Do you dread making hotel selections and reservations for fear of complexity and making bad choices? Well, this article is here to help. In this article, we will discuss the ins and outs of selecting a good hotel. Use this knowledge the next time you are traveling.
To get the very best prices for the hotels that you’d like to visit, use travel sites online 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. Some organizations like AAA and AARP offer lodging discounts for a variety of hotel chains.
Would you like to enjoy the comfort of enjoying an incredible evening meal with your loved one without having to dress up and leave your room? If so, consider using room service. Sure, it might cost a bit more, but it is completely worth it to be able to kick back and relax, while your food comes to you.
Be sure to keep your valuables and electronics secure by locking them in your hotel room’s safe. You can stash your expensive electronics and jewelry in the safe and go about your day without worry.
Many things must be considered when choosing the right hotel. You should look at the price, but you should also look at the location that is most convenient for what you want to do. Amenities that you might personally want or need include a swimming pool or gym, on-site restaurant, continental breakfast and free Wi-Fi or local calls. Seek to locate a hotel that provides lots of attractive amenities.
Consider the benefits of any organization memberships you have. Many of them offer hotel discounts to members. People often forget that they are eligible for these discounts, which may be for 10 percent or more off of your stay. You end up with an even bigger savings if your hotel stay is going to be for multiple nights. This can also net you a free hotel night.
Book any massage appointments you make early. Frequently, the best massage people will be booked by name. This means that if you book early, you’ll have a better experience.
When thinking about the type of hotel you would like to stay at, there are plenty of options to consider. Price is one factor, however you may also need your hotel to be close to a particular destination. What about free breakfast, local calls, wifi or swimming pool? Shop around for a hotel that has the features that are most important to you.
Are you a AAA member? If so, hotels may provide you a discount. It may come as a surprise to find that an auto club membership offers hotel discounts, but that is the case. You can save 5 percent or more on your hotel stay just by showing your membership card. Over multiple nights, that five percent will really add up.
When get to your hotel, inspect the room before unpacking. Is the room clean? Do you see any mold or mildew? Are the toilet, shower and sink functioning properly? Are linens and towels in ample supply? If you find obvious problems, notify the front desk right away so the hotel can correct the problems or they can assign a different 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. They add up to free nights, discounts at hotel restaurants, show tickets, spa deals and a whole lot more.
Make certain you know when your check-in time is. Some people end up waiting for their room to be available because they forget to check this critical detail. Call and ask if you think you’ll be early.
People who care about the environment may be more comfortable staying in a hotel that is eco-friendly. Fortunately, there are many green hotels to choose from today. Some of the newer hotels are certified green. Older hotels might change practices to be more green. Talk with a travel agent to find green hotels.
Planning for a trip months or even just weeks in advance can often get you a better rate for your hotel room. If you book one or two months in advance, you can often receive a discount. You can save up to 50 percent, even on elite hotel chains.
The cost of your hotel will vary depending on when you make your reservation. Availability dictates the prices of hotel rooms. Book your room more the day before you need it if you can. This will get you a great price on your room. A room that’s empty won’t help the hotel, so generally they will get the price lowered.
If you’re interested in the massage services of a hotel you intend to stay at, reserve your appointment ahead of time. Experience a truly special moment with a top masseur or masseuse by asking for your appointment well in advance.
If you don’t want to get a big expense on the hotel bill you get, speak to the place about hotel transfers prior to booking things. Particularly if you are getting a discount, the fee associated with the transfer may be high. If you know this upfront, you can save more money.
One of the best bonuses of a AAA membership is great discounts on booking a hotel. Many people are surprised to see hotel discounts included with their auto club membership. You may be able to save upwards of five percent at hotels nationwide. This can add up in time!
Joining certain clubs that let you accrue points can help you reap major benefits from your regular hotel stays. The more points you get, the more free stays you can use for vacations.
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! Simply set an alarm or get a wake up call and take an early morning run. It’ll let you explore the city in a new way.
A membership in AAA can make booking a hotel easier when you travel. AAA members are given many discounts and booking privileges on hotel rooms and rental vehicles. It’s great to know that you can count on both of these things.
If you book accommodations often, hotel loyalty programs are good to participate in. They offer benefits to people that stay at the same chain quite often. You might receive an upgrade at no cost or be allowed to check out later than others with your points.
If you’re traveling with kids, be sure that you check on the pools to ensure they’re open and in service. There are few things as frustrating as showing up to a hotel, with your kids chomping at the bit to get in the pool, only to have it closed for repairs.
Remember that hotel chains often provide loyalty programs offering excellent discounts. Similar to how you earn points from frequent flyer programs, hotels offer you similar rewards for your stay. In time you may even get to stay there for free!
Check in the bathroom first for bed bugs. This room is usually free from bugs. So, that means it’s the best place to stash your luggage and other belongings as you inspect the remainder of your suite. It is also a safe spot for your pets and kids.
Inquire about the price of a transfer before you place a booking. Especially in situations where the price of the room represents a major deal, the hidden cost of the transfer can often make the difference. You will save more by asking about such a thing in advance.
Always ask about the hotel’s smoking policy 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. Otherwise, you might find yourself paying a high fee for smoking in a room that is designated as non-smoking.
In order to enhance your hotel visits, especially when traveling for work, you should consider joining membership programs that hotels provide. Examples include membership programs provided by Marriott or Choice Hotels. Each hotel stay can accrue points towards vacation perks.
You should be aware of the hotel’s policy concerning pets. It may be best to stay clear of hotels that accept pets if you are afraid of dogs or are allergic to pets. These hotels sometimes have odors because the carpet and linens have absorbed them. Depending on the hotel, you may be expected to pay extra for keeping a pet, but it isn’t usually a large sum. It might not cover deep cleaning.
If you wish to have happy kids while you’re on the road, be sure you call a hotel to see if they have a working pool at the time. Your kids and you will be very frustrated if the pool at your hotel is closed because of repairs when you arrive.
In most cases, an early check-in just isn’t possible. Be sure to plan your arrival with that in mind, or you may be sitting in the lobby area for some time. Hotels use these in between hours to make sure rooms are cleaned and ready for the next occupant. You can see if your room is ready should you arrive early. However, do not count on it.
If you are searching a hotel for bed bugs, you should check the bathroom first. You probably won’t find any bedbugs in the bathroom. This is the best place to put your bags while you look around. It is a good place for pets or children to wait for a couple minutes as well.
Once you have the right knowledge on hand, you can ensure that you’re booking the right hotel. If you use the advice that you read in this article, booking your next hotel shouldn’t be a chore. Just be patient and keep learning.
If you smoke, it is important to know what the hotel’s smoking policy is before you book your room. Certain hotels provide rooms that are specifically for people who smoke. If this is the case, then you shouldn’t be shy when asking for this type of room. If you don’t, you can be hit with some major penalties for lighting up in a non-smoker’s room.
