Reserving a hotel room can be overwhelming with the wide range of locations, amenities, and prices available. So doing a bit of research beforehand is essential. Figure out how much you want to spend and what amenities are important to you. Keep what you’re about to read here in your mind to have a stay that’s great.
Before you pick out your hotel you’re going to reserve a spot at, check out review sites online like TripAdvisor. These offer feedback from those who have recently stayed at the hotel you are considering booking. Find out what actual customers say about the hotel and it can help you avoid a costly mistake.
Check online hotel reviews prior to booking your stay. These types of sites let you read about real customers’ experiences with each hotel. Other customers can give you some valuable insight and help you choose the right place to stay.
Online travel sites like Orbitz and Expedia can help you find the lowest rates on hotel rooms. If you are in a hotel loyalty program, put your information in. You may also be eligible for deals that are offered to members of certain organizations, like AAA or AARP.
Compare prices at websites like Orbitz and Expedia to ensure that you receive the best available rate. If you are a member of the hotel’s loyalty program, don’t forget to add that information as you check rates. You can also get additional discounts from any organization you are apart of, such as the AAA or the AARP.
To keep your electronics safe when you are out of the hotel room, use the safe that you’ll find in your closet. You can place your costly items that are small into their safe, and then you won’t have to worry about these things as you go out.
To get a meal later at night order yourself some room service. While it may cost a little extra, it is worth it if you can stay in your comfortable room as you satisfy your cravings.
Always look for online deals before booking a hotel room. Many times, the person you book your room with will not tell you that you can get a discount online. So, it’s up personally to you to go searching for such discounts. Websites like Travelocity and Expedia can be a great way to do research on hotels.
Consider the benefits of any organization memberships you have. Some offer big discounts on hotel rooms. Some discounts can be over ten percent! You end up with an even bigger savings if your hotel stay is going to be for multiple nights. It may equate to one whole free night.
You can get better deals on hotel rooms if you book several weeks or months ahead. Most hotels have serious discounts for early booking customers. Even high end hotels can offer you a substantial savings this way.
Prior to making a hotel reservation, check for deals online. A lot of the time, when you book a room with someone, they’ll tell you there aren’t any online discounts. It is your responsibility to scour the Internet for these savings. Review the different websites, such as Jetsetter or SniqueAway.
If you need to have a pet stay with you in your hotel room, do a few things ahead of time. Ascertain that your hotel is really pet friendly. In addition, you will need numerous plastic bags and cleaning supplies so that you can make sure you clean up any messes your pet makes. When making your reservation, ask for a room at the end of the hall to spare other guests your pet noise.
Check your room when you arrive. Is it free of mildew and mold while being clean? Are the facilities operating correctly? Does your room feature the linens and towels you require? If you quickly note any problems, let the person at the front desk know so they can help you sort it out or give you a better room.
If you have a AAA membership, look into hotel discounts included. It may surprise you that AAA gives hotel discounts, but most of them do. You can save up to an additional five percent at certain hotels throughout the country. It really is a savings that adds up over time.
Do not make the assumption that your pets are welcome at all hotels. Even if the website says they are pet-friendly, always call in advance to verify. Get the term “pet-friendly” defined, as well. The hotel may not allow large dogs or certain types of pets.
If you want to keep up your running regimen on the road, make sure that your packing list includes lots of running clothes and a GPS watch. Enjoy a morning jog each day while on vacation. Even if you’re running down the city streets of roads, it will give you a new perspective of the city that you’re visiting.
If you want to take your pet along on a trip, take care of three tasks before you leave. First, inquire as to whether the hotel really is a pet-friendly place. Also, bring a lot of plastic sacks like ones from the grocery store so you can get your pet’s messes cleaned up. You should also see if you can get a room near the end part of the hallway to make sure other guests don’t have to put up with pet noise.
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 can get a free upgrade, restaurant gift certificates or even a free stay!
Loyalty Programs
You should always find out how much hotel transfers will cost before you book a room. If the room is the bargain, then an expensive transfer can ruin the whole savings. Be sure and inquire about this beforehand so that you get your savings.
For people who are frequent travelers, consider signing up for some loyalty programs with your favorite hotels. These programs provide perks to those who stay at a particular chain regularly. These loyalty programs allow you to earn free upgrades, late check outs and even free stays.
Become a AAA member if you want to make arranging hotel accommodations a bit simpler. Members of AAA receive many travel benefits including reduced hotel rates and lower car rental rates. Also, if you require a car seat, the rental company may provide you with one if you are a member of AAA.
Try out a green vacation. There are plenty of “green” hotels that take the environment into consideration. Many new hotels are certified as green hotels. Many older hotels are environmentally aware and have eco-friendly measures in place. Talk to your travel agent in order to find the best green hotels for your needs.
If you want to ensure happy kids while traveling, call the hotel ahead of time to check that the pools are open and in working order. Nothing is worse than having excited kids who find out they cannot go to the pool.
Timing matters when booking a hotel room. Availability is one factor that plays a part in cost. If possible, don’t make your reservation more than a day in advance. This is the best way to get the best prices. Empty rooms don’t earn a hotel any money, so they are willing to slash the price.
Be aware that it is normally not possible to check into a hotel early. Be sure to plan your arrival with that in mind, or you may be sitting in the lobby area for some time. Most hotels clean and prepare rooms at a certain time, so that they are ready for check-in. If you are early, don’t expect miracles.
Be sure to avoid hotel transfer fees by asking about them in advance. This is especially important if you run across an unbelievable deal. You save the most money when you ask about this beforehand.
Let the hotel know if you will be needing a crib or a rollaway bed. Such items usually have a limited amount of such extras. Also, you may face extra charges for the use of these items. Let the hotel know what you need to avoid anything that you will turn in a bad surprise.
In hotel rooms, avoid calling long distance if possible. Use the Internet, instead. You can access Skype with the Internet connection at your hotel. You can stay in touch with work or family without the high cost of a call from the phone in your room.
It you’re able to, try not to check out until it’s time for you to depart. Some hotels charge a fee for early departure. If you reserve a room for a set number of days but check out a day or two early, that hotel may charge a fee because they couldn’t book that room. They have to at least get something for the loss, thus an early departure charge.
Call ahead of arrival to see if the pool is open to keep the family happy. It can be extremely frustrating if you arrive at your hotel only to find out the pool is shut down for maintenance.
If you are concerned about good hygiene, do not use the bedspread given to you by the hotel. Your sheets should be fresh and clean but the bedspread is not washed after each guest. This can make it full of bacteria, germs, and other unknown elements. Just make sure you remove the bedspread.
The bathroom is the first place to go when checking for bed bugs in your hotel room. This room is usually free from bugs. That means your luggage will be safe there while you check out the other areas of the room. It is also a safe spot for your pets and kids.
You have rights in the event where a hotel needs to “walk” you. Hotels sometimes overbook, which means you discover that your reservation is unavailable. In these situations, the hotel may try to book you at another hotel, or “walk” you. This should only be a last resort and the other accommodations should be just as good or better and your trip there should be paid for as well.
You can find a hotel that offers you the amenities you desire at a price you can afford. Therefore, the next time you plan on staying in a hotel, keep these tips in mind. You’ll be rewarded with an enjoyable stay that fits your budget.
Do not open the bottled water in your hotel room. When you arrive at your hotel, you might be very thirsty. The mini fridge is calling your name. Hotels are entirely aware of this. That’s why they fill your mini-fridge with bottled water that costs ten times as much as it does at the store. Don’t fall for it. Often, hotels offer complementary water in their workout facilities. Or, just bring some of your own from home.
