Your hotel can really make a difference in the type of vacation that you have. When you think of what a hotel costs, it’s a good idea to figure out what you should be looking for as well as what to stay away from when you’re reserving a spot. Here is helpful information that can help you get the best value from hotels.
You can find good deals on hotel rooms using online travel sites. Make sure you notify the reservation clerk about any loyalty program you belong to with the hotel. You may also be able to get good discounts due to AAA or AARP membership.
Before booking your hotel room, look to online review sites for in depth reviews from recent travelers. This lets you know what others’ experiences have been like. Their opinions can help you decide whether or not a certain hotel is the right one for you.
When leaving your hotel room, keep any electronics you have secure by putting them in the room’s safe. Your iPad, watch, and other smaller, expensive items can be placed into the safe, then you can rest assured at their safety as you head out for a fun-filled day.
Online travel sites like Orbitz and Expedia can help you find the lowest rates on hotel rooms. Are you a member of a certain hotel’s membership program? If so, make sure you put this information into the travel site. You might also be entitled to additional discounts through your other organizations, such as AAA or AARP.
Make use of the various hotel search websites on the Internet. These websites can help you quickly find great deals. They can also allow you to look at the average rates of a hotel. They can also give you information on nearby attractions, too.
Consider your organizational memberships. Sometimes you can get discounted hotel prices through these organizations. Some discounts can be over ten percent! This can add up to big savings, even more so if you will be staying for many nights. For a week of vacation time that adds up to an extra day!
Plan your trip in advance for the best rates. Most hotels have serious discounts for early booking customers. Some of the most popular hotel chains can end up giving you up to 50 percent in savings.
When picking a hotel, there is a lot to think about. Price is one factor, however you may also need your hotel to be close to a particular destination. A pool, a gym, a restaurant, free breakfast, free local calls and free Wi-Fi are other amenities that may be important to you. Choose a hotel that meets all of your needs.
You don’t want to assume that the hotel you will be staying in is considered pet friendly. Even if a web listing says a hotel is pet friendly, call the hotel to verify. In addition, get specifics with regard to the pet policy, because only particular breeds or sizes of pets may be permitted at the hotel.
Always look for online deals before booking a hotel room. Often, the reservations clerk will not advise you that a better deal is available online. That’s why doing a bit of research pays off, so you are aware of discounts and specials. Sites, such as Jetsetter, will let you know of any discounts available.
If your pet is coming to a hotel with you, there are a few things you need to do in preparation. Make sure the hotel is actually pet-friendly. It is also a great idea to bring along some plastic bags to clean up when your pet makes a mess. If you can arrange a corner room, there will be less likelihood of your pet disturbing other guests.
Check your AAA membership for a hotel discount. It might be surprising to learn that some auto club memberships include hotel discounts. You can save 5 percent or more on your hotel stay just by showing your membership card. These savings can really add up if you travel often.
Be sure to consult AAA to help you make excellent plans for your entire vacation. Your membership may entitle you to hotel discounts. You can save more than five percent on hotels all over the country. It’s a way to save money that can add up fast.
If you stay at the same chain of hotels often, look into their membership programs for frequent guests. Similar to frequent flyer programs with an airline company, hotel programs will typically give you points for each visit. Use them for discounts, entertainment tickets and other things.
Be sure to follow your fitness regimen while staying in a hotel by packing your workout clothes and any other equipment you may need. Enjoy a morning jog each day while on vacation. Even if your route takes you through the street of a city, at least you will get a glimpse of the area you are visiting.
Think about going on a “green” vacation. There are several green hotels around. Newer hotels are often certified green and designed and built using green standards. Some of the older hotels do implement green practices to be sure they are eco-friendly. Ask your booking agent about green hotels.
The amount you pay for the hotel room is determined by when you book it. Availability dictates the prices of hotel rooms. If at all possible, do not book your room more than one day in advance. This will net you the best price when it comes to hotel rooms. Empty rooms don’t earn a hotel any money, so they are willing to slash the price.
The timing for your booking of a hotel room has much to do with what you pay. Hotels price rooms in part based on availability. Try to book a specific room at least 24 hours ahead of time, but it’s even better if you book weeks ahead of schedule. This will get you a great price on your room. Hotels don’t like to have vacancies so they often provide better prices.
If you don’t want to get a big expense on the hotel bill you get, speak to the place about hotel transfers prior to booking things. 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. Asking these things before anything happens will allow you to save more.
If you are planning on staying in a hotel room with your children, make sure you call the hotel in advance to ensure they provide a working pool or some other fun activities for your children to do. There aren’t many things that are as frustrating as going to your hotel with kids that really want to swim only to see that it has been closed.
Don’t make long distance calls on your hotel phone. Make use of the Internet, instead. The hotel may even offer Skype calls via Wi-Fi. Use these types of services to keep in contact with loved ones back home instead of having exorbitant charges added to your bill from the costly phone calls.
Look into the smoking policies in the hotel you are considering. If you’re not a smoker, a smoking room may be unappealing. The smoke can settle into your clothing and luggage. Smokers don’t always respect the fact that the room they are renting is a non-smoking room. To avoid cigarette odors entirely, opt for a non-smoking hotel.
Before making a hotel reservation, learn the hotel’s policy on smoking. If you are a non-smoker, you might want to stay away from hotels that offer smoking rooms. You may rent a non-smoking room, however, the smoke from the smoking rooms can still be present in the air and make your clothes smell like it. Also, people may rent a non-smoking room and smoke in it. Too avoid exposure to the smell of cigarette smoke, it may be best to stay at a non-smoking hotel.
With a little effort, you can find a great hotel at a great price. You have to know when booking is right and where to go. If you follow these tips and do your homework in advance, you should be able to book the ideal hotel room with ease.
You should be aware that early hotel check ins are not always possible. Plan accordingly or you will find yourself waiting a long time to access your room. Most hotels clean and prepare rooms at a certain time, so that they are ready for check-in. If you do get to the hotel early, ask at the front desk if you can possibly check in early, but there is a chance you won’t be able to.
