
There are many types of hotels, from five star to roadside motels. You can prevent a bad stay and have a good one by choosing a great hotel. For tips on finding and staying at a great hotel, read the information below.
Use travel websites, like Expedia and Priceline to find great hotel deals. If you belong to a hotel’s loyalty program, be sure to input that information when checking rates. Don’t neglect to check for other discounts in which you may qualify, including AAA and AARP.
Prior to reserving a room at a hotel, look on the Internet for reviews. One great site is TripAdvisor. These sites will allow you to see previous guests’ experiences at the hotels you are considering. Find out what actual customers say about the hotel and it can help you avoid a costly mistake.
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. This will cost you a little extra, but the convenience it provides is worth it.
Think about using room service if you want to enjoy late-night dining without needing to leave your hotel room. You will probably pay more for this meal, but for the convenience of having it delivered to your room, it is worth it.
Check with the organizations that you are a member with. Many of these places will give you cheaper hotel prices. People often forget about these discounts, which can be 10% or more. If you are planning to stay a few nights, this can really add up. A stay of 5 days or more could add up to one free hotel night stay!
When booking a hotel, you need to establish what you need and what you would ideally like from your stay. Price is one thing you should consider, but when you get a hotel you may want it near a certain place. Amenities like free WiFi, fitness facilities, a pool and free meals may also be important considerations. Ensure the hotel you are planning on staying at has the amenities you desire.
When thinking about the type of hotel you would like to stay at, there are plenty of options to consider. You should look at the price, but you should also look at the location that is most convenient for what you want to do. You may want free WiFi access, a convenient location, free long distance or a nice pool or gym. Look for the hotel that gives as many of the extra you desire as possible.
Hotel Search
Prior to booking your hotel room, search the Internet for deals. Often, the reservations clerk will not advise you that a better deal is available online. It is your duty to perform due diligence. Websites like Orbitz, Travelocity and Hotels.com usually have some great discounts.
Use hotel search tools online. These websites can help you quickly find the best value. 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. They can also give you information on nearby attractions, too.
Part of trip planning is knowing what time check-in is at your hotel. Many people show up before check-in time only to find out their room isn’t ready. Call the front desk to find out if it is alright for you to arrive before check-in.
When you arrive at your hotel, thoroughly inspect your room before unpacking. Is the room clean? Do you see any mold or mildew? Check the shower, toilet and sink to ensure they work properly. Do you have an adequate number of towels? If you spot any problems, make the front desk aware immediately so they can take care of it or move you to a room that meets your needs.
Don’t assume your hotel is pet-friendly. Even if a web listing says a hotel is pet friendly, call the hotel to verify. Ask what pet-friendly means at the establishment. There may be some restrictions.
You don’t want to assume that the hotel you will be staying in is considered pet friendly. 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. Also, speak to them about what they’re meaning by pet-friendly because they may not allow specific breeds or certain sizes of pets.
If you want a couples massage, book early. The best masseuses are booked well in advance.
Check your AAA membership for a hotel discount. You may be surprised that your auto club membership includes hotel discounts, but it does. You can save 5%, 10% or more at quality hotels throughout the country. This can add up in time!
If you have a AAA membership, look into hotel discounts included. You might be surprised to learn that your membership to the auto club also includes discounts on hotels. You can save upwards of 5% on your hotel stays. These savings quickly add up, especially if you are staying for multiple nights in a row.
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! For an early morning jog, get up and throw your gear on, and then head out the front door. It will give you a better perspective of the city you are visiting.
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! Get up early and dress for a jog in the early morning. Even if you stick to city streets, you will gain a better perspective on your destination city before you leave.
If you go out to travel quite a bit, it’s good to get signed up for a hotel’s loyalty program. These programs provide benefits to guests who book the same hotel regularly. You might earn a free upgrade, late checkout time, or other great perks.
Sign up for frequent guest programs at hotels. Many hotels offer membership programs that allow you to earn points for each of your stays. These points can be traded in for restaurant discounts, tickets to shows, free nights at the hotel, and much more.
If you often frequent the same hotel chains, look into their frequent stay membership programs. They work a lot like frequent flier miles do with airlines. You earn points in a similar way. These points add up to restaurant discounts, free nights, tickets to a show, spa treatments, and more.
To avoid major expenses on your final hotel bill, be sure to ask the sales representative about the price of hotel transfers first. A transfer can sometimes come with a substantial hidden cost. Inquiring about this in advance will maximize any savings.
If preserving the environment is of interest to you, you can chose a “green” vacation. There are several green hotels around. Newer hotels are often certified green and designed and built using green standards. Older hotels may choose to take “green” standards seriously, which is a great thing. Your travel agent can help to identify the environmentally friendly hotels.
Consider joining a membership program if you travel often. This allows you to earn points each time you book a room. You can use these points to purchase perks in the future.
When you look for bed bugs, start in the bathroom. This room is usually free from bugs. You can leave your bags there while you investigate the remainder of the room for bedbugs. Kids and pets can stay there as well.
Get an AAA membership for hotel perks when you travel. A membership with AAA not only provides you with hotel discounts but a guaranteed piece of mind when trying to rent a vehicle. Parents of younger children are likely to enjoy the free car seat provided in many locations.
Several people jump on the first hotel they see. This approach is gambling, and can hurt you. Use the tips here to find the best deals on great rooms.
In hotel rooms, avoid calling long distance if possible. Use the Internet, instead. Many hotels now offer Skype connections via Wi-Fi. This is much cheaper than paying for a bunch of long distance calls from your hotel room.