Your hotel can really make or break your vacation that you have. You have to know how to find the right hotel so that your trip is not ruined. The following tips below will ensure that the process is less of a headache for you.
Prior to choosing and reserving a hotel room, check review sites online like TripAdvisor or Expedia. These offer feedback from those who have recently stayed at the hotel you are considering booking. These reviews can help you decide which hotel you should select.
You can find a lot of great deals on hotel rooms using online travel sites out there. If you are in a hotel loyalty program, don’t forget to add that information as you check rates. You may also be able to get discounts due to AAA or AARP.
Use the closet safe to protect your electronics. You can place your costly items that are small into their safe, and then you won’t have to worry about these things as you go out.
Consider ordering room service when the urge strikes for a late-night snack with your stay. While it may cost a little extra, it is more convenient to remain in your room while satisfying your hunger.
When making a hotel selection, you should consider many things. Your budget comes first, but proximity to attractions is also important. Other amenities, such as a swimming pool, an onsite restaurant and free continental breakfast are important to travelers. Shop around for a hotel that has the features that are most important to you.
Check out your room prior to unpacking. Is it clean and free of issues like mildew and mold? Are linens and towels? If you notice a problem, let the person at the front desk know so they can help you sort it out or give you a better room.
Take advantage of search tools online. Some websites are designed to help you find the best deals. They can tell you what the average rate at a hotel is, ensuring you know the general pricing. They also can help with figuring out when the ideal time to go on vacation is and what you can do once you are there.
There are three different things you should do in advance if you’re going to be traveling with a trip. Be sure that this hotel really does allow pets. Be sure to bring some bags on hand to make pet cleanup easy.
Always check the room before you begin to unpack your belongings. Is it free of mildew and mold while being clean? Do the toilet, sink and shower work properly? Is the room adequately stocked with towels and linens? If any issues are immediately prevalent, call the front desk that instant so they can address them or move you to another room.
Free Stays
In order to get the best hotel deals, always plan your trips weeks ahead of schedule, or even a few months. The earlier you book, the better rate you should get. You might even be able to save up to 50 percent off at some very exclusive hotels.
It is wise to look into loyalty programs that your favorite hotels offer. They offer benefits to their members. You will be able to earn stuff like a free upgrade, free stays, and even free stays when you get enough points.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking all hotels will accept pets. Therefore, make sure you call the hotel staff to confirm that they will allow pets. Even if they have a website that states pets are allowed, you should still call to confirm this. Ask about their pet policy. Many hotels have restrictions on the breed and size of pet allowed on the premises.
If you stay in a particular hotel chain, find out about the programs they offer to frequent guests. These hotel programs give you rack up points. You might earn free stays and discounts, discounts at restaurants, and all types of entertainment.
Always book early for that special couples massage for you and your loved one. The best massage therapists are well-known at resorts, so planning early is the best way to create a good experience.
If you care quite a bit about your environment, you may want to take a “green” vacation. There are many hotels around. Some hotels are built to green standards and are certified green. Some older inns just select one or more of eco-friendly strategies to show environmental awareness. Talk with a travel agent in order to find green hotels for your needs.
Try out a green vacation. There are plenty of “green” hotels that take the environment into consideration. Green certification is something some of the newly built hotels are quite proud of promoting. Some older hotels choose to use eco-friendly practices as well, making them a good green option. Talk to your travel agent if you prefer to stay at this type of hotel.
Join a loyalty program if you travel frequently. These points can be applied toward further travels.
Timing matters when booking a hotel room. The prices are based partly 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 can get you a seriously discounted rate. Hotels are often happy to slash prices on impending vacancies since they will get nothing if they can’t book the room.
Sign up for AAA to ensure easier hotel arrangements while you travel. Parents can also often enjoy the free car seat provided in many locations.
You should always find out how much hotel transfers will cost before you book a room. Many times, rooms seem to be a good deal, but there are hidden fees for this service. Ask about this beforehand to save more.
It is extremely frustrating for you and your room with the kids screaming “pool” only to find out it’s closed.
If you travel frequently, you can maximize your hotel benefits by looking into reward programs from large hotel chains. Every stay in a particular hotel chain where you are a member will add points to your total, which can later be used on free rooms or amenities that usually cost you.
Check to see if your prospective hotel you’re looking to stay at is non-smoking or smoking. If you don’t smoke, a smoking room may be unappealing. Smokers also sometimes smoke in rooms that the room they are not supposed to smoke in.
One way to get discounts on hotel rooms is to join AAA. Your AAA membership will pay for itself right away in hotel and car rental discounts and availability. Many car rental agencies add perks, such as a child car seat at no charge, for AAA members.
You should understand that early hotel check ins are not always possible. Plan your trip right or you might end up waiting in the lobby for hours. Hotels need to get a room so it is ready for you to check into it. If you should happen to get there early, ask the front desk to make an exception, but this should not be expected.
Never use the hotel phone for long distance calls. Use the Internet, instead. Most hotels offer Wi-Fi, but you will probably need their password and may have to pay a fee to use this service. Use this type of thing to get with people you know while you’re in your hotel room so you can save quite a bit of money.
Never check out earlier than your scheduled departure date unless it is absolutely necessary. The hotel may charge you an early departure fee. If you check out too early, that hotel may charge a fee because they couldn’t book that room.
Call the hotel before you arrive to make sure the swimming pool is in working order. Nothing is worse than having excited kids who find out they cannot go to the pool.
Avoid sleeping under the hotel bedspread.The bedspread is one item that does not usually get washed like the linens are. This bedspread is where you would find the comforter has tons of germs and bacteria. Just remove the bedspread.
Always read a hotel’s pet policy, whether you are a pet owner or not. If you have pet allergies or the noise from pets bothers you, you might want to avoid these hotels. Hotel floors and linens can glean unpleasant odors from pets. One hotel may charge guests an arm and a leg to bring their pet, while others don’t. The fee may cover totally or partially the cost of the extra cleaning involved.
Be aware of your rights in case a hotel “walks” you. This means that you have to go somewhere else. Avoid getting “walked” whenever you can, but if you’re going to a different hotel, be sure that the deal is better than the place you were trying to get.
Never check out earlier than your scheduled departure unless it is absolutely necessary. If you check out early, you could be liable for early checkout fees. If you reserve a room for a set number of days but check out a day or two early, that hotel may charge a fee because they couldn’t book that room. They have to at least get something for the loss, thus an early departure charge.
Do not open the bottled water in your room. After checking in you may be thirsty and thirsty. You may decide to reach for that bottled water beckoning on the mini fridge. Hotels take advantage of this and will charge you a hefty fee for bottled water. You might be able to get a bottle of water in the hotel gym. A better idea is to bring your own bottles.
Do not open that bottled water! You may be very thirsty upon arrival. This can tempt you to consume bottles of water from the mini-fridge. Hotels are aware of this, that bottle of water will be much more expensive than if you bought it elsewhere. You might be able to get a bottle of water for free in the gym. Plan ahead and bring your own bottled water.
As this article has shown you, if you prepare and do your research right, you’ll get a hotel that’s great for a good price. You have to know when booking is right and where to go. Use what you’ve learned here, and book the perfect room.
Don’t steal hotel linens. You may really like those towels, pillowcases and washcloths, but their absence will not go unnoticed. You will be billed for them. If you just fall in love with the towels or pillows, ask if you can buy them directly from the front desk of the hotel.