Going On A Trip? Check Out These Hotel Tips Before Booking Your Stay

Have you thought about getting a hotel and for it not to be too difficult to deal with? This article is filled with great tips on finding the perfect hotel for your key to a less frustrating experience. Continue to read if you want to learn more.

Be sure to keep your valuables and electronics secure by locking them in your hotel room’s 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.

TIP! If you take a lot of electronic gadgets with you on a trip, lock them up in the safe when away from the room. You can stash your expensive electronics and jewelry in the safe and go about your day without worry.

Consider taking advantage of room service when the urge strikes for a special someone. While you’re likely to pay a little more, it will be worth it because you can stay in your room and take care of the cravings you’re having.

Check the organizations that you’re a member of. Many clubs, groups and organizations are able to get members discounted hotel rates. Many people forget to do this and miss out on saving a sizable amount of money. These discounts can save you quite a bit of cash, particularly if your stay involves several nights. It can add up to almost a free hotel night!

TIP! Check with the organizations that you are a member with. Some organizations will receive discounts for different reasons from different hotels.

Check in on the organizations that you’re a member of. Many of them offer hotel discounts for members. People frequently forget these discounts are available, which can often be 10% and higher. It can add up to equal a free hotel night!

When making a hotel selection, you should consider many things. Of course you want to consider price, but you should also consider the hotel’s location. What about free breakfast, local calls, wifi or swimming pool? Seek out hotels that offer amenities that appeal to you.

TIP! There are things to think about when choosing a hotel. Price is one, but a prime location is another.

Take advantage of search tools provided online when searching for a hotel. These sites allow you to find great deals fast.

The Internet is a great place to research hotels. There are a lot of websites that have great deals and other useful tools to help you comparison shop to find the right hotel at the right price. Being able to comparison shop helps you find the best value, while getting the amenities that are important to you. They can also give you information on nearby attractions, too.

TIP! Take advantage of search tools online. These sites can help you get good deals.

Check your hotel room when you arrive. Is the room mildew-free and mold? Are linens and towels? If you have any problem with the room, immediately notify the hotel staff so they can fix it or move you to another room.

Don’t unpack upon arrival without checking your hotel room first. Your room should definitely be neat and should not have any odd smells, suspicious stains or mildew. Do the sink, shower and toilet work properly? Is the room adequately stocked with towels and linens? 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.

TIP! Once you get to your hotel, do not unpack until you check the room. Is it clean? Check the shower, toilet and sink to ensure they work properly.

Know the hotel’s check-in times. Some people neglect asking what the check-in time is and get to the hotel when their room to be available because they forget to check this critical detail.Call and ask if it is alright for you think you’ll be early.

Know when check-in time is. Some people fail to check when they will be able to access their rooms. They arrive at the hotel but find that their room isn’t ready yet. If you anticipate arriving before check-in time, make a call to the hotel and inquire if you can arrive early.

TIP! Find out the exact time for check-in and check-out. Some people forget to find out what time they are allowed in their room; they show up at the hotel only to find their room is not yet ready.

Plan your trip in advance as possible.Many locations offer discounts if you book more than a month or two ahead of time.You might even be able to save up to fifty percent if you book months in advance.

Although many hotels have certain rooms that allow pets, never assume your hotel will without researching ahead of time. Call before you book so that you know for sure. Ask about their pet policy. Many hotels have restrictions on the breed and size of pet allowed on the premises.

TIP! Most hotels are not pet-friendly. Call the hotel to verify, even if it says so on the website.

There are three different things you must do before bringing your pet along on your vacation. Be sure that the hotel will be friendly to pets.Be sure to bring some bags on hand to make pet cleanup easy.

If you travel a lot, you should consider joining hotel loyalty programs. They offer benefits to people that stay at the same chain quite often. You might earn a free upgrade, late checkout time, or other great perks.

TIP! Do you travel a lot? Consider using a hotel loyalty program. Loyalty programs provide frequent guests benefits for booking with them on a regular basis.

Book massages as far ahead of time as possible to guarantee you get the perfect couples massage for you and your significant other.The best professionals are often in high demand, and you don’t want to miss out.

Going green is a growing trend so it is no surprise that hotels are going green as well. There are many hotels that feature green amenities. There are newer hotels that were built to be environmentally friendly. Also, older hotels often make several changes to become eco-friendly. Ask around for hotels that are friendly to the environment.

TIP! If you are concerned about the environment, you may want to take a “green” vacation. Many hotels offer environmentally friendly standards today.

If you belong to AAA, it may qualify you for a hotel discount. You may not know that your membership to the auto club also includes discounts on hotels. You can save five percent at certain hotels. This can really add up in time!

If you do a great deal of traveling, consider joining hotel chain loyalty programs. This way, when you stay at a hotel, you can get points and then turn those points into free stuff that you can do with your family.

TIP! For those frequent travelers, it may be better to build loyalty and perks by joining the membership club of your favorite hotel. You will build up points with that hotel for added benefits.

If you often frequent the same hotel chains, check out their membership programs for frequent guests. These hotel programs usually work by letting you points for each stay.You can accumulate points that you can redeem for free hotel stays, show tickets, and all types of entertainment.

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. Those with youngsters will be grateful for the free car seats.

TIP! One way to get discounts on hotel rooms is to join AAA. The discounts at many hotel chains and deals on car rentals can more than pay for the AAA membership fees.

The price for any give hotel will vary depending on when you book the room. Rooms in hotels are typically priced based on their availability. This will usually ensure that you the best available price.

Be careful not to make long distance phone calls on the hotel phone. Rather, use a web tool. You’ll often find hotels have free Wi-Fi, which allows for Skype calling long distance numbers for free. 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.

TIP! Be careful not to make long distance phone calls on the hotel phone. Try using the Internet, instead.

Join a loyalty program to get deals on business trips. These programs allow you to collect points can be applied toward further travels.

When traveling with children, check with the hotel ahead of time to ascertain that the pool is usable. It can be extremely frustrating if you arrive at your hotel only to find out the pool is shut down for maintenance.

TIP! Call ahead to your hotels to make certain the swimming pools are ready for your kids. There is nothing worse than having to tell your excited kids they cannot swim.

It is extremely frustrating when you check in to your children to arrive at a hotel expecting a pool and/or other activities only to find out it’s closed.

Determine whether or not the hotel you are considering allows smoking or not. If you are a nonsmoker, you may want to avoid hotels that offer smoking rooms. You could still get a non-smoking room, but smoke can flow through the air and settle on your clothes. Smokers often don’t care that their room is non-smoking, too. Choose a non-smoking hotel to a smoke smell on your clothes.

TIP! Make sure to ask up front if the hotel allows smoking or does not. If you’re someone who doesn’t like cigarette smoke, you may want to find a different hotel.

Start looking in the hotel bathroom when checking for bed bugs in a hotel. This is where bedbugs are least likely to find them. It is a good place for pets or children to wait for a moment too.

Be aware that you can’t normally check-in early at your hotel. Make sure you plan around your check-in time, or you will be forced to sit in a lobby to wait for your room. The hotel must clean each room prior to the next visitor taking it. 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! Remember, that early check-ins are a rarity in most hotels. So, you may have to sit for a while in the lobby or find a way to occupy yourself until checking in if you are going to be arriving early.

Be sure you know what the hotel smoking policy is if you smoke. A lot of hotels have smoker’s rooms. Ask for those rooms if you are available. If you smoke in one of the hotel’s non-smoking room, you can be hit with some major penalties for lighting up in a non-smoker’s room.

If you book a room during a heavy occupancy period, don’t be surprised if you have a mandatory stay of a few days or more. If you check out early, you could be liable for early checkout fees. Upon reserving a hotel room, you tie up that room in the hotel. This means that your early departure results in the hotel losing money. They will charge a departure fee so they get back what they lose.

TIP! If it’s possible, try not to check out before the departure date you had originally scheduled. If you do, then you could be charged an extra departure fee for early checkout.

Find out what the hotel handles pets. These hotels sometimes have odors because the floor and linens have absorbed them. Some hotels add an extra charge for pets, and the charge is not much in some places.The fee may be for any cleaning costs.

If you are concerned about good hygiene, do not use the bedspread given to you by the hotel. The blankets and sheets under the bedspread are typically washed between guests, however the top cover is not. This can make it full of bacteria, germs, and other unknown elements. Take the bedspread off of the bed.

TIP! For hygienic purposes, you may want to avoid using the bedspread that the hotel provides. Hotel sheets are laundered daily; however, bedspreads are not.

Don’t pilfer the linens.

Be aware of your rights in the event that a hotel attempts to “walk” you. When you check-in, you may discover the room you secured isn’t actually available. That means the hotel will send you to another establishment, or “walk” you. Try to avoid this if you can, but if not, make sure that you are given a room that is equal to or better than the one you booked. They should also provide you with transportation to get to the other hotel.

TIP! 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. This will require that you have to stay at a different hotel.

You can get some money if you book a flight and hotel at the same time. Travel sites typically offers savings to people who book both your flight and hotel.

Resist the temptation to indulge in your hotel’s bottled water! Sure, you might be a little thirsty after checking into your new room. You can be tempted to casually open that bottled water beckoning on the mini-fridge. Hotels take advantage of guests by charging ridiculous amounts for bottled water. You might be able to get free bottled water in the hotel gym. Or better yet, bring your own bottled water.

TIP! Do not open the bottled water in your hotel room. You are very likely to be tired and thirsty when finally arriving to a hotel.

Tipping the hotel staff can ensure you have a more pleasant stay. For example, the bill for room service usually includes the tip; however, but you must tip the maid yourself. Tipping whill show you appreciate what they do and you will be seen as a patron that deserves respect during your stay.

You can get lower hotel rates by booking during off season. The rates are going to be sky high. Instead, try booking your rooms in the off season because hotels want to have as many rooms filled as possible. You will have a greater chance of getting a fantastic rate.

TIP! Don’t book your hotel during peak periods. This is the highest time for rates.

Some hotels rooms have better view than others.If the view quality does not impact the price of the room, try to get a room with a nice view. A room with a view will make your vacation to another level. It doesn’t hurt to ask if there are rooms that have better views.

In the event that you have to make hotel reservations while you’re on the road, stop at a tourist center or local gas station for information or a free booklet, and you may also find valuable coupons. This will give you the opportunity to call for a room, instead of driving around for hours trying to get the best deal.

TIP! You can search various tourist centers for books that include hundreds of coupons for local hotel chains. This is one of the best ways to get a great deal without using the Internet, but you’ll have to use a hotel that’s in the book.

Use special occasion as an opportunity to book a hotel room. Hotels sometimes offer freebies to guests when they know you are celebrating a milestone birthday or anniversary. You could even talk them into some free bottle of champagne bottle or a similar thing.

Sometimes, a hotel room will have a view that’s great when compared to others. If the great view doesn’t cost more, see if you can get a room with a view. A good view will make your stay more pleasant. It won’t hurt you to ask them if they can get you a room with a better view.

TIP! Some rooms will have better views than others. Request a room with a great view if you can.

You will never know if you never ask.

Never pay the advertised price at hotels. A savvy traveler knows not to pay this “rack rate.” In truth, hotels typically expect road warriors to negotiate the price. Just give the hotel a call to see if you can get a great deal. They are usually quite happy to accommodate you with a better price or a few extras. Various travel sites offer deep discounts.

TIP! Don’t pay the rate advertised. Savvy travelers never pay the “rack rate”.

Watch out for extra charges and hidden fees if you are using a site other than that of the hotel’s to make hotel reservations from third-party websites. Many times the quotes you are given do not reflect all of the fees and charges.

Book a hotel stay for your special occasions. Hotels may throw in complimentary stuff if they know you are celebrating a milestone birthday or anniversary. Sometimes, you will be presented with free champagne. However, make sure you always tell the truth about these events.

TIP! Book your hotel stay for a special occasion. On birthdays and anniversaries, hotels will often delivery complimentary items.

The quality might not stay consistent among different establishments in a chain. It is the best to check each hotel individually so there will be no surprises when you get there.

Ask the hotel clerk about the best deals available. Even if they’re not able to lower a price on a room you may get perks like a free breakfast. It never hurts to ask!

TIP! To save money on your hotel stay, ask the employee booking your room if you can get a discount. They can’t always lower the price, but they may be able to add a few additional perks to improve your stay.

A lot of hotels spiff up their hotel brochures and websites are enhanced with Photoshop. Make an effort to see what the hotel from a third party.

TIP!

After reading this article, you should be much better informed about what to look for in a hotel. It will help you out a lot along the way. Just remember that you can take your time and generally you’ll come out on top of things.

TIP!