Sooner or later, everyone needs to crash in a hotel room. Many people regret their decision to stay in a particular hotel chain because they didn’t research prior to making reservations. You have found the right article. In this article, you will be provided with tips to help ensure you have a great stay!
Prior to booking a hotel, refer to TripAdvisor and similar online travel review sites. You will be able to see the most recent reviews. These reviews can help you decide which hotel you should select.
Room service is one of the best parts about a hotel. How else could you possibly enjoy a midnight snack without leaving your bed? While this could cost you a little more, it will be worth it because you can stay in your room and take care of the cravings you’re having.
Use travel websites to find the most competitive prices for hotel chains online. Join the loyalty program for any hotel chain that you love and believe you’ll stay with often. Some organizations like AAA and AARP offer lodging discounts for a variety of hotel chains.
Many things must be considered when choosing the right hotel. Price is one thing you should consider, but when you get a hotel you may want it near a certain place. Amenities such as complimentary WiFi, free local calls, complimentary breakfast, a gym and pool and a convenient restaurant are also important considerations. Choose an establishment that offers the amenities you desire.
Be sure to put all valuables, such as jewelry and electronics, in the hotel safe. Anything of value can be securely locked in the safe, then you won’t have to worry about your valuables while out enjoying yourself for the day.
Inspect the room before unpacking. Is it clean? Does the plumbing work right? Is the room adequately stocked with towels and linens? 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.
Find out if any organization to which you belong offers good discounts. There are times when an organization will give you great deals on the price of hotels. Many people don’t remember these discounts, which can save them 10% or more. For extended stays, this can really add up. Over the course of a week it’s nearly a free night!
Be clear about check-in time at the hotel you have booked. Many hotel guests will forget their check-in time; therefore, they will arrive at the hotel just to discover that they cannot check in yet. Call the hotel if you are early and find out if your room is ready.
There are a number of things to consider when deciding which hotel to stay at. While price is obviously a factor, you may want to think about room size and amenities as well. A gym, pool, free breakfast, free wireless Internet, free local calls, and all kinds of other things may be important. Try to get a room that fits your needs, then start shopping by price.
Don’t assume a hotel is pet-friendly. Even if the website says they are pet-friendly, always call in advance to verify. Also, speak to them about what they’re meaning by pet-friendly because they may not allow specific breeds or certain sizes of pets.
Use online search tools for hotels. You can use such websites to discover great deals with ease and speed. Hotel search websites also let you see the regular rates of hotels, so you can compare and see whether a supposed deal is really a good one. You can also use them to explore the area around the hotel for recreation.
It is wise to join a hotel loyalty program if you travel frequently. They offer rewards to guests who book the same hotel chain frequently. You can get a free upgrade, restaurant gift certificates or even a free stay!
Always look for online deals before booking 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. It’s your job to find them yourself. Websites like TripAdvisor, Expedia, and Jetsetter always have promising bargains for certain hotels that you won’t find anywhere else for a better price.
Green Hotels
Upon arriving at your hotel, check your room before you unpack. Is the room clean and free from mildew or mold? Do the toilet, sink and shower work properly? Are you given the linens and towels that you’re going to need? If you notice any deficiencies in your room, immediately call the front desk so you can resolve these issues, or if the problems are too severe, move you to another room.
If you are an environmentally conscious traveler, you should look into “green” hotels. Green hotels can feature specialized recycling programs, may only use recyclable products and use environmentally friendly cleaning supplies. Many new hotels are certified as green hotels. Many older hotels will still be environmentally aware by utilizing some eco-friendly practices. Talk to your travel agent in order to find the best green hotels for your needs.
In order to get the best prices for hotel stays, you will want to plan your trip several weeks or months beforehand. You can get some great discounts if your trip is booked several months into the future. You may save 50 percent or more.
Never use the hotel phone for long distance calls. If you don’t have a cell phone or the Internet, buy a calling card to keep with you during your trip. Some hotels now provide Skype via Wi-Fi. You can stay connected with friends, family and business colleagues this way, rather than making expensive long distance calls.
If your pet is coming to a hotel with you, there are a few things you need to do in preparation. Find out if the hotel allows pets. Also, bring a lot of plastic sacks like ones from the grocery store so you can get your pet’s messes cleaned up. Reserving a room near the end of a hallway will keep other guests from being disturbed by your pet.
Call ahead to your hotels to make certain the swimming pools are ready for your kids. It can prove rather frustrating when you check in to your room with the kids screaming “pool” only to find out it’s closed.
Many hotels have loyalty programs available to customers who travel often. They provide benefits to anyone who stays at a hotel chain frequently. Enjoy late check out, bonus upgrades and free nights with the loyalty paints you have earned.
If you are a smoker, know the smoking policy for the hotel in which you are staying. There are sometimes rooms designated for people who smoke. If that is the case, you should ask for one of those rooms. If you don’t, you can be hit with some major penalties for lighting up in a non-smoker’s room.
If you often stay at a certain type of hotel, ask about the “frequent stay” program. Many hotels offer membership programs that allow you to earn points for each of your stays. Over time, these points can really add up, allowing you to enjoy numerous upgrades, spa visits, restaurant discounts, and even free nights at the hotel.
It is not always possible to check-in early. Be sure you plan according to this rule unless you desire to sit in the lobby for quite some time. The hotel must clean each room prior to the next visitor taking it. You can inquire about checking in early, but do not expect that you’re going to be able to do it.
What you will be charged for a room, depends on when it’s booked. The price of a hotel room varies with availability. If you can, don’t make your reservation more than one day prior to your stay. This will net you the best price when it comes to hotel rooms. Hotels don’t earn money on empty rooms, so they are often willing to reduce the price.
If you are going to need a rollaway bed or crib, specify this when booking your room. Some hotels do not provide these things, and the ones that do usually have limited quantities. Additionally, you may need to pay an extra fee. Talk about your needs when you reserve a spot so you don’t get surprised with something you won’t like.
Get a membership to AAA to make booking hotel arrangements a breeze when you travel. AAA members are given many discounts and booking privileges on hotel rooms and rental vehicles. It is definitely worth looking into.
Know what the industry term “walk” means when booking a room. Hotels sometimes over-book, and this can leave you without a room. The hotel will then send or “walk” you to another hotel. Avoid getting “walked” whenever you can, but if you have to switch hotels, be certain that your reservation there is equivalent or even an upgrade.
Always avoid making long distance calls from your hotel room. Try using the Internet, instead. Some hotels now provide Skype via Wi-Fi. But the Internet is infinitely useful while traveling so it is usually worth it.
To summarize, there are going to be times when you have to book a hotel room. If you don’t research properly, you may find yourself in a dreadful hotel. With articles like the one you just read, you’ll find the perfect hotel for your vacation.
Determine what the policy on smoking is if you smoke. A lot of places have specific rooms just for people who smoke. So be sure to request one of these rooms. If you don’t, you can be hit with some major penalties for lighting up in a non-smoker’s room.
