There are many steps to take in preparation for a vacation. There is packing to do, tickets to buy, and a car to fill with gas. Then, on top of all of that, you’ve got to find a suitable hotel reservation. You are about to find out helpful tips for helping you to book a room.
Consider taking advantage of room service when the urge strikes for a late-night snack with your special someone. While it may cost a little extra, it is worth it if you can stay in your comfortable room as you satisfy your cravings.
Check online reviews before booking a room. Reviews allow you to read about recent experiences at a hotel. Patron reviews can give you valuable information that will help you make a good choice.
Use the closet safe to protect your electronics. Place all electronics there along with important documents, such as your passport or plane tickets.
Use online travel sites, such as Expedia and Orbitz, to find the best prices at the hotels you want to stay at. If you’re a member of a loyalty program of a hotel, make sure you input that data when checking out rates. Also, as an added bonus, you may get discounts from other companies such as AAA or AARP.
When making a hotel selection, you should consider many things. You should look at the price, but you should also look at the location that is most convenient for what you want to do. A pool, a gym, a restaurant, free breakfast, free local calls and free Wi-Fi are other amenities that may be important to you. Look for a hotel that provides you with the amenities that are a priority to you.
See if your organizational memberships offer any benefits. Many of these places will give you cheaper hotel prices. Discounts of 10% or more are often available, and people sometimes forget that they are eligible to claim them. On a multiple night stay, these savings can really add up. A stay of 5 days or more could add up to one free hotel night stay!
Checking online is the best way to find a good price and get the information that you need about hotels. Many times, the reservation specialist won’t tell you of discounts when you call to book your room. 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.
Always check for online deals prior to booking your hotel room. Many times, the person you book your room with will not tell you that you can get a discount online. It is your responsibility to find these discounts. Use websites such as Jetsetter, SniqueAway or RueLaLaTravel.
Inspect your room before unpacking your bags. Is it clean? Does the plumbing work right? Do you have the blankets, pillows and towels you need? Call the front desk if you find any issues; they can either fix the problem or give you a different room.
You don’t want to assume that the hotel you will be staying in is considered pet friendly. Call before you book so that you know for sure. Also, speak to them about what they’re meaning by pet-friendly because they may not allow specific breeds or certain sizes of pets.
To ensure that you and your special someone get the right couples massage during your stay, book your appointment as early ahead of time as you can. The best massage therapists are usually booked up for months ahead of time, and you don’t want to miss out.
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.
If you travel often, it’s a great idea to enroll in a hotel’s loyalty program. They give people benefits if they go to that chain often. There are many great rewards even leading up to free stays as you gather up more loyalty points.
One of the best bonuses of a AAA membership is great discounts on booking a hotel. Did you know that this membership entitles you to hotel discounts? You can save 5 percent or more motels and hotels in the US. It really is a savings that adds up over time.
If you stay at the same hotels all the time, check to see if they have a frequent-stay program. These programs usually work by letting you rack up points. Use them for discounts, entertainment tickets and other things.
Make sure you know hotel transfer costs prior to booking a hotel room in order to avoid a large unexpected cost. If the room is the bargain, then an expensive transfer can ruin the whole savings. If you know this upfront, you can save more money.
If you care quite a bit about your environment, consider taking a “green” vacation. There are many hotels that feature green amenities. Some new hotels are built to green standards and are certified green. Older hotels can’t always do this, but instead choose to adhere to certain green practices. Ask around for hotels that are friendly to the environment.
For those frequent travelers, it may be better to build loyalty and perks by joining the membership club of your favorite hotel. This allows you to earn point you can redeem for vacation freebies for you and your family.
If you want to ensure happy kids while traveling, call the hotel ahead of time to check that the pools are open and in working order. There are few things as frustrating as showing up to a hotel, with your kids chomping at the bit to get in the pool, only to have it closed for repairs.
One way to get discounts on hotel rooms is to join AAA. The AAA membership fee is well worth the discounts offered by many chains, and renting a car will also be easier. In addition, free car seats are usually provided, which parents are certain to enjoy.
If you want to inspect a hotel room for bed bugs, start with the bathroom. This is usually one of the few places you won’t see any. Therefore, you can put your luggage here while you look over the remainder of the room. It’s also safe for pets and kids this way.
You don’t want to make too many long distance calls while you’re staying in a hotel room. Use the Internet, instead. A lot of hotels offer wi-fi, making it possible for you to use Skype. You can still call family members, friends, and colleagues from your room without racking up tons of costly charges.
Determine whether or not the hotel you are considering allows smoking or not. If you do not smoke, you might not want to go to a hotel with smoking rooms. The smoke can settle into your clothing and luggage. There are times when smokers end up staying in non-smoking rooms, and smoking in them. If you just can’t stand the smell of stale smoke, look for a hotel that doesn’t allow it at all.
If you wish to have happy kids while you’re on the road, be sure you call a hotel to see if they have a working pool at the time. You don’t want to get there, only to disappoint your children when you find out the pool is closed.
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 is the case, then you shouldn’t be shy when asking for this type of room. If you smoke in a room designated as non-smoking, a big penalty can come along with it.
Make sure to ask up front if the hotel allows smoking or does not. If you’re not a smoker, you might want to skip a smoking hotel. While you can book a non-smoking room, smoke can infiltrate your room and settle into your clothing. Also, people may rent a non-smoking room and smoke in it. If you just can’t stand the smell of stale smoke, look for a hotel that doesn’t allow it at all.
Check out the hotel’s pet policy. If you don’t like pets or are allergic, you want to avoid pet-friendly hotels. These hotels might also suffer from odors sinking into the floor and bed linens. Extra fees are sometimes imposed by hotels for guests who bring pets, but sometimes the fee is not too high. If the hotel allows animals in any room, then you may want to book elsewhere if you have allergies.
Always know the hotel smoking policy wherever you stay if you personally smoke. Many have designated rooms for smokers. If this is the case, then you shouldn’t be shy when asking for this type of room. Some hotels fine guests if they find that they smoked in a designated non-smoking room. This means that you must be sure to obey the hotel’s smoking rules.
Know that you may not be able to check-in early at some hotels. If you are going to arrive early, plan on doing something to fill your time. The hotel must clean each room prior to the next visitor taking it. If you do arrive early, ask the desk clerk if it’s possible to check in early, but don’t necessarily expect it.
What is the policy on pets? It may be best to stay clear of hotels that accept pets if you are afraid of dogs or are allergic to pets. These hotels may also have an odor due to the smells sinking in the floor and linens. Some hotels have an extra fee for pets, and the charge is not much in some places. Some hotels use the paid fees to clean the hotel more thoroughly.
If you will have children during your hotel stay that need a crib, you must bring this up when you are booking the room. Not every hotel features these options, and the ones that do only have a few. Also, these things can cost extra. Make sure these needs are discussed during the initial reservation so you don’t get any surprises.
You should understand that early check-ins to hotels are not usually possible. Be sure to plan your arrival with that in mind, or you may be sitting in the lobby area for some time. The hotels need a chance to clean up your room prior to 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.
It you’re able to, try not to check out until it’s time for you to depart. Some hotels charge early departure fees. Once you have confirmed your reservation, understand that the room is reserved for you, and the hotel loses money if you leave early. This is why they have the departure fee, to get their money back that they would have otherwise lost.
If you’ll need a rollaway or crib, make sure you specify this when you reserve the room. Some hotels don’t have them, and others have a limited amount. Hotels also charge extra for these items, sometimes. You should discuss this with the hotel agent prior to booking so that you do not have an unexpected charge to your bill.
Understand your rights when it comes to hotels “walking” 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. You should try to avoid this; however, if this is necessary, ensure you are provided with the same quality room or better at the same price you would have paid.
Booking a hotel room to your liking is very important for trip planning purposes. No matter what type of trip you’re taking, you need a good hotel room for your enjoyment. The next time you need to stay at a hotel, keep these tips in mind.
Do not open the bottled water in your hotel room. After checking in you may be thirsty and tired. You might want to open the bottled water they left you. Hotels take advantage of their guests by charging ridiculous pricess for bottled water. Look for free water in the gym or lobby. Or, if you are thinking ahead, just bring a bottle with you.
