The Basics You Need To Learn About Hotels

Read on for help in finding a good hotel.

You want to look at a number of different things when booking a hotel stay. Of course price is a big deal, but a hotel close to where you are head is a big consideration. A pool, a gym, a restaurant, free breakfast, free local calls and free Wi-Fi are other amenities that may be important to you. So decide on the amenities that mean the most to you and start looking.

TIP! Figuring out which hotel you want to book isn’t an easy process. While price is obviously a factor, you may want to think about room size and amenities as well.

You can find a lot of great deals on hotel rooms using online travel sites out there. If you are a member of a hotel loyalty program, be sure you enter this information while looking through rates. You may also qualify for discounts due to AAA or AARP membership.

Make use of the various hotel search websites on the Internet. You will typically find websites that provide deals on certain hotel chains. Hotel search websites also let you see the regular rates of hotels, so you can compare and see whether a supposed deal is really a good one. Finally, by using these websites, you can learn the best places and times to take a vacation.

TIP! Take advantage of search tools online. These sites can help you get good deals.

You can stash your expensive electronics and jewelry in the hotel safe.

Plan your trip as far in advance as possible. The earlier you book, the better rate you should get. You might only pay half price for premium hotels.

TIP! In order to save money on hotel stays, book far in advance. A lot of hotel locations offer discounts for reservations a month or more in advance.

There are things to think about when booking a hotel. Amenities like a swimming pool, free local calls, complimentary breakfast, and other amenities may be things that you prefer. Try to find a hotel that checks off as much of your wish list as is realistic.

Be sure to consult AAA to help you make excellent plans for your entire vacation. You could also get a surprise that you have an auto club membership that gives you hotel discounts. You can save upwards of 5% on your hotel stays. It’s a savings that really adds up over the nights.

TIP! 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.

Always check for online deals prior to booking a hotel room. This is why it’s up to you to search for discounts yourself. Check out websites like SniqueAway, RueLaLaTravel, and SniqueAway.

Always remember to pack running clothes and any thing else you need for exercising while on your trip. Head out early in the morning after donning your running gear. You’ll get plenty of good exercise and a better understanding of the city around you.

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.

Check out your room prior to unpacking. Is the room clean and devoid of issues like mildew free? Are linens and towels that you’re going to need? If you quickly note any problems, call the front desk that instant so they can address them or move you to another room.

Discuss what a hotel transfer will cost you prior to actually booking anything. 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. You can increase the amount you save by simply finding this information out in advance.

TIP! Be sure you know the cost associated with hotel transfers when booking a room. In many situations in which the room’s price is a great deal, the undisclosed price of your transfer can frequently eat up the savings.

Know when check-in time in advance.Some people neglect asking what the check-in time is and get to the hotel when their room to be available because they forget to check this critical detail.Call the front desk to find out if it is alright for you think you’ll be early.

Being a member of AAA makes travel very easy. Members of AAA will get additional hotel discounts up to five percent, but you’ll also get discounts on rental cars as well. Parents can also often enjoy a free car seat that comes with some rentals.

TIP! You can get great hotel discounts by becoming a member of AAA. Members of AAA receive many travel benefits including reduced hotel rates and lower car rental rates.

Book massages as far ahead of time as possible to guarantee you get the perfect couples massage for you and your significant other.The best practitioners go fast, so planning early is the best way to create a good experience.

In hotel rooms, avoid calling long distance if possible. Look to the Internet, instead. A lot of hotels offer wi-fi, making it possible for you to use Skype. In this way, you can stay in touch with friends, relations and colleagues without racking up a big phone bill.

TIP! In hotel rooms, avoid calling long distance if possible. Use the Internet, instead.

Free Stays

Ask if your possible hotel reservation is either smoking or non. If you are not a smoker, you probably want to avoid staying in a smoking room. While it is possible to book a nonsmoking room, you can still be affected by the smoke from other areas. Smokers often don’t care that their room is non-smoking, too. Instead of choosing a non-smoking room, you can actually find an entire non-smoking hotel if you really want to avoid nasty, secondhand smoke.

TIP! Ask if there is smoking allowed in the hotel. If you’re not a smoker, you might want to skip a smoking hotel.

It may be wise to join a hotel loyalty programs that your favorite hotels offer.These programs provide perks to those who frequently use a particular chain regularly. You will be able to earn stuff like a free upgrade, free stays, and even free stays when you get enough points.

If you smoke, be aware of the hotel policy with regard to smoking. Many hotels set aside certain rooms or wings for smoking guests. If this applies to the hotel of your choice, request that type of room specifically. Don’t smoke in a nonsmoking room, or you may be charged by the hotel for doing so.

TIP! Always ask about the hotel’s smoking policy if you smoke. Some have smoking rooms.

If you tend to stay at the same hotel a lot, check to see if they have a frequent-stay program. These programs give you points for each stay. They add up to free nights, free nights, show tickets, hotel restaurants discounts and much more.

Know that you may not be able to check-in early at some hotels. Unless you’re okay with waiting for your room to be ready, plan your timing wisely. The room has to be cleaned ahead of your check in. If you do happen to arrive early, check with the desk to see if you can check in, but don’t expect that request to be honored.

TIP! It is not always possible to check-in early. Make your plans accordingly if you do not want to spend hours waiting in the lobby.

The amount you pay for any give hotel room is going to affected by how early you pay. Rooms in hotels are often priced according to availability. This will get you the best price on your room.

If possible, do not check out earlier than your scheduled departure day. The hotel may charge you a fee for your early departure. Upon reserving a hotel room, you tie up that room in the hotel. This means that your early departure results in the hotel losing money. That’s why they will charge you a fee for early departure.

TIP! Never actually check out before the departure date unless it’s an emergency. The hotel may charge a fee for early departure.

Be sure to avoid hotel transfers when booking a room.If you are getting a very low price on the room, the transfer could ruin the deal. You will save the most money when you ask about such a thing in advance.

You know your rights if a hotel attempts to take advantage of you. You might find that a room you booked isn’t available when you arrive because they overbooked. In such cases, the hotel “walks” you, or sends you to another hotel. Try to avoid this if you can, but if not, make sure that you are given a room that is equal to or better than the one you booked. They should also provide you with transportation to get to the other hotel.

TIP! If you find your reserved room is not available, you do have rights. When you check-in, you may discover the room you secured isn’t actually available.

Join the hotel’s membership program to get deals on your stays. These points can be applied toward further travels.

Avoid the bottled water! Sure, you might be a little thirsty after checking into your new room. You might feel the urge to untwist the cap on the bottled water sitting in the mini-fridge. There is a huge mark-up in price because the hotel knows this fact. Many hotels offer free bottles of water in their gyms. Or, if you are thinking ahead, just bring a bottle with you.

TIP! Don’t be tempted to open bottled water! When you get checked in you might feel thirsty and a little tired. You may decide to reach for that bottle of water calling to you from the mini fridge.

Sign up for AAA if you wish to get better hotel arrangements when traveling. Parents of younger children will appreciate the complimentary car set offered in many locations.

Booking your flight and hotel at the same time may save some travel expenses. Use a travel site that has package deals, which include hotel, flight, and rental car. Compare quotes between hotels and airlines.

TIP! You can save money when traveling by booking your hotel and flight together. Often travel websites provide greater discounts for package deals.

Start by inspecting the bathroom when checking for bed bugs. This is the last room they are likely place for bedbugs to be. It is usually a convenient place for young children to sit for a couple minutes as well.

If you need to book a hotel room while already traveling, check gas stations or rest areas for free pamphlets containing maps of the area and information about local services. This will allow you to book a room with a phone call instead of traveling from hotel to hotel trying to find a room.

TIP! You can search various tourist centers for books that include hundreds of coupons for local hotel chains. This is one of the best ways to get a great deal without using the Internet, but you’ll have to use a hotel that’s in the book.

Check if a hotel is non-smoking or smoking. If you are a non-smoker, you might not want to go to a hotel with smoking rooms. Smokers don’t always respect the fact that you are not supposed to smoke in.

To get good service and keep the mood happy all around, tip when the situation calls for it. Usually, room service tipping is included in your bill while the bill for maid service doesn’t include a tip. Good tipping means you get better service on future stays or additional nights.

TIP! You can make the stay at your hotel go well if you tip people at the right times. As as example, room service tips are included in the bill, yet maid service tips are not.

Be sure you know what the hotel smoking policy if you smoke. Many hotels have rooms set aside for people who smoke. Ask for those rooms if any of these are available. If you smoke in a room designated as non-smoking, they may charge you a fine.

The view from some hotel rooms is better than from others. When the price is the same regardless of the view, ask for a room with a great view. A small thing like this makes your experience better. It doesn’t hurt to ask if a better view is available.

TIP! Sometimes, certain hotel rooms have a better view than others. If room prices are not affected by the view, try to request a room that has a better view.

Don’t drink the bottled water and open it! You may be thirsty and tired when you check in. You may decide to reach for that bottled water beckoning on the mini fridge. Hotels take advantage of guests by charging ridiculous pricess for bottled water. You might be able to get a bottle of water for free in the hotel gym. A better option to simply bring your own bottles.

Don’t pay the price the hotels advertise. That is called the “rack rate” and savvy travelers never pay that much. Most hotels expect some haggling. Contact the hotel and then ask them for a discount. Don’t be afraid to ask for a deal beyond reason. They’ll probably settle in a middle-ground. You may also be able to locate discounts that are deep on the various travel websites out there.

TIP! You can always avoid paying an advertised price at any hotel. That is called the “rack rate” and savvy travelers never pay that much.

Don’t take linens as you are sitting in your hotel room.

Use a special occasion as an opportunity to book a hotel room. Hotels often provide some complimentary gifts if you let them know you are celebrating your anniversary or something similar. You might be presented with champagne or some other enjoyable gift. Don’t make up celebrations, though.

TIP! Make your hotel reservation during any special occasion. You’ll get all sorts of great perks for your birthday or anniversary.

You can often save money saved if you book a flight and hotel at the same time. A lot of travel online sites feature serious savings for people who bundles things together.

It is generally thought that the hotel housekeeper should receive a tip on your final day of lodging. Skip tipping for other types of services if you must, but always tip the maid. Unless you made sure your room was spick and span every single day, remember to tip your maid.

TIP! When you depart from your hotel, be sure to tip the head of housekeeping. The maid is the one who has cleaned up after you, freshened up your room and kept you stocked in clean towels and toiletries.

You can actually get a room upgrade without paying an upgraded price. You might be able to do this by arriving on time to accept your hotel booking. Sometimes, your room is not yet clean, and the hotels give them better rooms for no extra charge.

To save money on your hotel stay, ask the employee booking your room if you can get a discount. While the price may not go down, they may add on special offers, such as gift cards for a local restaurant. Of course you won’t know unless you ask, so make a point of doing so.

TIP! Sometimes asking the hotel clerk for a deal can get you a better rate. While they can’t always discount the room price, they can often offer a perk such as a breakfast or dinner discount.

Several people jump on the first hotel they see. This leaves them disappointed most of the time. Use the tips here to find the best deals on great rooms.

If you use a third-party site to book your hotel, identify any hidden fees or surcharges. A lot of the time you’ll get a quote that doesn’t include every charge. The only way to be sure what you are going to pay is to read the fine print.

TIP! If you book a hotel using a third party website, be wary of hidden charges and fees. Many times the initial quote does not include all of the fees and charges.