Your hotel accommodations can make a difference in the type of vacation that you have. You need to know what’s important to search for and what really isn’t important when you’re looking for the right hotel so that your trip is not ruined. The tips below will ensure that the process is less of a headache for you.
Use online travel sites, such as Expedia and Orbitz, to find the best prices at the hotels you want to stay at. If you are a member of a hotel loyalty program, make sure to indicate this when searching for rates. If you have a membership in any other organization, put that down as well.
You can find a lot of great deals on hotels if you go online travel sites out there. If you are a part of a loyalty program, make sure you input that data when checking out rates. You might also have other discounts through AAA or AARP.
Consider taking advantage of room service when the urge strikes for a late-night snack with your special someone. While it may cost more, it is more convenient to remain in your room while satisfying your hunger.
Know the check-in time. Some people end up waiting for their room is still not ready. Call the front desk to find out if it is alright for you think you’ll be early.
If you have a safe in your closet, then you should use it to keep your valuables safe while you are outside of the room. Putting these items in the safe ensures that you can go out and have fun, not worrying about what you’ve left in the room.
Plan your trip in advance as you can to ensure best rates. Many hotels offer discounts if you are willing to book a few months in advance. You might even be able to save up to 50 percent or more.
Check in on the organizations you belong to. Some organizations offer discounts on hotels to their members. Some discounts can be over ten percent! These discounts can save you quite a bit of cash, particularly if your stay involves several nights. This can also net you a free hotel night.
If you have a AAA membership, check into your membership hotel discount. You might be surprised where hidden discounts may be lurking. You may be able to save upwards of five percent on hotels all over the country. It’s a way to save money that really adds up fast.
Take advantage of online hotel searching tools. Use these websites to your advantage! They can also provide you with the average rate for a room at a particular hotel, so you can see if your offer is really a good deal. You can also find out about local amenities and things offered by the hotels.
If you run regularly, make sure to bring your running gear with you.
Think about these three things if you plan to bring a pet with you during your hotel stay. Find out if the hotel will allow pets first. Remember to bring bags so that you can pick up your pet’s waste when you travel. When you make your reservation, request accommodations near the very end of the floor in order to not disturb other guests.
If you are an environmentally conscious traveler, then you may be interested in taking a “green” vacation. There are plenty of “green” hotels that feature green amenities. There are newer hotels built to be environmentally friendly. Some hotels that aren’t that new will pick out some ways to be more eco-friendly so they can show environmental awareness. Talk to a travel agent in order to find the best green hotels for your needs.
If you are a member of AAA, ask about a hotel discount. You could also get a surprise that you have an auto club membership that gives you hotel discounts. It can save you 5% or more on hotels all around the nation. This really adds up when you are staying for many nights.
Be sure you know the cost associated with hotel transfer fees by asking about them in advance. If you are getting a very low price on the room, then an expensive transfer can ruin the whole savings. You save more by asking about such a thing in advance.
Be sure to follow your fitness regimen while staying in a hotel by packing your workout clothes and any other equipment you may need. Simply set an alarm or get a wake up call and take an early morning run. Spending time on the road with your own two feet will give you a perspective that you’ll never get while riding in a car.
Join a loyalty program if you frequently stay there on your stays. These programs allow you to collect points that can translate into some major perks when you’re vacationing.
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. These points can be used to earn free nights, discounts and more.
Try not to make long distance calling in hotel room. Many hotels now offer Skype connections on their Wi-Fi.This is much cheaper than paying for a much cheaper option than calling from a hotel room and getting hit with lots of fees.
Timing matters when booking a hotel room. Hotels price their rooms based on how many rooms are available. Whenever you can, maker your room reservation no more than a day ahead of time. This will usually ensure that you receive the best available price. Empty rooms don’t earn a hotel any money, so they are willing to slash the price.
It can prove rather frustrating for you check in to your children to arrive at a hotel expecting a pool and/or other activities only to find out it’s closed.
Be sure to avoid hotel transfer fees by asking about them in advance. Many times, rooms seem to be a good deal, but there are hidden fees for this service. Asking about this ahead of time helps you maximize your savings.
Start looking in the bathroom if you need to make sure there are no bed bugs. This is the place where you are likely to be. It is a safe place for your pets and kids.
Join a loyalty program to get deals on your stays. This way, when you stay at a hotel, you can get points and then turn those points into free stuff that you can do with your family.
Check if your prospective hotel is non-smoking or smoking. If you are a non-smoker, you may wish to avoid those that have smoking rooms. Smokers don’t always respect the fact that you are not supposed to smoke in.
Being a member of AAA can save you money on hotels. Members of AAA will get additional hotel discounts up to five percent, but you’ll also get discounts on rental cars as well. Those with youngsters will be grateful for the free car seats.
Never check out before the departure unless it’s an emergency. The hotel might charge you a fee for early departure fee. When you book a hotel room, the hotel can’t offer the room to someone else, if you depart early they will lose money.
Know whether or not smoking is allowed in your room. Many hotels set aside certain rooms or wings for smoking guests. If this is what you’re looking for, inquire about these rooms. Certain hotels will charge you a steep fee if you get caught smoking in a room that is non-smoking. Be sure to follow the rules of the hotel.
Avoid sleeping under the hotel bedspread.The bedspread usually get washed between bookings. This can mean that the bacteria and germs. Just make sure you remove it from the bedspread.
If a hotel is trying to “walk” you, then you’ll know what the rights are you have. Hotels sometimes over-book, and this can leave you without a room. 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.
Do not open the bottled water! You will likely be thirsty and tired when you arrive. You can be tempted to casually open that bottle of water calling to you from the mini fridge. Hotels take advantage of their guests by charging ridiculous amounts for bottled water. Check the gym and see if they may have free water. A better option to simply bring your own bottles.
Stay away from the bottled water! You are very likely to be tired and thirsty when finally arriving to a hotel. That’s what the hotel owners had in mind when they packed the min-fridge with delicious, yet expensive, refreshments. The hotel is counting on this, and as a result, they mark up the prices on the bottled water. Sometimes the hotel gym offers bottled water for free. Or, to be sure you save money, you can just pack a few water bottles from home.
Don’t give into the hotel linens home.
Don’t take anything from the room when you depart. If housekeeping notices that you’ve taken towels or linens, you may be billed for those items. If you like the linens so much, you should ask about purchasing them.
You can get a cheaper price on a nice hotel rates when you don’t book during their slow times of the year. Rates are at this time. You can get a much better price.
Bundle your flight and your accommodations for greater savings. Check travel websites to see if you qualify for these savings. To make sure you are getting the best price through this service, compare the rates of different airlines and hotels.
Gas Stations
You will be able to get a decent room rate if you book during the off season. Rooms typically cost the most during this time. Instead, try and travel during the off season when there are lots of vacancies. This way, your chance at getting a great rate is higher.
If you need to book a room while driving, check out rest areas or gas stations to find tourist books which will have maps, gas stations and tourist centers for complimentary tourists books which contain hotel prices, prices and discount offers. This will allow you time and money.
Try your best to score a free upgrade during your hotel stay. You can be sure of this by being on time to accept your hotel booking. Sometimes, your room is not yet clean, which means they offer an upgraded room for free.
It should now be obvious that with the right knowledge you can be kind to your budget and still get a wonderful hotel room for your trip. You need to know how and where to look. So keep the tips from above in mind and you will be sure to find a hotel that is perfect for your needs.
Tipping when you should will make your hotel stay better. Room service will often bill you the tip, but maid service and other services rely upon you giving them a tip directly. If you tip, you’ll be respected by the staff.
