When planning a trip, there are many things to do. You need to pack your luggage and either gas up the car or get ready for a flight. You should also make a reservation at a good hotel. If you wish to get assistance with this, continue on.
There are many different things to consider as you search for a hotel to stay in. Of course, you must think of cost; however, proximity to attractions is also very important. What about free breakfast, local calls, wifi or swimming pool? You want to secure a room at a hotel that provides the things you desire.
You can find a lot of great deals on hotels if you go online and check out some of the travel sites out there. Input your loyalty info when you are looking for rates online. You may also be eligible for other discounts through any memberships you have with organizations such as AAA and AARP.
Take advantage of online hotel searching tools. These kinds of websites allow you to locate great deals fast. They also let you see what full price is, so you know you are saving money. Finally, by using these websites, you can learn the best places and times to take a vacation.
Look at organizations you’re part of for discounts. Many organizations provide hotel discounts for members. Some of these discounts can be pretty substantial, but many people don’t take advantage of them. On a multiple night stay, these savings can really add up. If you are staying for a week, you can pay for a whole night’s lodging with these discounts.
Always look for online deals before booking a hotel room. You might not learn from the person on the phone that you can actually get great discounts over the Internet, instead. It is your responsibility to find any available discounts. Use popular websites such as Jetsetter, SniqueAway, or RueLalaTravel.
There are things to think about when choosing a hotel. Price is important but a shabby, dirty hotel room is no bargain at any price. You may want free WiFi access, a convenient location, free long distance or a nice pool or gym. Try to get a room that fits your needs, then start shopping by price.
Always check the room before you begin to unpack your belongings. It should be free of any mildew or mold. Is everything in the bathroom working as it should? Are there enough of the right linens? If you spot any problems, make the front desk aware immediately so they can take care of it or move you to a room that meets your needs.
Never book a hotel room before seeking out online deals. Hotels don’t usually advertise their lowest rates, so you may have to ask. This is why you should always do your research well online to find these hidden discounts. Look to websites like RueLaLaTravel or Jetsetter for more help.
Plan your trip as far in advance as you can to ensure best rates. Many locations offer discounts if you are willing to book more than a month or two ahead of time. That saves you 50 percent or more frequently!
Know when check-in time is. Some people neglect asking what the check-in time is and get to the hotel when their room is still not ready. If you will be arriving early, call and ask if this is okay.
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. You’ll get plenty of good exercise and a better understanding of the city around you.
In order to get the best hotel deals, always plan your trips weeks ahead of schedule, or even a few months. There are quite a few hotels that will reward booking your room a few months in advance with nice discounts. You may save 50 percent or more.
If you often stay at the same hotel chain, check to see if they offer membership to frequent stay programs. Just like with a frequent flyer mile program, you can get points for staying a hotel. These points add up to restaurant discounts, free nights, tickets to a show, spa treatments, and more.
Don’t assume your hotel is pet-friendly. Call the hotel in advance to ensure the hotel is pet friendly. Find out what their rules on pets are also, as they may not let large pets or certain breeds stay with them.
How much you’re going to pay for your hotel room will depend on when your room is booked. Rooms are priced based on availability. Try to always book your hotel room only a day in advance. This gives you the best prices in reserving hotel rooms. This is because the hotel will want to book rooms that are currently empty.
If you’re thinking of taking your pet to a hotel with you, there are some things you need to do first. Check to see if the hotel actually permits pets. Take some bags to clean after your pet. Ask for a corner room since this can reduce the number of guests disturbed by a noisy pet.
If you must make a hotel transfer, find out about the fees. If you’re getting what appears to be a nice deal on the room, these types of hidden charges can sometimes surface. You will save more by asking about such a thing in advance.
If you’re interested in the massage services of a hotel you intend to stay at, reserve your appointment ahead of time. Many top masseuses book by name, so plan as early as possible.
If you do a great deal of traveling, consider joining hotel chain loyalty programs. 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.
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. You can save 5 percent or more on your hotel stay just by showing your membership card. When you stay for multiple nights, the savings really add up.
Ask if your possible hotel reservation is either smoking or non. If you are not a smoker, you might want to avoid hotels with smoking rooms. However, even with non-smoking rooms, there’s no telling if the guy next door is smoking. There are times when smokers light up in a non-smoking room. To avoid cigarette odors entirely, opt for a non-smoking hotel.
If you want to keep your regular running routine, pack your GPS and running clothes. So, make sure you have your running gear and shoes and you will be set to jog anywhere. You’ll get plenty of good exercise and a better understanding of the city around you.
Keep in mind that hotel check-ins are usually very strict; therefore, you probably won’t be able to check-in early. If you are going to arrive early, plan on doing something to fill your time. The room must be cleaned and prepared so the next guest can check in. If you happen to show up early just ask if your room was prepared early, but they’re most likely going to say no.
If you are an environmentally conscious traveler, you should look into “green” hotels. The number of “green” hotels is steadily growing. Some hotels are certified to be green. Some older hotels choose to use eco-friendly practices as well, making them a good green option. Speak with a travel agent to see if they can help you pick out hotels that care about the environment.
If you will be in need of a roll-away bed or a crib, be sure to let the hotel management know in advance. Some hotels do not provide these things, and the ones that do usually have limited quantities. Hotels also charge extra for these items, sometimes. Talk about what you need when booking your room so you are not unpleasantly surprised.
If you must make a hotel transfer, find out about the fees. 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. Inquire before you book, so you aren’t hit with an unexpected price increase.
Try to avoid checking out of the hotel ahead of your scheduled checkout time. Many hotels will charge a fee for early departure. Booking a hotel room means the hotel is going to take that specific room off of their market. If you wind up leaving early, then they’ll be losing money for every day that you don’t stay. As a result, hotels will attempt to regain some of this lost revenue by charging you a fee for leaving early.
Join a membership program if you travel frequently. When you do that, you accumulate points for every stay, and that can add up to free nights or vacation discounts.
Don’t use the hotel bedspread if you can avoid it. Sheets and blankets are washed regularly, while bedspreads usually aren’t. As a result, the bedspread will likely contain all kinds of germs and bacteria. Remove the blanket from the bed to have peace of mind.
Smoking Rooms
If a hotel tries to “walk” you, know what your rights are. When hotels overbook rooms, the one you reserved may not be available. The hotel will then “walk” you, or send you out to another hotel. This should only be a last resort and the other accommodations should be just as good or better and your trip there should be paid for as well.
Determine whether or not the hotel you are considering allows smoking or not. If cigarette smoke bothers you, look for a hotel that doesn’t have smoking rooms. You may be able to get a non smoking rooms still, but you can get smoke in the air which will stick to you. Sometimes, smokers rent non-smoking rooms because that is all that is available, and then they smoke in them anyway. Think about staying at a hotel that is totally nonsmoking if you don’t want to stink when you check out.
Don’t be tempted to open bottled water! After checking in you may be thirsty and tired. It is tempting to simply grab that refreshing bottle of water conveniently available in the mini-fridge. Hotels take advantage of guests by charging ridiculous amounts for bottled water. Sometimes it is possible to get bottled water at no cost in the hotel gym. The best option, however, it to bring your own bottled water.
You should always be aware whether or not the hotel allows pets. If you fear pets or have allergies it may be best to make reservations at hotels that have a strict no pets policy. If the hotel does not have good cleaning practices, you may be bothered by pet odors. Some hotels charge extra fees for pets, but some do not charge much. If the hotel allows animals in any room, then you may want to book elsewhere if you have allergies.
Don’t pilfer the hotel towels or linens. Housekeeping keeps track of linens. Ask the hotel upfront if you can buy similar items from them directly.
If you book a room during a heavy occupancy period, don’t be surprised if you have a mandatory stay of a few days or more. An early departure charge may be added to your bill if you leave sooner. Booking that room means it wasn’t available when others were reserving. This is why they usually charge you an fee for early departure.
You can get lower hotel rates by booking during off season. Rates are at their peak then. Instead, try and travel during the off season when there are lots of vacancies. This will give you a better chance of actually getting a discounted rate.
Finding the right hotel is an essential part of planning any trip. Regardless of whether your trip is romantic, family oriented or for business, your trip is better off with a good hotel. Recall the solid advice above the next time you are planning for a stay at a hotel.
Try your best to score a free upgrade during your hotel stay. Arrive right at your check-in time. Many times the room you booked will not be clean yet, so they may offer you a better room for no additional charge.
