You are going to need to book a hotel during your life. Whether your stay involves business or pleasure, you should know what you’re looking for in any given hotel. Here is some advice that will prove to be of help.
Online travel websites can offer you a great deal on hotels with lots of choices, all on the same website. As you check your rates, don’t forget to include that you’re a loyalty program member. Also, as an added bonus, you may get discounts from other companies such as AAA or AARP.
You can find a lot of great deals on hotel rooms using online and check out some of the travel sites. If you are a member of the hotel’s loyalty program, be sure to input that information when checking rates. You might also have other discounts through AAA or AARP.
There are quite a few things you need to think over when you’re about to stay at a hotel. Of course price is a big deal, but a hotel close to where you are head is a big consideration. Other amenities that people look for are a gym, pool, free local phone calls, free Wi-Fi, and free breakfast. Seek to locate a hotel that provides lots of attractive amenities.
Consider taking advantage of room service when the urge strikes for a special meal without needing to go out. Although you will probably have to spend more money to do this, it is worth being able to comfortably dine in the room while in pajamas.
Don’t book a hotel room without looking for online deals. Many times, the reservation specialist won’t tell you of discounts when you call to book your room. This is why it’s up to you to search for these discounts. Use popular websites such as Jetsetter, SniqueAway, or RueLalaTravel.
You can use it to store your tablet and other expensive items in the hotel safe.
Plan your trip as far in advance as possible. There are quite a few hotels that will reward booking your room a few months in advance with nice discounts. Some of the most popular hotel chains can end up giving you up to 50 percent in savings.
Check in on the organizations that you are a member with. Some organizations offer big discounts on hotel prices. People often forget about these discounts, which may be for 10 percent or more off of your stay. It can add up to equal a free hotel night!
Don’t think every hotel is pet-friendly. Call ahead to their service desk and make sure, even if their website listing says they are. Also, ask what their definition of pet-friendly is, as there may still be restrictions on size or breed of pet allowed at the hotel.
There are several things to think about when booking a hotel. You may or may not care about such amenities such as a gym, a convenient location, WiFi or a free breakfast buffet. Try locating a tip that checks off as much of your desired amenities as possible.
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. Many of the top masseuses out there are booked far ahead of time.
Take advantage of online when searching for a hotel. These kinds of websites can help you to locate great deals fast.
If you’re a member of the AAA, you should see what your hotel membership discount will be. Did you know that this membership entitles you to hotel discounts? It’s possible you could save 5 percent or higher on hotels across the United States. Over multiple nights, that five percent will really add up.
There are some things you should do before taking your pet on a pet. Be sure that this hotel really does allow pets. Be sure to bring some bags on hand to make pet cleanup easy.
Do you travel on a periodic basis? If so, consider joining your hotel’s loyalty program. They provide rewards to those who stay with them often. Rewards can include free hotel stays, upgrades and late check-out times if you save up enough points.
Free Stays
If you stay in a particular hotel chain, ask about their membership program. 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.
It may be wise to join a hotel loyalty programs that your favorite hotels offer.They provide benefits to travelers who book the same hotel chain. You might earn a free upgrade, free stays, and even free stays when you get enough points.
Going green is a growing trend so it is no surprise that hotels are going green as well. There are a lot of eco-friendly hotels out there. Some of the newer hotels are built in a way that they get certified green. Some of the older hotels do implement green practices to be sure they are eco-friendly. Talk to a travel agent if you want to find hotels that are eco-friendly.
If you often frequent the same hotel chains, see about signing up for their frequent guest program. These hotel programs usually work by letting you rack up points. They can amount to show tickets, discounts at hotel restaurants, show tickets, spa deals and a whole lot more.
Try not to make long distance calls from your hotel room. Use your cell phone or the Internet. Skype connections are available in many hotels these days using Wi-Fi. 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.
If you care quite a bit about your environment, a green vacation is something to look into. The number of “green” hotels you can select from. Some hotels are built to green standards and are certified green. Some older inns just select one or more of eco-friendly practices to be environmentally aware. Talk to your travel agent in order to find the best green hotels.
Make sure that your family enjoys their stay by calling ahead to ensure the hotel’s swimming pool is working, Your kids and you will be very frustrated if the pool at your hotel is closed because of repairs when you arrive.
The timing for the hotel room has much to do with what you book it. Rooms are based on their availability. This will get you the very best price when it comes to hotel room.
If you are concerned about bed bugs, look in the bathroom first. Bedbugs are least likely to live here. Stow you suitcases and other items here and then take a good look at the rest of your room. It is a good place for pets or children to wait for a couple minutes as well.
Join a membership program to get deals on your stays. These programs allow you to collect points can translate into some major perks when you’re vacationing.
If you’re a smoker, then make sure you get a hotel with a smoking room. If you do not smoke, you might not want to go to a hotel with smoking rooms. Even if you book a non-smoking room, smoke can enter your room through air vents. Sometimes a smoker will get a non smoking room and still smoke in it. Think about staying at a hotel that is totally nonsmoking if you don’t want to stink when you check out.
Don’t call long distance in your hotel phone. Many hotels will give you complimentary Skype connections via Wi-Fi. You can stay connected with people back home by using this instead of a call from the phone in your hotel phone.
Be aware that it is normally not possible to check into a hotel early. You need to plan appropriately to avoid waiting in the lobby all day. The room has to be cleaned ahead of your check in. Check with the front desk if you arrive early, but do not be angry if they can’t get you in early.
It can prove rather frustrating when you and your children to arrive at a hotel expecting a pool and/or other activities only to find out it’s closed.
The bedspread might not be the cleanest linen in the room. While the staff may have washed the sheets prior to your stay, the comforter is not always washed. This bedspread is where you would find the bacteria and germs. Just remove this covering from the bed to have peace of mind.
Check to see if a hotel you’re looking to stay at is non-smoking or smoking. If you are a nonsmoker, you might want to stay away from hotels that offer smoking rooms. Smokers don’t always respect the fact that the room they are not supposed to smoke in.
Be prepared with a knowledge of your rights if a hotel ever tries to “walk” you. Occasionally, a hotel overbooks and your booked room is unavailable. This means that you’re going to have to go somewhere else. If you can’t avoid this make sure the room you get there is better or comparable and that they pay for the travel there.
Find out what the hotel handles pets. These hotels sometimes have odors sinking into the carpet and linens have absorbed them. Some hotels add an extra charge for pets, but some do not charge much. The fee may not be adequate to cover the extra cleaning involved.
Don’t pilfer the hotel towels or linens. As much as you may like the towels, washcloths or pillows, housekeeping is likely to notice any missing items, and the hotel may send you a bill for them. It’s better to ask the hotel management if you can buy new ones of your own.
Not every hotel will often have a very limited supply. Talk about these issues as you reserve your reservations.
You can get a cheaper price on a nice hotel if you book during their slow times of the year. This is the highest time for rates. If you book your rooms outside of tourist season, then you’ll get a better price because hotels are struggling to fill their empty rooms. You will have a better chance in getting a good rate.
Do not open that bottled water in your hotel room. You are very likely to be tired and thirsty when you check in. You can be tempted to casually open that bottle of water calling to you from the mini fridge. Hotels are well aware of this and will charge you a hefty fee for bottled water. Check out the hotel gym instead; they offer it for free. A better idea is to bring your own bottles.
Want a free upgrade? An excellent method of achieving an upgrade is simply showing up for your room right on time. A lot of the times your room may not be ready yet so they’ll give you a deal on a different room that’s better for free.
You can save money by not booking a hotel room rate if you book during the off season. Rates are at this time. This will allow you a real bargain.
To find great deals on hotels while in transit, check out rest stop tourist booklets. This will save you time and money.
Gas Stations
Some hotel rooms have excellent views, while others do not. If you do not have to pay more for a room with a good view, ask for one. Just having a better view can enhance your enjoyment of your hotel stay. There is no harm in asking if a room with a better view is available.
If you need to book a room while driving, check out rest areas or gas stations to find tourist books which will have maps, tourist centers and gas stations to find tourist books with maps of hotel locations, and great discounts. This way you can just call ahead and reserve the room instead of driving around looking for you.
Book your hotel travel during a special occasion. Complimentary items may be offered if you are traveling for an anniversary or a birthday. You might even get a bottle of bubbly! Although, lying about it may not be the best idea.
You hotel stay might be more pleasurable. For example, room service usually includes the tip; however, maid service billing does not include any tips. The tips you hand out at the staff ensures you are respected and liked.
Tipping the housekeeper who has tended to your room is a nice touch on your final day. You can usually skip tipping for other things, as your bill is likely to incorporate extra fees, but your maid needs a tip. Most people are quite messy in their rooms, so a tip is always appreciated.
Booking the right hotel room is a skill almost everyone needs at some point in their life. Whether you are staying for business or pleasure, it’s important you do your homework. The information from this article has shown you how to book a hotel and enjoy your stay.
If you are using a third-party website to secure your room, watch out for unannounced fees. Many of the websites do not include fees and charges. Read the fine print so you know any additional charges you’ll be paying.
