Going On Vacation? Check Out These Tips Before Booking Your Hotel!

Most people have stayed at a bad hotels in the past. It can become a costly error that no one really wants to repeat.

Before booking your hotel room, look to online review sites for in depth reviews from recent travelers. This gives you first-hand accounts of people’s experiences in each hotel. Find out what actual customers say about the hotel and it can help you avoid a costly mistake.

TIP! Before you choose a hotel and make reservations, check online review sites, such as TripAdvisor. Here you can get first-hand reports of the experience people had staying at different hotels.

Consider ordering room service during your special someone. While this could cost you a little more, it’s worth having the convenience of staying in your room (and in your pajamas) while you wait to satisfy those nocturnal cravings.

Use online travel sites, such as Expedia and Orbitz, to find the best prices at the hotels you want to stay at. If you are a member of a hotel loyalty program, make sure to indicate this when searching for rates. You may also be able to get good discounts due to AAA or AARP membership.

TIP! Find great hotel room prices by checking out travel websites like Orbitz and Expedia. If you belong to a hotel’s loyalty program, be sure to input that information when checking rates.

There are things you should consider when booking a hotel. Amenities such as complimentary WiFi, a gym, complimentary breakfast, and other amenities may be things that you prefer. Try locating a hotel that offers as many of your desired amenities as possible.

Room service is great for late meals. Although you will probably have to spend more money to do this, it’s usually worth the cost because you have the luxury of receiving excellent food without having to leave your hotel room.

TIP! If you are hungry when you get to your hotel and do not want to leave, consider ordering room service. While you’re likely to pay a little more, it’s worth having the convenience of staying in your room (and in your pajamas) while you wait to satisfy those nocturnal cravings.

Take advantage of online hotel searching for a hotel. These websites can help you quickly find great deals quickly.

There are several things you should consider when booking a hotel. Of course, you must think of cost; however, proximity to attractions is also very important. You may want free WiFi access, a convenient location, free long distance or a nice pool or gym. So decide on the amenities that mean the most to you and start looking.

TIP! Many factors come into play as you choose a hotel. The location of the hotel may be just as important than the price.

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 massage therapists are well-known at resorts, and you don’t want to miss out.

Know the check-in times. Many hotel guests will forget their check-in time; therefore, they will arrive at the hotel just to discover that they cannot check in yet. Call the hotel if you are early and find out if your room is ready.

TIP! Ask the hotel about their check-in time..

Spa Deals

To get a good price when you want a hotel room, get your trips planned quite a few weeks or so in advance. A lot of hotel locations offer discounts for reservations a month or more in advance. This can save you as much as 40 percent off of the cost of your hotel.

TIP! In order to get the best prices for hotel stays, you will want to plan your trip several weeks or months beforehand. If you chose to book a month or even two ahead of your arrival date, you can get great discounts.

If you go to the same hotel often, ask about the “frequent stay” program. These programs usually work by letting you points every time you stay there. They can amount to show tickets, free nights, spa deals, spa deals and a whole lot more.

Taking a pet on a trip requires some extra responsibility. Ascertain that your hotel is really pet friendly. Be sure to have plenty of plastic bags on hand to make pet cleanup easy. Ask for a corner room since this can reduce the number of guests disturbed by a noisy pet.

TIP! If you need to travel with your pet, you need to make three advance preparations. Find out if the hotel allows pets.

If you are worried about the environment, you can chose a “green” vacation. There are several green hotels that take the environment into consideration. Some new hotels were built with green standards in mind. Some older hotels simply choose a variety of several eco-friendly strategies to show environmental awareness. Talk with a travel agent in order to find green hotels for your needs.

If you would like to treat your partner to a massage, be sure to make the appointment far in advance. Many of the top masseuses out there are booked far ahead of time.

TIP! If the hotel you stay at offers a couples massage, it is very important that you make an appointment well ahead of time. Frequently, the best massage people will be booked by name.

The cost of your hotel will vary depending on when you book the room. Rooms are priced according to availability. This gives you receive the best available price.

If you have a AAA membership, look into hotel discounts included. You would be surprised where hidden discounts may be lurking. You can save 5%, 10% or more at quality hotels throughout the country. This can add up on a long trip.

TIP! Use your AAA discount at hotels. It may be surprising that auto clubs members receive hotel deals, but they do.

Be sure you know the cost associated with hotel transfer fees by asking about them in advance. If the room is the bargain, these types of hidden charges can sometimes surface. Asking about this beforehand will help to maximize your overall savings.

Do you travel a lot? Consider using a hotel loyalty program. A loyalty program offers many benefits. You might earn a free upgrade, late checkout time, or other great perks.

TIP! If you travel frequently, it is wise to enroll in hotel loyalty programs. They give people benefits if they go to that chain often.

Check if a hotel is non-smoking or smoking. If you are a nonsmoker, you might want to avoid hotels with smoking rooms. Smokers don’t always respect the fact that you are renting is a non-smoking room.

If you are concerned about the environment, you may want to take a “green” vacation. The great thing is there are plenty of green hotels you can select from. Some of the newer hotels are certified green. Some of the older hotels do implement green practices to be sure they are eco-friendly. Talk with a travel agent to find green hotels.

TIP! Vacation “green” if you are worried about the environment. The great thing is there are plenty of green hotels you can select from.

You should understand that you generally aren’t going to be able to do an early check-in at a hotel. Plan your time accordingly unless you might end up waiting in the lobby for hours.The hotel must clean each room needs to be cleaned after the next visitor taking it. If you do arrive early, check with the desk to see if you can check in, but there is a chance you won’t be able to.

To get optimal value from a hotel stay, especially if you find yourself traveling a lot for your business, sign up for membership programs such as those offered by Marriott or Choice Hotels. This allows you to earn point you can redeem for vacation freebies for you and your family.

TIP! Join a loyalty program to get deals on your stays. These programs allow you to collect points that can be applied toward further travels.

Not every hotel chains do offer these and those that will often have a very limited supply. Talk about these things when you make your room.

When checking your hotel accommodations for bed bugs, begin in the bathroom. Bedbugs are rarely seen in this room. That is what makes it the best place to start. You can store your luggage there and search the rest of your room for those bedbugs. Not to mention a great place for your children and pets too.

TIP! If you are inspecting a room for bed bugs, then the bathroom is the best place to start. The bathroom is not a common place where bedbugs would be.

Never check out earlier than your scheduled departure date unless it is absolutely necessary. The hotel might charge you a fee for early departure fee. When you make your reservation, the hotel can’t offer the room to someone else, if you depart early they will lose money.

Check if a hotel you’re looking to stay at is non-smoking or smoking. If you are a nonsmoker, you may want to avoid hotels that offer smoking rooms. The smoke flows through the hotel and can stick to you. It is not unheard of for those who smoke to stay in non-smoking rooms and proceed to smoke. Choose a non-smoking hotel to a smoke smell on your clothes.

TIP! Ascertain whether or not the hotel you plan to stay at allows smoking. If you are a non-smoker, you will enjoy a non-smoking room more.

Do not open the bottled water! You may arrive at your destination exhausted and tired when you arrive. You may decide to reach for that bottled water calling to you from the mini-fridge. Hotels are well aware of this and will charge more for that already exorbitantly priced bottled water. Check the gym and see if they offer it for free. A better option to simply bring a few of your own bottles.

Find out how the hotel handles pets. If you fear pets or have allergies it would be best if you make reservations at hotels that have a strict no pets policy. These hotels sometimes have odors because the carpet and linens have absorbed them. Some hotels add an extra charge for pets, other do not. It might not cover deep cleaning.

TIP! Check out the hotel’s pet policy. If you fear pets or have allergies it may be best to make reservations at hotels which do not have a pet-friendly policy.

Do not take anything from the temptation to run off with hotel towels or sheets.

Checking in early may not be available. If you are going to arrive early, plan on doing something to fill your time. Hotels usually need to get the room cleaned and ready before you check in. If you’re going to have to show up early, speak with the people at the front to see if you’re able to get into the room, but don’t think that it will happen.

TIP! In most cases, an early check-in just isn’t possible. Plan your time accordingly unless you want to wait in the lobby for hours.

You can often save money saved if you book a flight and hotel at the same time. A lot of travel online sites feature serious savings for people who bundles things together.

If you will require a crib or a rollaway bed during your stay, make sure you make this known at the time your reservation is made. Not every hotel will have these items available, and the ones that do only have limited quantities. They may charge extra for this. Talk about these issues as you reserve your room.

TIP! When making your reservation, make sure to specify if you need a rollaway or a crib. Not every hotel is going to come with cribs or rollaways.

You can save money by not booking a hotel room during tourist seasons. This is the time that hotel rates are highest. You are more likely to find a discounted rate.

Be aware of your rights in the event that a hotel attempts to “walk” you. If your hotel overbooks, your room may not be available when you get there. In such cases, the hotel “walks” you, or sends you to another hotel. You should try to avoid this; however, if this is necessary, ensure you are provided with the same quality room or better at the same price you would have paid.

TIP! Beware of an establishment that attempts to “walk you.” Hotels sometimes over-book, and this can leave you without a room.

Rest Stops

Do not drink the bottled water in your room. You will likely be thirsty when you check in. That’s what the hotel owners had in mind when they packed the min-fridge with delicious, yet expensive, refreshments. Hotels are well aware of this and will charge you a hefty fee for that already exorbitantly priced bottled water. Some hotels give free bottles of water to their guest in their gyms. Or, just bring some of your own from home.

TIP! Don’t drink the water! When you arrive at your hotel, you might be very thirsty. Opening the bottle in the mini-fridge is tempting.

If you need to book a hotel on short notice while traveling, check out ads at rest stops, gas stations and rest stops with valuable discounts. This will help you call ahead and money.

Don’t pilfer the hotel towels or linens. They might be lovely, but you will be charged for them. Ask the hotel upfront if you can buy similar items from them directly.

TIP! Don’t steal the linens from the hotel. 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.

Tipping appropriately will make your hotel stay a good way to ensure you have a better experience. For instance, the bill for room service usually includes the tip; however, the bill for maid service doesn’t. Tipping whill show you appreciate what they do and you will ensure that the staff respects and likes you during your stay.

Save money by booking your flight and hotel together. Use a travel site that has package deals, which include hotel, flight, and rental car. To get the best deal, compare the rates between several airlines and hotels.

TIP! Booking your flight and hotel at the same time may save some travel expenses. A lot of travel online sites feature serious savings for anyone who bundles things together.

Some hotels rooms have a nicer view than others. If you don’t have to pay more to get a good view, ask for a room with a good view. A good view will make your vacation to another level. It never hurts to ask if there are rooms that have better views available.

If you want a hotel room upgrade, try to get one without paying anything extra. You can do this by checking in exactly at your expected arrival time. Sometimes, rooms aren’t ready when patrons arrive, and the hotels give them better rooms for no extra charge.

TIP! If you want an upgrade, use an approach that may snag it for free. Show up at the exact time you’re scheduled for check in.

Book your hotel plans during special occasions. Hotels may throw in complimentary stuff if they know you are celebrating a special day for them. You might be able to wrangle a free champagne for the night!

If you’re on the road and need a place to stay, check out rest areas, gas stations and travel centers for guide books that have maps and lists of hotels in the area. You may even find discount coupons! This helps you call for your room instead of driving from place to place and wishing for an awesome deal.

TIP! If you’re on the road and need a hotel to stay in, ask others for hotel advice or check into a tourist center to look for brochures. You can now make a call to book a room rather than having to drive around to find one.

Nobody out there wants to get booked at a terrible hotel. Saving a lot of money isn’t worth being uncomfortable in your room. The trip will be a bust in any event. Follow the tips presented here to get great value in accommodations. You can pick the best hotel for your needs and find discounts for it.

Always remember to tip. For instance, your room service tip may be included in your bill, but the maid service won’t be. The tips you give to the staff ensures you are respected and liked.

TIP! Tipping the hotel workers who provide special services such as the doorman, room-service or valet shows that you appreciate the assistance that they provide. Usually, room service tipping is included in your bill while the bill for maid service doesn’t include a tip.