Have you ever reserved a hotel room, only to find that it was shabby and run-down? If you have, you know how poorly this situation can turn out. However, you shouldn’t have to book a pricey hotel to avoid this. Read these tips to improve your skills when shopping for a hotel room.
Compare prices at websites like Orbitz and Expedia to ensure that you receive the best available rate. Always remember to give your loyalty program information to the clerk when you book your room or search for prices. You may also be eligible for deals that are offered to members of certain organizations, like AAA or AARP.
Compare prices at websites like Orbitz and Expedia to ensure that you receive the best available rate. If you are a part of a loyalty program, make note of that. If you have a membership in any other organization, put that down as well.
To enjoy a late-night meal with that special someone without having to leave the comfort of your hotel room, think about ordering some room service. It may cost more, but it’s convenient when you don’t feel like leaving.
Look for a closet safe in your hotel room, and use it for any expensive electronics you may have brought with you. 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.
Figuring out which hotel you want to book isn’t an easy process. The cost is important but hardly the only factor to keep in mind. A pool, a gym, a restaurant, free breakfast, free local calls and free Wi-Fi are other amenities that may be important to you. Seek out hotels that offer amenities that appeal to you.
Be sure to look at your room before unpacking your suitcase. Is your room mold and mildew free? Does everything work? Does your room feature the linens and towels you require? If there are any obvious problems, report them to the front desk immediately so that they can be taken care of or you can be moved to a different room.
Always see if you can find deals online when you’re thinking of getting a hotel room. Often, the person booking your room won’t tell you about discounts available online. That’s why doing a bit of research pays off, so you are aware of discounts and specials. Look to websites like RueLaLaTravel or Jetsetter for more help.
If you need to travel with your pet, you need to make three advance preparations. Be sure that the hotel really does allow pets. In addition, take along some plastic bags to pick up your pet’s mess. Ask for a corner room since this can reduce the number of guests disturbed by a noisy pet.
Planning for a trip months or even just weeks in advance can often get you a better rate for your hotel room. Most hotels have serious discounts for early booking customers. Even some elite chains will offer discounts as much as half off.
Use your AAA discount at hotels. You would be surprised where hidden discounts may be lurking. You can save up to an additional five percent at certain hotels throughout the country. This can add up on a long trip.
If you are traveling with a pet, it is best to find a pet friendly hotel ahead of time. Always call to ask, even if it says pet-friendly online. Make sure they specify what pet-friendly means since there may be certain restrictions on pet sizes and breeds that are allowed on the property.
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! This makes it easy for you to wake in the morning and get in a run. Even if you’re running down the city streets of roads, it will give you a new perspective of the city that you’re visiting.
Be sure to follow your fitness regimen while staying in a hotel by packing your workout clothes and any other equipment you may need. Go for a jog every morning. Whether you are running on roads or city streets, you will gain more knowledge about the city you are visiting while you run.
Do you travel on a periodic basis and use the same hotel chain? If so, check out the loyalty programs provided by that hotel. These are exceptional benefits reserved for customers who frequently use a particular chain of hotels. There are many rewards given when you accumulate loyalty points such as free stays, free upgrades and later than usual check out times.
Do you travel on a periodic basis? If so, consider joining your hotel’s loyalty program. They provide rewards to those who stay with them often. You might earn a free upgrade, late checkout time, or other great perks.
Choose a green vacation if you care for the environment. Fortunately, many green hotels exist nowadays. There are newer hotels that were built to be environmentally friendly. Old hotels will change their practices to be more green. Check online or ask a travel agent for help.
If you stay at the same hotels all the time, check to see if they have a frequent-stay program. These hotel programs give you points for each stay. These points can be traded in for restaurant discounts, tickets to shows, free nights at the hotel, and much more.
What you will be charged for a room, depends on when it’s booked. Rooms are priced based on availability. If possible, don’t make your reservation more than a day in advance. This can net you a great deal. If the hotel never rents the room they’ll get zero dollars for it, so most of the time they will give you a steep discount on it.
Do you care about your environment? If so, a “green” hotel may be for you. Many hotels offer environmentally friendly standards today. Green certification is something some of the newly built hotels are quite proud of promoting. Other older hotels will just provide green options for you. Request the help of the travel agent in identifying hotels that are environmentally friendly.
Join a membership program if you travel frequently. These programs allow you to collect points that can be applied toward further travels.
The price you are charged for your hotel room is partly dependent upon when you make the reservations. Availability is one factor that plays a part in cost. If you can, make your room reservations only a day in advance. This will get you a great price on your room. This is because the hotel will want to book rooms that are currently empty.
Get a AAA membership to facilitate the process of booking a hotel when you travel. AAA offers their members good discounts on hotels, car rental and other aspects of travel. You might even get a free car seat if you have kids.
Membership programs offered by hotel chains help members who travel a lot get the best rooms during their stay. You will build up points with that hotel for added benefits. It works a lot like frequent flier miles do for airlines.
If you’re traveling with kids, be sure that you check on the pools to ensure they’re open and in service. If you arrive at your hotel and the pool is closed, your kids will be very disappointed.
Don’t make any long distance calls from your hotel room. Instead, you should try the Internet. You can access Skype with the Internet connection at your hotel. This will help you converse with those back home without racking up a lofty bill.
If you are searching a hotel for bed bugs, you should check the bathroom first. Bedbugs are least likely to live here. That means that the bathroom is a great place to keep your bags while you check the rest of your accommodations for bedbugs. Not to mention a great place for your children and pets too.
If you want your family to have a happy stay, call the hotel ahead and ensure that their swimming pools are available and in good working order. There are few things as frustrating as showing up to a hotel, with your kids chomping at the bit to get in the pool, only to have it closed for repairs.
GUests should be aware whether or not the hotel allows pets. If you fear pets or have allergies it may be best to make reservations at hotels that have a strict no pets policy. Not to mention, you’ll definitely notice unwanted smells in the floor or in the linens if you don’t own a pet yourself. Many hotels charge a fee for staying with a pet, but it might not be a lot. It does take extra effort and expense to take care of pets issues and some hotels do not take the time necessary.
The bathroom is the first place to go when checking for bed bugs in your hotel room. This is where you are least likely to find bedbugs. That means you can store your luggage here as you inspect. It is also the safest place for children and pets, too.
You should know how to get a good hotel without paying too much. It’s simple to find good deals on hotel rooms when you know what you’re doing. Remember these tips.
Ask if there is smoking allowed in the hotel. If you don’t smoke, you may wish to avoid those that have smoking rooms. While you can book a non-smoking room, smoke can infiltrate your room and settle into your clothing. Smokers often don’t care that their room is non-smoking, too. Request a non-smoking room if you do not want to smell like cigarettes.
