
Your hotel accommodations can make or break your vacation experience. Considering the costs of hotels, it is important that you know what to look for (and what to avoid) when you are making a reservation. This article is full of useful advice on finding a great deal on a nice hotel.
Prior to reserving a room at a hotel, look on the Internet for reviews. One great site is TripAdvisor. This lets you know what others’ experiences have been like. Find out what actual customers say about the hotel and it can help you avoid a costly mistake.
Use websites like Orbitz and Expedia for great prices. If you are a member of a hotel loyalty program, make sure to indicate this when searching for rates. Don’t neglect to check for other discounts in which you may qualify, including AAA and AARP.
When checking for good prices at hotels, refer to online travel sites like Orbitz and Expedia. If you are a member of a loyalty program, use that info when checking rates. You might also have other discounts from a membership in the AARP or AAA.
Search online tools for hotels. Some websites are designed to help you find the best deals. They can also show you what the hotel’s average rates typically are, allowing you to see whether you are actually getting a good deal or not. They might even offer some decent entertainment venues that you should experience while you’re in the local area.
Consider taking advantage of room service when the urge strikes for a late-night snack with your special someone. The cost will be a bit higher, but not having to dress up and go out will be worth it.
Always check the room before you begin to unpack your belongings. Is it clean? Are the toilet, shower and sink functioning properly? Have the staff provided all the necessary soap, shampoo, towels, etc. that you will be needing? Any problems that you notice should be reported to front desk staff right away. That way, they can be rectified or you can change rooms.
Inspect the room before unpacking. Is it without mildew and mold? Does your shower, sink, and toilet work in the right way? Do you have enough towels and linens? If you notice any problems, report them immediately. If your issues are not resolved, ask to move to another room.
If you wish to include amenities such as massage while staying at a hotel, be sure to make your reservations in advance. The best massage therapists are well-known at resorts, so planning early is the best way to create a good experience.
Plan your trip as far in advance as possible. Most hotels have serious discounts for early booking customers. That saves you 50 percent or more frequently!
See if you can get a hotel discount through AAA if you are a member. It might be surprising to learn that some auto club memberships include hotel discounts. You can save five percent or more on certain hotels. Those discounts add up to great savings, especially if you will be having an extended stay.
Join a frequent customer program if you stay at the same hotel chain a lot. They provide you with points for every stay. As a result, you could have your next stay discounted or receive other benefits, like tickets to a show.
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! Go for a run when you wake up in the morning. It will give you a better perspective of the city you are visiting.
Discuss what a hotel transfer will cost you prior to actually booking anything. Many times, rooms seem to be a good deal, but there are hidden fees for this service. Ask about this beforehand to save more.
Do you use the same hotels on a regular basis? If so, check out their membership programs for frequent guests. They provide you with points for every stay. As a result, you could have your next stay discounted or receive other benefits, like tickets to a show.
If you travel frequently, you can maximize your hotel benefits by looking into reward programs from large hotel chains. That way, each time you stay, you accrue points that you can turn into vacation freebies when it’s time to take the family on an adventure.
When you book has a huge impact on your final bill. Hotels price rooms in part based on availability. Book your room more the day before you need it if you can. You may find the best prices this way. A room that’s empty loses money for the hotel; so, they usually cut the price.
Avoid making long distance calls from the hotel room phone. Use the Internet, instead. Hotels usually have Wi-Fi, so you can call using Skype. Use these to keep up with loved ones or colleagues back home from the comfort of your hotel room instead of racking up costly phone calls from the nightstand.
Find out about hotel transfer costs prior to booking a room to avoid hefty fees. 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. Inquiring in advance will mean more savings for you.
If you are going to inspect if your hotel room has bed bugs, then start looking in the bathroom. This is usually one of the few places you won’t see any. That makes the bathroom the safest place to keep the luggage while you look through the remainder of the accommodations. If you have pets or children with you, ask them to wait in the bathroom too.
Try to avoid long distance calling in hotel rooms. If you don’t have a cell phone or the Internet, buy a calling card to keep with you during your trip. A lot of hotels offer Skype connections over Wi-Fi. You can stay connected with friends, family and business colleagues this way, rather than making expensive long distance calls.
Check to see if your prospective hotel is non-smoking or smoking. If you are a nonsmoker, you may want to avoid 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. There are times when smokers light up in a non-smoking room. If you just can’t stand the smell of stale smoke, look for a hotel that doesn’t allow it at all.
These tips should help you understand that preparation is one key to getting the best room for your situation. You need to know where too look and what are the best times to book to ensure you receive a great room. Use what you’ve learned here, and book the perfect room.
Determine what the policy on smoking is if you smoke. Many hotels set aside certain rooms or wings for smoking guests. Therefore, if you are a smoker, always ask for a room that allows smoking. If you smoke in one of the hotel’s non-smoking room, you can be charged hefty fees.
