Do you need to book a hotel room soon? Here are a few useful tips for finding a decent hotel anywhere you go. If that is the case, you’re reading the right article. There’s lots of useful information below that will help you during your hotel booking experience.
Before you make reservations at a particular hotel, check its reviews on websites like TripAdvisor. These sites will allow you to see previous guests’ experiences at the hotels you are considering. What others say will help you make a wise decision.
Online travel websites can offer you a great deal on hotels with lots of choices, all on the same website. Input your loyalty info when you are looking for rates online. Some organizations like AAA and AARP offer lodging discounts for a variety of hotel chains.
Use websites like Orbitz and Expedia for great prices. If you are a member of a particular hotel’s loyalty program, remember to include that information when you are checking on rates. You might also have other discounts from a membership in the AARP or AAA.
If you want a nice meal at night with your special someone, and you are too comfortable in your room to go out, order some food through room service. While you’re likely to pay a little more, it’s worth having the convenience of staying in your room (and in your pajamas) while you wait to satisfy those nocturnal cravings.
Use the closet safe to protect your electronics. You can put just about anything in there, as long as it isn’t too big, and you won’t have to worry about it.
Look at organizations you’re part of for discounts. Some offer big discounts on hotel rooms. You may save ten percent or more. 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.
Check with the organizations that you are a member with. There are times when an organization will give you great deals on the price of hotels. Many people forget to do this and miss out on saving a sizable amount of money. This can result in significant savings, especially for longer stays. After a week has gone by it will add up to a free night almost!
You can use hotel search tools on the Internet. Any of those types of sites will help you get a great discount. Not only will they show the best deals, but they’ll also include extra information about the rooms, floor plans, and even reviews from other customers. Finally, by using these websites, you can learn the best places and times to take a vacation.
Inspect the room before unpacking. Is the room clean and devoid of issues like mildew and mold? Do the toilet, sink and shower work properly? Does your room feature the linens and towels you require? If you have any questions or notice any problems with the room, immediately call the front desk and report them so that they may be handled. You may also asked to be transferred to a new room if the problem is serious, such as mold or mildew.
Upon arriving at your hotel, check your room before you unpack. Is the room mildew-free and otherwise clean? Are all bathroom fixtures in proper working order? Do you have the blankets, pillows and towels you need? If you see any issues, be sure to tell the front desk. This way, they can fix the problems or switch rooms for you.
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. Experience a truly special moment with a top masseur or masseuse by asking for your appointment well in advance.
You should always start planning any serious trip months or weeks ahead of time. This will help you book early and get the best prices. Some hotels have a discount if you book your room a month or more ahead of time. You may find yourself saving as much as half off of the room’s typical rates.
If you are an avid jogger, a GPS watch is a great investment so you can always find your way back to your hotel. Also, don’t forget your exercise clothes! For an early morning jog, get up and throw your gear on, and then head out the front door. Running down city streets or country roads can give you a fresh view of the place you are visiting.
If you are traveling with a pet, it is best to find a pet friendly hotel ahead of time. Even if the website says they are pet-friendly, always call in advance to verify. Be certain you understand all rules pertaining to pets. Some hotels only allow certain types, sizes and breeds.
If you travel a lot, you should consider joining hotel loyalty programs. They give people benefits if they go to that chain often. You might earn a free upgrade, late checkout time, or other great perks.
Hotel Chain
If you stay at the same hotels all the time, check to see if they have a frequent-stay program. These programs give you points every time you stay there. These points add up to restaurant discounts, free nights, tickets to a show, spa treatments, and more.
Do you travel on a periodic basis and use the same hotel chain? If so, check out the loyalty programs provided by that hotel. They offer rewards to guests who book the same hotel chain frequently. There are many rewards given when you accumulate loyalty points such as free stays, free upgrades and later than usual check out times.
Think about going on a “green” vacation. These are much more common today than they were in the past. Some of the newer hotels are built in a way that they get certified green. Some hotels that aren’t that new will pick out some ways to be more eco-friendly so they can show they care. A good travel agent can help you find hotels that are environmentally friendly.
You may wish to consider a “green” vacation if the environment is one of your concerns. Luckily, there are a lot of green hotels out there in this day and age. Some of the newer hotels are built in a way that they get certified green. Other older hotels will just provide green options for you. Talk to your travel agent if you prefer to stay at this type of hotel.
The amount you pay for the hotel room is determined by when you book it. Rooms in hotels are often priced based on their availability. Try to always book your hotel room only a day in advance. This will usually ensure that you receive the best available price. Empty rooms earn no money, so the hotels often slash the prices.
To make sure you don’t have an unexpected expense, ask about how much hotel transfers will cost. In many situations in which the room’s price is a great deal, the undisclosed price of your transfer can frequently eat up the savings. Be sure and inquire about this beforehand so that you get your savings.
For those frequent travelers, it may be better to build loyalty and perks by joining the membership club of your favorite hotel. Each hotel stay can accrue points towards vacation perks.
Become a member of AAA in order to make your travel arrangements easier. The discounts at many hotel chains and deals on car rentals can more than pay for the AAA membership fees. At some locations they even offer free car seats.
You can get great hotel discounts by becoming a member of AAA. Members of AAA get discounts at lots of hotel chains which more than makes up the membership to AAA, plus it is easier to rent a car anywhere you go. It is definitely worth looking into.
Is your room non-smoking or not? If you are a non-smoker, you may not want to stay in a smoking room. 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. There are times when smokers light up in a non-smoking room. Too avoid exposure to the smell of cigarette smoke, it may be best to stay at a non-smoking hotel.
It’s not often possible to check in to a hotel room early. Make sure you plan around your check-in time, or you will be forced to sit in a lobby to wait for your room. The room has to be cleaned ahead of your check in. If you do arrive early, ask the desk clerk if it’s possible to check in early, but don’t necessarily expect it.
Do you smoke? If so, it is important that you are aware of a hotel’s smoking policy in advance. Many have designated rooms for smokers. If so, you should avail yourself of this option. Some hotels will levy a large fine if they can determine that you smoked in a room where smoking was not allowed, so make sure you understand and follow the hotel’s smoking policy.
Never check out earlier than your scheduled departure unless it is absolutely necessary. The hotel might charge you an early departure fee. A booked hotel room is taken off the market, meaning your early departure would cost them money. So, in leaving early you risk being charged a fee for early departure.
Be aware that it is normally not possible to check into a hotel early. So, you may have to sit for a while in the lobby or find a way to occupy yourself until checking in if you are going to be arriving early. The rooms can’t be readied and cleaned until the prior guests are gone, so this means that check-in time is usually around 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. If you arrive earlier than your check-in time, you can always ask the front desk and see if they can let you in.
For the sake of hygiene, avoid the bedspread provided by the hotel. They generally will wash the blankets and sheets that are under the bedspread, but the main bedspread may not be washed. This can mean that the comforter has tons of germs and bacteria. Remove the blanket from the bed to have peace of mind.
If you are a parent who needs a roll-away or a crib in their hotel room, then you’ll need to call prior to making your reservation and find out if they are available. Many hotels do not have the items, and the ones that do may have a limited quantity. Sometimes, they cost extra, too. Make your needs known at the time you place your reservation so that you do not have any unpleasant surprises.
Know what the hotel’s policy is for overbooking. There may be times when a hotel overbooks, leaving with no room. In these situations, the hotel may try to book you at another hotel, or “walk” you. Try to avoid this if you can, but if not, make sure that you are given a room that is equal to or better than the one you booked. They should also provide you with transportation to get to the other hotel.
As you have learned from this article, if you research things before you book your hotel room, you’ll do well and pick out a good hotel. The above information will prove to be of assistance when looking for a hotel. By using this information, you will have a good vacation experience.
Do not drink the bottled water that is offered in the rooms. Sure, you might be a little thirsty after checking into your new room. You may decide to reach for that bottle of water calling to you from the mini fridge. The hotel is counting on this, and as a result, they mark up the prices on the bottled water. Sometimes you can get a free water bottle in the hotel gym. If possible, bring your own bottled water.
