You will probably need to book a hotel room sooner or later. Whether your stay involves business or pleasure, you need to know what you’re looking for in one. These tips will help you a better understanding of what to look for when shopping for a hotel.
You can find good deals on hotel rooms using online travel sites. If you are in a hotel loyalty program, put your information in. Also, as an added bonus, you may get discounts from other companies such as AAA or AARP.
Consider ordering room service when the urge strikes for a special meal without needing to go out. While this could cost you a little more, it is more convenient to remain in your room while satisfying your hunger.
Keep your electronics secure by using the hotel safe located in your hotel room. Your small electronic devices can be left in the safe when you are out, so you will not have to worry about them.
You should put any expensive items in the safe and go about your day without worry.
If you belong to any organizations, find out if they get any discount from certain hotel chains. Some groups provide members with discounts on certain hotels. A lot of people don’t use these discounts, and you may save 10% or even more. For extended stays, this can really add up. It can add up to almost a free hotel night!
Plan your trip as far in advance for the best rates. Many hotels offer the best discounts if you are willing to book more than a few months in advance. You might even be able to save up to 50 percent if you book months in advance.
Always look for online deals before booking a hotel room. Often, the only way to learn about discounts is to look online. That’s why doing a bit of research pays off, so you are aware of discounts and specials. Websites like Travelocity and Expedia can be a great way to do research on hotels.
There are some things you have to do in advance if you’re going to be traveling with a trip. Be sure that this hotel really does allow pets. Be sure to have plenty of plastic bags with you so you can pick up your pet’s waste.
If you and a loved one are wanting to go to a hotel and get massages, it is important that you book the appointment way in advance. That’s because the highest quality masseurs and masseuses are typically booked way in advance due to their good name. Therefore, by planning in advance, you can ensure you have the best possible experience during your massage.
If you’re a member of the AAA, it may qualify you for a hotel discount. You might be surprised where hidden discounts may be lurking. You can save up to an additional five percent at certain hotels all over the country. This is a savings that can really add up on a long trip.
If you travel frequently, it is wise to enroll in hotel loyalty programs. They offer benefits to people that stay at the same chain quite often. You can score things like complimentary upgrades, later check-out options and even free nights once you accumulate enough loyalty program points.
If you are a runner, make sure you pack exercise clothes and a GPS watch.
If you often stay at the same hotel chain, check to see if they offer membership to frequent stay programs. Similar to frequent flyer programs, some hotels have programs that give point for each stay. These points can add up to hotel restaurant discounts, spa deals, free nights and much more.
Spa Deals
How much your hotel room will cost depends largely on the time you book. Hotels price rooms in part based on availability. If possible, book your room no more than 24 hours in advance. A late booking when the hotel is slow often results in a bargain. Hotels would rather discount the price because an empty room does not earn them any money.
If you stay at the same chain of hotels often, check to see if they offer membership to frequent stay programs. These programs give you points for each stay. They can amount to show tickets, free nights, spa deals, spa deals and a whole lot more.
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. You can increase the amount you save by simply finding this information out in advance.
Be sure to avoid hotel transfers when booking a room.If you are getting a very low price on the room, then an expensive transfer can ruin the whole savings. Asking about this ahead of time helps you maximize your overall savings.
Membership programs offered by hotel chains help members who travel a lot get the best rooms during their stay. This allows you to earn point you can redeem for vacation freebies for you and your family.
Join a loyalty program if you frequently stay there on business trips. These programs allow you to collect points can translate into some major perks when you’re vacationing.
Think about whether or not you are going to be staying at a smoking or nonsmoking hotel. If you’re not a smoker, you might want to skip a smoking hotel. Even if you book a non-smoking room, smoke can enter your room through air vents. Sometimes, smokers rent non-smoking rooms and smoke in them. To avoid the experience of breathing in smoke during your stay, try to stay in a hotel that doesn’t allow smoking.
Get an AAA membership to facilitate the process of booking a hotel when you travel.Parents of small children will appreciate the car set offered in some locations.
Be sure you understand the pet policy of the hotel. If you fear pets or have allergies it may be best to make reservations at hotels that have a strict no pets policy. The smells tend to stick around. Some hotels have an extra fee for pets, and the charge is not much in some places. The fee might be too low to cover the extra cleaning costs.
Start looking in the hotel bathroom when checking for bed bugs in a hotel. This is where you are least likely to find them. It is a good place for young children to wait for a moment too.
You should understand that early check-ins to hotels are not usually possible. Plan accordingly or you will find yourself waiting a long time to access your room. The hotels need a chance to clean up your room prior to check in. If you should happen to get there early, ask at the desk about early check-in, but your request may not be granted.
Early Check
Ask about a rollaway or crib when you book your room. Some hotels do not have these items, and most have limited quantities. There also may be an added charge for these things. You can always discuss the possibilities with the hotel clerk or manager on the phone before you book your room.
You should be aware that early check-ins to hotels are not always possible. Plan your trip right or you don’t want to wait. Hotels need to get a room so it is ready for you to check into it. If you do happen to arrive early, ask at the desk about early check-in, but your request may not be granted.
Never actually check out before the departure date unless it’s an emergency. If you do, you may be charged a fee for 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. Therefore, they have to make up for the loss by charging an early departure fee.
Some hotels do not offer cribs or rollaways; while others have these in short supply.Talk about these issues as you make your reservations.
If you are concerned about germs, you might want to take the bedspread off of the bed. Although hotels will wash the sheets that lie underneath the bedspread, the bedspread itself is not typically washed. This can make it full of bacteria, germs, and other unknown elements. Just make sure you remove the bedspread.
Never actually check out before the departure unless it is absolutely necessary. The hotel may charge you an early departure fee. When you make your reservation, the hotel takes that room off the market; thus, if you depart early they will lose money.
Don’t open that bottles water! After checking into your room you will probably feel exhausted and thirsty. That’s what the hotel owners had in mind when they packed the min-fridge with delicious, yet expensive, refreshments. Hotels know this very well, and that bottled water is exponentially more expensive than it should be. Look for free water in the gym or lobby. Or, just bring some of your own from home.
Avoid sleeping under the hotel bedspread.The top bedspread is one item that does not usually get washed between bookings. It may be a carrier of bacteria and other things you want to avoid. Just make sure you remove this covering from the bed to have peace of mind.
Do not take any of the hotel’s linens with you when you leave. No matter how much you love them, housekeeping will note missing linens and the hotel is likely to bill you for them. It’s better to ask the hotel management if you can buy new ones of your own.
Be aware of your options in the event that a hotel attempts to “walk” you. This means that you’re going to have to stay at a different hotel. Avoid this if possible, but if you’re going to a different hotel, be certain that your reservation there is equivalent or even an upgrade.
If you need to book a room while driving, check rest areas, gas stations and tourist centers for complimentary tourists books which contain hotel prices, maps and great discounts. This will give you the opportunity to call for a room, instead of driving around for hours trying to get the best deal.
You can often save money if you book a flight and hotel at the same time. Travel sites typically offers savings when you book both your flight and hotel.
Never let a hotel charge you the advertised rates. The advertised price is known as the rack rate. If you are a savvy traveler, then you can get away without paying as much. Haggling over your hotel rate is expected. Therefore, never accept full price and get in touch with the hotel in order to work up the best deal. Make sure you’re bold. Many travel websites also have significant discounts available.
You will be able to get lower hotel rates by booking during off season. Rates are at this time. This will allow you a real bargain.
Travel when you have a special event. Hotels will give you some extra stuff if you let them know you’re trying to travel while it’s your birthday. They might even give you a complimentary bottle of bubbly. Don’t lie about this type of thing, however, because that’s not right.
Try getting an upgrade without spending any money. You can be sure of 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 find great deals, check websites like Travelocity or Expedia. Hotels give them deep discounts to help sell off empty rooms. At some sites you must bid. Others simply state the price.
If you need to book a room while driving, look at tourist centers, rest areas and gas stations for free tourist books that contain maps of hotels, prices and incredible discounts. This way you’ll be able to call a place and reserve the room that’s right for deals.
It is generally thought that the hotel housekeeper should receive a tip on your final day of lodging. The maid is the one who has cleaned up after you, freshened up your room and kept you stocked in clean towels and toiletries. So show her that you appreciate how she cared for you during your stay with a nice tip.
You can make it a lot better at your stay is pleasant by tipping appropriately. Many people do not realize that room service includes the tip in the bill; whereas, but not room service. Tipping helps establish a good relationship between you are well-liked and the hotel employees who will be attending to your needs.
You should be weary of hidden fees if you are booking your hotel through an outside party. The prices the third-party advertises won’t often include the additional charges. Read the fine print to avoid being overcharged.
Some hotels rooms in a hotel have better views than others. If the prices are not changed by the view, request one. These are the little things can enhance your hotel experience. It doesn’t hurt to inquire about the hotel for rooms with excellent views.
A lot of hotels spiff up their hotel brochures with Photoshop. They often use Photoshop and other tools to make certain attractions look better than they actually area. Be sure you get a realistic picture of the hotel in your mind that you plan on booking a room with.
Booking the right hotel room is a skill almost everyone needs at some point in their life. No matter what you need to book one for, you need to do some research so you get a great deal. So keep the above tips in mind to get a great hotel room with a price that makes it even more enjoyable.
