What You Must Know About Choosing Your Hotel When Vacationing

Will you soon be taking a trip in which you will need to stay in a hotel? Are you interested in making the process easier for yourself? If so, you are in the right place. The following article is a compilation of great tips you can use immediately.

Find great prices at online travel sites like Orbitz and Expedia. If you are a member of a particular hotel’s loyalty program, remember to include that information when you are checking on rates. You may also be able to get discounts through AAA or AARP.

TIP! Use travel websites, like Expedia and Priceline to find great hotel deals. Make sure you notify the reservation clerk about any loyalty program you belong to with the hotel.

Consider ordering room service if you want a special meal without needing to go out. Although you will probably have to spend more money to do this, it’s usually worth the cost because you have the luxury of receiving excellent food without having to leave your hotel room.

If you are hungry when you get to your hotel and do not want to leave, consider ordering room service. It may cost more, but it’s convenient when you don’t feel like leaving.

TIP! To get a meal later at night order yourself some 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.

Always see if you can find deals online when you’re thinking of getting a hotel room. You might not learn from the person on the phone that you can actually get great discounts over the Internet, instead. This is why you should look for discounts yourself. Sites, such as Jetsetter, will let you know of any discounts available.

Use your hotel room’s safe to keep your valuables secure. Valuables can be placed there with confidence, allowing you to enjoy your day without worries.

TIP! To keep your electronics safe when you are out of the hotel room, use the safe that you’ll find in your closet. Putting these items in the safe ensures that you can go out and have fun, not worrying about what you’ve left in the room.

Once you get to your hotel, do not unpack until you check the room. Is it clean and free of mold and mildew? Does everything work? Make sure you have the linens, bath supplies and towels that you will need. 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.

When thinking about selecting a hotel, there are quite a few salient points to consider. Your budget comes first, but proximity to attractions is also important. Other amenities that people look for are a gym, pool, free local phone calls, free Wi-Fi, and free breakfast. Look for a hotel that provides you with the amenities that are a priority to you.

TIP! When thinking about the type of hotel you would like to stay at, there are plenty of options to consider. Of course, you must think of cost; however, proximity to attractions is also very important.

If you want to find the absolute rock bottom hotel prices, plan your trips weeks or months ahead of time. A lot of hotel locations offer discounts for reservations a month or more in advance. Even high end hotels can offer you a substantial savings this way.

Search for hotel deals online. Hotels don’t usually advertise their lowest rates, so you may have to ask. This is why you should look for discounts yourself. Use websites such as Jetsetter, SniqueAway or RueLaLaTravel.

TIP! Always look for online deals before booking a hotel room. Often, the only way to learn about discounts is to look online.

Do not make the assumption that your pets are welcome at all hotels. Call the hotel in advance to ensure the hotel is pet friendly. Verify exactly what is meant by “pet-friendly” since certain breeds and pets over a certain size may not be allowed.

Know your check-in time in advance. If you don’t check, the room may not be ready when you arrive. Call the front desk to find out if it is alright for you to arrive before check-in.

TIP! Be aware of when you can check into your room. If you don’t know you may end up waiting a long time.

If you’re taking a pet to the hotel, do some things beforehand. Be sure that the hotel really does allow pets. In addition, take along some plastic bags to pick up your pet’s mess. When you call to make reservations, try getting a room away from other guests so any noise your pet makes won’t bother people.

To benefit from the best prices at hotels, start planning your trips several weeks or even months in advance. A lot of places will give you a discount if you’re going to book about a month or so in advance. You can expect savings up to fifty percent if you book months in advance.

TIP! You can get better deals on hotel rooms if you book several weeks or months ahead. A lot of places will give you a discount if you’re going to book about a month or so in advance.

If you want to have a massage with your partner on your vacation, make sure that you schedule an appointment with a masseuse as early as possible. Often the best masseurs and masseuses at top resorts are booked by name, so if you do your planning early, you can make your experience sublime.

Do not assume that each hotel welcomes pets. Even if a web listing says a hotel is pet friendly, call the hotel to verify. Be certain you understand all rules pertaining to pets. Some hotels only allow certain types, sizes and breeds.

TIP! Don’t think every hotel is pet-friendly. Even if a web listing says a hotel is pet friendly, call the hotel to verify.

Frequent travelers can benefit from loyalty programs offered by many hotels. They provide benefits to travelers who regularly stay in the same hotel chain. You will be able to earn stuff like a free upgrade, an allowance to check out late, and even free stays when you get enough points.

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.

TIP! If you’re going to be wanting a massage at your hotel, book it well in advance. The best practitioners go fast, so make your reservation early and book by name where possible.

If you are always staying at the same chain, find out about the programs they offer to frequent guests. Similar to how you earn points from frequent flyer programs, hotels offer you similar rewards for your stay. 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.

If you belong to the AAA, see what kinds of discounts the hotel offers. You could also get a surprise that you have an auto club membership that gives you hotel discounts. You can save up to an additional five percent at certain hotels throughout the country. This is a savings that can really add up over several nights.

TIP! If you belong to AAA, see what kinds of discounts the hotel offers. You may be surprised that your auto club membership includes hotel discounts, but it does.

If you are worried about the environment, consider taking a “green” vacation. The great thing is there are plenty of green hotels you can select from. Some newer hotels have been built green and are certified green. Hotels that have been around for a while may employ a variety of eco-friendly practices. Ask your booking agent about green hotels.

Many hotels have loyalty programs available to customers who travel often. These programs provide benefits to guests who book the same hotel regularly. You might receive an upgrade at no cost or be allowed to check out later than others with your points.

TIP! If you travel often, consider signing up for a loyalty program with your favorite hotel chain. They provide rewards to those who stay with them often.

Get an AAA membership for hotel perks when you travel. AAA members receive excellent discounts on hotels, car rentals and other attractions. Some places provide free car seats too.

If you go to the same hotel often, see if they have frequent stay programs you can become a member of. Similar to frequent flyer programs, some hotels have programs that give point for each stay. You can exchange these points for discounts and freebies at the hotel and its restaurant. You may also be able to use them on local amenities.

TIP! If you go to the same hotel often, see if they have frequent stay programs you can become a member of. Similar to frequent flyer programs with an airline company, hotel programs will typically give you points for each visit.

Your children will be happy when you call the hotel to make sure their pool is open and working. It is extremely frustrating for you and your children to arrive at a hotel expecting a pool and/or other activities only to discover that there are none.

The timing for your booking of a hotel room has much to do with what you pay. Hotels price rooms in part based on availability. If it’s possible, your room should be booked around a day in advance or more. This will get you the best hotel rates. The hotel will earn no money at all if the room is empty, which gives you a much better bargaining position.

TIP! The cost of your hotel room largely depends on the dates on which you plan to stay there. Hotels price rooms in part based on availability.

If you are searching a hotel for bed bugs, you should check the bathroom first. Bedbugs are rarely seen in this room. It makes a safe place to keep your luggage when looking for bedbugs elsewhere in the room. If you have pets or children with you, ask them to wait in the bathroom too.

Making a long distance call from a hotel room should be avoided. Try using the Internet, instead. The hotel may even offer Skype calls via Wi-Fi. You can stay in touch with work or family without the high cost of a call from the phone in your room.

TIP! Try to avoid long distance calling in hotel rooms. Use the Internet, instead.

Be aware that it is normally not possible to check into a hotel early. Unless you’re okay with waiting for your room to be ready, plan your timing wisely. Usually, hotels have your room cleaned prior to check-in time. If you arrive earlier than your check-in time, you can always ask the front desk and see if they can let you in.

Find out how the hotel handles pets. You may wish to stay away from hotels that permit pets if you have allergies or you fear certain animals. These hotels may also have an odor due to the smells sinking in the floor and linens. Some hotels charge a nominal fee for pets, while others charge substantially more. The fee may cover totally or partially the cost of the extra cleaning involved.

TIP! Find out how the hotel handles pets. If you’re scared of pets or are allergic, you might want to stay away from pet-friendly hotels.

If you need a crib, ask for it as you reserve the room. Not every hotel will have these items available, and the ones that do only have limited quantities. Also, these things can cost extra. Talk about your needs when you reserve a spot so you don’t get surprised with something you won’t like.

You should know that you generally aren’t going to be able to do an early check-in at a hotel. Plan to arrive at the proper check-in time so you don’t find yourself wandering around the hotel’s lobby for hours. Hotels usually need to get the room cleaned and ready before you check in. If you happen to show up early just ask if your room was prepared early, but they’re most likely going to say no.

TIP! Know that you may not be able to check-in early at some hotels. Be sure you plan according to this rule unless you desire to sit in the lobby for quite some time.

When your hotel attempts to “walk” you, don’t stand for it! You might find that a room you booked isn’t available when you arrive because they overbooked. The hotel “walks” you to a new hotel nearby. If you do choose to move, be sure that you get a better room and your travel is paid for.

When making your reservation, make sure to specify if you need a rollaway or a crib. Not every hotel will be able to accommodate you. Some hotels will include an additional fee if you want to rent these items during your stay. Discuss these needs when making your reservation to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

TIP! If needed, always ask about the availability of a crib or roll-away at the time you reserve the room. Most hotels only have so many of these items to go around, and some hotels may not have any at all.

If you learned one thing from this article, it should be the importance of research when looking for the perfect hotel. These tips will help you get the job done right. Use it to your advantage and enjoy yourself.

If possible, don’t check out earlier than intended. If you do, then you could be charged an extra departure fee for early checkout. Booking a hotel room means the hotel is going to take that specific room off of their market. If you wind up leaving early, then they’ll be losing money for every day that you don’t stay. That’s why they will charge you a fee for early departure.

TIP! If you can, avoid checking out before the day you are scheduled to. This could result in a charge for early departure.