toilet work in the right way? Make sure you have the linens, bath supplies and towels that you will need. If you have any questions or notice any problems with the room, immediately call the front desk and report them so that they may be handled. You may also asked to be transferred to a new room if the problem is serious, such as mold or mildew.
Consider ordering room service if you want a special meal without needing to go out. Room service can be expensive, but the luxury of being able to lounge about in your room in your jammies can make it worthwhile.
Taking a pet on a trip requires some extra responsibility. Make sure the hotel is actually pet-friendly. For easy cleanup, make sure that you have brought along an adequate number of plastic bags. Ask for a corner room since this can reduce the number of guests disturbed by a noisy pet.
Look at organizations you’re part of for discounts. Some may offer discounts on hotels. People don’t always remember to check out these discounts, which can often be 10% and higher. This is especially useful if you plan to book a longer stay. That can give you close to a completely free night when it adds up.
If you are an AAA member, check into your membership hotel discount. You may not know that your membership to the auto club includes discounts on hotels. It can save you 5% or more on hotels all around the nation. This can add up on a long trip.
There are things to think about when choosing a hotel. The cost is important but hardly the only factor to keep in mind. Amenities such as complimentary WiFi, free local calls, complimentary breakfast, a gym and pool and a convenient restaurant are also important considerations. You want to secure a room at a hotel that provides the things you desire.
Sign up for frequent guest programs at hotels. These programs give you points every time you stay there. These points can be traded in for restaurant discounts, tickets to shows, free nights at the hotel, and much more.
Make use of the various hotel search websites on the Internet. Any of those types of sites will help you get a great discount. On this type of site, you can find out the average and discounted rates of most hotels. On top of that, they can help you determine the cheapest destinations.
Be sure you know the cost associated with hotel transfers when booking a room. Particularly if you are getting a discount, the fee associated with the transfer may be high. Be sure and inquire about this beforehand so that you get your savings.
Always look for online deals before booking a hotel room. Hotels don’t usually advertise their lowest rates, so you may have to ask. It is your duty to perform due diligence. RueLaLaTravel, SniqueAway and Jetsetter are all good Internet sites to check with.
Join a membership program if you travel frequently. These points can translate into some major perks when you’re vacationing.
When you arrive at your hotel, thoroughly inspect your room before unpacking. Is the room mildew-free and otherwise clean? Check the shower, toilet and sink to ensure they work properly. Does your room feature the linens and towels you require? If you notice any problems, report them immediately. If your issues are not resolved, ask to move to another room.
Sign up for AAA if you wish to get better hotel arrangements while you travel. You’ll get discounts on hotel rooms, easier car rentals and more benefits. At some locations they even offer free car seats.
Don’t make the assumption that all hotels will welcome your pet. Call ahead to their service desk and make sure, even if their website listing says they are. A hotel may be pet-friendly, but still has restrictions against certain breeds or animals. Find out ahead of time if your pet is acceptable.
In hotel rooms, avoid calling long distance if possible. Use the Internet, instead. You will probably find that your hotel has Wi-Fi and Skype. Take advantage of these options to keep in touch with family, friends and coworkers rather than incurring high costs by using the hotel’s phone system.
If you’re taking your pet with you, do these things in advance. First, ensure that the hotel actually allows pets. Gather plastic grocery bags so you are able to clean up any pet messes. Reserving a room near the end of a hallway will keep other guests from being disturbed by your pet.
If you are inspecting a room for bed bugs, then the bathroom is the best place to start. You probably won’t find any in there. Stow you suitcases and other items here and then take a good look at the rest of your room. If you have pets or children with you, ask them to wait in the bathroom too.
Always see if your AAA membership can get you a discount on the hotel you intend to stay at. You could also get a surprise that you have an auto club membership that gives you hotel discounts. You can save 5 percent or more on your hotel stay just by showing your membership card. Those discounts add up to great savings, especially if you will be having an extended stay.
Think about whether or not you are going to be staying at a smoking or nonsmoking hotel. If you are a nonsmoker, you may want to avoid hotels that offer smoking rooms. The smoke can settle into your clothing and luggage. It is not unheard of for those who smoke to stay in non-smoking rooms and proceed to smoke. If you don’t want to smell like cigarettes after leaving your hotel room, you might want to look for a non-smoking hotel.
There are membership programs that hotels offer for those that stay frequently at their chains. Just like frequent flyer mile programs, these hotel programs offer you points for your stay. These points add up to restaurant discounts, free nights, tickets to a show, spa treatments, and more.
See what the pet policy is at the hotel. If you fear pets or have allergies it may be best to make reservations at hotels which do not have a pet-friendly policy. The hotels may have the smell of pet odors on the linens and floor. Some hotels are pet-friendly and don’t charge for it, while other hotels will add a hefty fee for keeping a pet. 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.
You may wish to consider a “green” vacation if the environment is one of your concerns. There are plenty of “green” hotels that take the environment into consideration. Some of the newer hotels are built in a way that they get certified green. Hotels that have been around for a while may employ a variety of eco-friendly practices. Talk to your travel agent about what you want to do and let them seek out a few appropriate hotels.
If you require extra amenities like a roll away bed, you want to mention this while making your reservation. Not every hotel offers these items, and the ones that do only have limited quantities. Additionally, you may need to pay an extra fee. You can always discuss the possibilities with the hotel clerk or manager on the phone before you book your room.
Always avoid making long distance calls from your hotel room. Make use of the Internet, instead. Many hotels will give you complimentary Skype connections on their Wi-Fi. Take advantage of these options to keep in touch with family, friends and coworkers rather than incurring high costs by using the hotel’s phone system.
If it’s possible, try not to check out before the departure date you had originally scheduled. Many hotels will charge a fee for early departure. A booked hotel room is taken off the market, meaning your early departure would cost them money. This means that they must compensate for that loss with a fee for early departure.
Check with the hotel to make sure the pools are ready to go if you are traveling with children. 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.
If you are particular about cleanliness, you probably shouldn’t use the hotel bedspread. The bedspread usually isn’t washed like the linens are. This might mean the bedspread is carrying bacteria, germs, or bedbugs. Remove it from the bed before you use it.
You should be aware of the hotel’s policy concerning pets. 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. These hotels could have weird odors because of smells getting into the linens and the floor. One hotel may charge guests an arm and a leg to bring their pet, while others don’t. The fee may cover the extra cleaning or it may not, it all depends on the hotel in question.
If a hotel tries to “walk” you, know what your rights are. When you check-in, you may discover the room you secured isn’t actually available. The hotel will then “walk” you, or send you out to another hotel. Avoid this if you can, but if you must go someplace else, make sure the room you get is comparable to the one you booked, and you are paid to travel there.
A large part of having a great vacation is choosing the right hotel. Do your homework and consider your choices of hotels carefully. It’s important that you find one that comes with a great price and great service. Follow the suggestions in this article, and you will be able to make the right choice.
Avoid drinking bottled water from a hotel! You will likely be thirsty when you check in. The mini fridge is calling your name. Hotels have a huge profit margin on bottled water and know that you will be craving it when you arrive. You might find that there is free water offered in the hotel gym, however. A better option to simply bring your own bottled water.