Take Some Time Out To Consider Hotels

Most people have stayed at a bad hotels in the past. It can be a costly error that nobody wants to repeat.

Before you choose a hotel and make reservations, check online review sites, such as TripAdvisor. These websites have reviews and comments from people who have recent experience with their stay. Factor former guests’ reviews into your final decision.

TIP! Check for online reviews before making any reservations. Here you can get first-hand reports of the experience people had staying at different hotels.

You should put any expensive electronics and jewelry in the hotel safe.

Never book a hotel room before seeking out online deals. Sometimes, the person at the hotel desk might forget to mention a discount for booking online. It’s your job to find them yourself. Look at Jetsetter, RueLaLaTravel or similar websites for discounts.

TIP! Always look for deals online when reserving a hotel room. Usually, when you try to book a room over the phone, the clerk will not let you know that there is a better deal online.

Check online for the best deals before you book a hotel deals. It is your responsibility to scour the Internet for these discounts.Check out websites such as Jetsetter, Jetsetter, and SniqueAway.

Not every hotel allows pets. Always call to ask, even if it says pet-friendly online. Also ask exactly what they mean by pet-friendly, as there might be restrictions on certain breeds and sizes of pet that they allow on their premises.

TIP! Do not assume that each hotel welcomes pets. Call and ask before you reserve.

There are three different things you should do in advance if you’re going to be traveling with a trip. Be sure that the hotel will be friendly to pets.Be sure to have plenty of plastic bags with you so you can pick up your pet’s waste.

If you wish to include amenities such as massage while staying at a hotel, be sure to make your reservations in advance. In order to get the best masseurs at these top hotels, you must plan early to ensure that you get a good experience.

TIP! If you’re interested in the massage services of a hotel you intend to stay at, reserve your appointment ahead of time. The best massage therapists are well-known at resorts, so planning early is the best way to create a good experience.

If you want to keep your regular running routine, make sure that your packing list includes lots of running clothes and a GPS watch.

See if you can get a hotel discount through AAA if you are a member. You would be surprised where hidden discounts may be lurking. It can save you 5% or more on hotels all around the nation. The more nights you stay, the more you will save.

TIP! For members of AAA, hotels offer discounts that are exclusive to members. Your membership in this auto club has just such a discount available to you.

If you are worried about the environment, you can chose a “green” vacation. The great thing is there are plenty of “green” hotels you can select from. Some of the newer hotels were built green standards in mind. Some older hotels that aren’t that new will pick out some ways to be more eco-friendly so they can show they care. Talk to a travel agent if you want to find the best green hotels for your needs.

If there’s a hotel chain you stay at often, check out their membership programs for frequent guests. Similar to how you earn points from frequent flyer programs, hotels offer you similar rewards for your stay. These points add up to restaurant discounts, free nights, tickets to a show, spa treatments, and more.

TIP! If you go to the same hotel often, see if they have frequent stay programs you can become a member of. Just like frequent flyer mile programs, these hotel programs offer you points for your stay.

The price you are charged for your hotel room is going to affected by how early you book the room. Rooms in hotels are priced based on availability. This gives you the best price when it comes to hotel rooms.

To keep from having an unwanted major expense on your hotel bill, ask about the cost of hotel transfers before booking them. It is not uncommon to find that greatly discounted bookings may have a hidden cost for the transfer. Asking about this ahead of time helps you maximize your savings.

TIP! Be sure to avoid hotel transfer fees by asking about them in advance. Particularly when the room price is a big deal, the hidden fee of transfer often can be the difference.

Be sure you know the cost associated with hotel transfer fees by asking about them in advance. If the room is the bargain, the transfer could ruin the deal. Asking these things before you to save more.

If you want to save money, and you stay at the same place a lot, consider signing up for the hotel’s version of a frequent guest program. You will build up points with that hotel for added benefits. It works a lot like frequent flier miles do for airlines.

TIP! Join the hotel’s membership program if you frequently stay there on business trips. When you do, you get points every time you stay at a hotel.

There aren’t many things that are as frustrating as going to your hotel with kids to find the pool is closed.

Try not to make long distance calls from your hotel room. Instead, use the Internet. A lot of hotels offer wi-fi, making it possible for you to use Skype. Use these connections to keep in touch instead of costly long distance calls.

TIP! Don’t call long distance in your hotel room. Use the Internet, instead.

Check if a hotel is non-smoking or smoking. If you do not smoke, you might want to stay away from hotels that offer smoking rooms. Smokers also sometimes smoke in rooms that the room they are not supposed to smoke in.

The bathroom is the first place to go when checking for bed bugs in your hotel room. This is the least likely place for bedbugs to be. It makes a safe place to keep your luggage when looking for bedbugs elsewhere in the room. It can be a temporary haven for children and pets.

TIP! If you wish to see if a hotel room has bed bugs, check out the bathroom. This room is usually free from bugs.

Be sure you understand your hotel’s smoking policy is if you smoke cigarettes. A lot of places will have specific rooms just for people who smoke. Ask for those rooms if any of these are available. If you don’t, they may charge you a fine.

Make sure to ask up front if the hotel you’ll be staying in allows smoking or does not. If you are a non-smoker, you might want to stay away from hotels that offer smoking rooms. While it is possible to book a nonsmoking room, you can still be affected by the smoke from other areas. In addition, some smokers will rent out non-smoking rooms and smoke in them. Think about staying at a hotel that is totally nonsmoking if you don’t want to stink when you check out.

TIP! If you’re a smoker, then make sure you get a hotel with a smoking room. If you’re not a smoker, you might want to skip a smoking hotel.

Find out how the policy on pets is. These hotels sometimes have odors sinking into the carpet and bed linens. Some hotels have an extra fee for pets, other do not. The fee may cover totally or partially the extra cleaning needed to completely remove the odors.

Do you smoke? If so, it is important that you are aware of a hotel’s smoking policy in advance. Many have designated nonsmoking rooms. Therefore, if you are a smoker, always ask for a room that allows smoking. There are hotels that will charge you quite a bit if they find out that you were lighting up in the room that wasn’t for smoking. This is why you should stick to the rules.

TIP! If you are a smoker, know the smoking policy for the hotel in which you are staying. Many have rooms set aside for people who smoke.

You should understand that it is not usually possible. Plan your trip right or you want to wait in a hotel lobby. Hotels need to get the room cleaned and ready before you check in. If you do get to the hotel early, check with the desk to see if you can check in, but your request may not be granted.

You should always be aware whether or not the hotel allows pets. If you fear pets or have allergies to them, it may be best to make reservations at hotels that have a strict no pets policy. Also, pet friendly hotels may have lingering odors that have been absorbed by carpeting or linens. Some hotels charge extra fees for pets, but some do not charge much. Depending on the hotel, that fee may or may not be enough to cover extra cleaning.

TIP! Be sure you understand the pet policy of the hotel. If you are allergic to animals, you should probably avoid staying in hotels that allow people to bring their pets.

Not all hotel chains do offer these and those that will be able to accommodate you. Talk about these issues as you make your room.

If possible, do not check out earlier than your scheduled departure day. The hotel could impose a fee if you check out early. The room is not marketed by the hotel and you will have to make up that lost revenue. You may end paying for a day you don’t use the room. This means that they must compensate for that loss with a fee for early departure.

TIP! Unless it is an emergency, always stay for the total number of nights that you have booked. Your hotel may charge you a fee to do so.

Never check out earlier than your scheduled departure unless it’s an emergency. The hotel might charge you an early departure. When you book a hotel room, the hotel takes that room off the market; thus, so they lose money if you leave early.

Beware of an establishment that attempts to “walk you.” When hotels overbook rooms, the one you reserved may not be available. They might try and send you to a different hotel. Try to avoid this scenario if you can, but if it becomes necessary to secure alternate accommodations, be sure that the room is at least comparable to the one at the hotel you booked, and get compensation for your travel expenses.

TIP! Be prepared with a knowledge of your rights if a hotel ever tries to “walk” you. Occasionally, a hotel overbooks and your booked room is unavailable.

Avoid using the bedspread. The top bedspread usually isn’t cleaned as often as the linens are. It could have acquired a carrier of invisible germs and germs. Just make sure you remove this covering from the bedspread.

Don’t drink the bottled water you’ll find in your hotel room. After checking into your room you will probably feel exhausted and thirsty. As a result, you likely want to purchase that bottle of water you see sitting on the counter. Hotels are really aware of this, and the water will cost you quite a bit more than it really should. Sometimes the hotel gym offers bottled water for free. Even better, bring along a few of your own bottles.

TIP! Do not open that bottled water! After traveling and checking in, you might be feeling tired and/or thirsty. This can tempt you to consume bottles of water from the mini-fridge.

Don’t take any of the room when you depart.

Don’t decide you need new linens as you are sitting in your hotel room. If hotel staff notice that these items are missing, you may be billed for them. If you like them that much, check out the gift shop for new ones.

TIP! Don’t take linens from your room! It seems like a common thing people try to get away with, but the hotel will know when you do this and may charge you later for the missing items. If you really have to have the stuff, see if the hotel will sell it to you.

You can get a cheaper price on a nice hotel if you don’t book during peak tourist seasons. This is the time that hotel rates are highest. You chance of getting a discount is much better price.

Some hotels rooms offer good views while others do not. If you don’t have to pay more to get a good view, always go for a room with the best view. Your hotel experience can improve by these little things. It doesn’t hurt to ask the hotel for rooms that have better views.

TIP! Some hotels rooms have better views than others. If you do not have to pay more for a room with a good view, ask for one.

You may be able to receive an upgrade without paying a dime. You can do this by checking in exactly at the precise check-in time. Sometimes, rooms aren’t ready when patrons arrive, which means they offer an upgraded room for free.

You can always avoid paying an advertised price at any hotel. They call this the “rack rate,” which savvy travelers know not to pay. In truth, hotels typically expect road warriors to negotiate the price. Therefore, never accept full price and get in touch with the hotel in order to work up the best deal. Be brave. You can also find deep discounts on various travel websites.

TIP! Don’t pay the price the hotel advertises. Experienced travelers never actually pay the “rack rate”, or advertised rate.

If you are already traveling but have to book rooms, you can find some helpful information at welcome centers, gas stations and rest stops with valuable discounts. This will give you time and get a deal without visiting a hundred different hotels.

Book your hotel stay for a special occasion. Hotels sometimes offer freebies to guests when they know it is a special day for them. You may be able to get something like free champagne. Avoid lying because it is bad karma!

TIP! You can reap some nice benefits when booking a hotel room when you are celebrating a special occasion. Some hotels may give you something special if your stay is for your birthday or anniversary.

Tipping hotel staff when appropriate is a more pleasant stay. You can personally tip them or it can be added to bill, but you may forget to tip your maid. Tipping will be seen as a patron that deserves respect during your stay.

Check out online sites like Expedia to find good deals. Because they help hotels fill their rooms, they can usually give you discounts that you won’t get anywhere else. Some may make you put in a bid while another site may allow you to get a price but they won’t give you the hotel’s name until you’re ready to buy.

TIP! Go to online websites like Travelocity or Expedia to find the best prices. These sites help to sell lots of hotel reservations, so hotels will inform them of any discounts that may not be offered elsewhere.

Use special occasion as an opportunity to book a hotel room. Hotels often provide perks if you let them know you are celebrating your anniversary or something similar. You might be able to wrangle a free bottle of champagne bottle or something similar.

Tipping the housekeeper who has tended to your room is a nice touch on your final day. You can justify not tipping other services as the bill usually includes these extras, but it is customary to tip room service maids. So show her that you appreciate how she cared for you during your stay with a nice tip.

TIP! Tip your maid. You don’t have to tip everyone, but you should definitely tip your maid.

Staying at a bad hotel can be a real nightmare. Saving money is not enough to compensate for a miserable night. Either way, your trip could be ruined. So you should use the above suggestions to help you find the best hotel. Once you find one that you want to stay at, you can then research what discounts you can use that will really make it a great deal.

Sometimes asking the hotel clerk for a deal can get you a better rate. They may not be able to lower the cost of the stay, but they may offer you some amenities to go along with it, such as a free breakfast. Always ask about their specials when booking a hotel room.

TIP! When trying to get the best deal on a hotel, you can often ask the clerk to make you a deal. If the rate can’t be lowered, they also sometimes offer other things like a free breakfast or dinner vouchers.