Sometimes, it may be necessary to book a hotel. Many people regret their decision to stay in a particular hotel chain because they didn’t research prior to making reservations. You have come to the right place. This article contains several tips to improve your stay during your next vacation.
There are a number of things to consider when deciding which hotel to stay at. Of course you want to consider price, but you should also consider the hotel’s location. For example, you might want a room that is in walking distance to gym, or a hotel that has free Wi-Fi. Ensure the hotel you are planning on staying at has the amenities you desire.
To get a meal later at night order yourself some room service. It might cost a little extra, but it’s definitely worth the bill. Nothing is more enjoyable than having food delivered to your room while you’re in your PJ’s.
For the best hotel rates, plan your trip weeks or months ahead of time. Some hotels have great discounts when you book a couple of months in advance. You may even be able to cut the price down by half!
Use your hotel room’s safe to keep your valuables secure. Your iPad, watch, and other smaller, expensive items can be placed into the safe, then you can rest assured at their safety as you head out for a fun-filled day.
You don’t want to assume that the hotel you will be staying in is considered pet friendly. Always call to ask, even if it says pet-friendly online. Make sure they specify what pet-friendly means since there may be certain restrictions on pet sizes and breeds that are allowed on the property.
Look for deals online. Often, the reservations clerk will not advise you that a better deal is available online. That’s why doing a bit of research pays off, so you are aware of discounts and specials. Look at Jetsetter, RueLaLaTravel or similar websites for discounts.
Think about these three things if you plan to bring a pet with you during your hotel stay. Check to see if the hotel actually permits pets. Take some bags to clean after your pet. And, ask if your room can away from guests.
Verify the check-in time at the hotel. If you are early, your room may not be ready. Call the front desk to find out if it is alright for you to arrive before check-in.
If you are an AAA member, check into your membership hotel discount. You could also get a surprise that you have an auto club membership that gives you hotel discounts. Membership in AARP, a union, an auto club or even being a police officer can get you a discount. When you stay for multiple nights, the savings really add up.
Don’t assume a hotel is pet-friendly. You should call ahead to double check, even if it was stated on the website that this is a pet friendly hotel. Find out what their rules on pets are also, as they may not let large pets or certain breeds stay with them.
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! So, make sure you have your running gear and shoes and you will be set to jog anywhere. Running down city streets or country roads can give you a fresh view of the place you are visiting.
If you’re taking a pet to the hotel, do some things beforehand. First, ensure that the hotel actually allows pets. Make sure you have some plastic bags to get rid of pet messes. Also, request a room away from other guests so that your pet does not bother them.
If you tend to return to the same family of hotels for your vacation, consider joining their membership reward programs. Similar to how you earn points from frequent flyer programs, hotels offer you similar rewards for your 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.
Book Early
If you are an environmentally conscious traveler, you should look into “green” hotels. Luckily, many hotels are around these days for you to choose from. Many new hotels are constructed to meet green standards, earning green certification. Some older hotels choose to use eco-friendly practices as well, making them a good green option. Ask around for hotels that are friendly to the environment.
Always book early for that special couples massage for you and your loved one. Frequently, the best massage people will be booked by name. This means that if you book early, you’ll have a better experience.
You can get great hotel discounts by becoming a member of AAA. You’ll get discounts on hotel rooms, easier car rentals and more benefits. It’s great to know that you can count on both of these things.
If you are always staying at the same chain, find out about the programs they offer to frequent guests. They provide you with points for every stay. These points can be traded in for restaurant discounts, tickets to shows, free nights at the hotel, and much more.
If you are concerned about bed bugs, look in the bathroom first. Bedbugs are rarely seen in this room. It makes a safe place to keep your luggage when looking for bedbugs elsewhere in the room. It can be a temporary haven for children and pets.
If you want to work on saving the environment, a green vacation is something to look into. There are a lot of eco-friendly hotels out there. Some new hotels are built to green standards and are certified green. Some older hotels choose to use eco-friendly practices as well, making them a good green option. Talk to a travel agent if you want to find hotels that are eco-friendly.
Be aware that it is normally not possible to check into a hotel early. Make your plans accordingly if you do not want to spend hours waiting in the lobby. Before you can enjoy your room, hotels need to clean the room properly. You can request an early check-in ahead of time, but it may cost more.
Timing matters when booking a hotel room. Availability sets pricing. Whenever you can, don’t book your hotel room until the last 24 hours. This can get you a seriously discounted rate. Empty rooms don’t earn the hotel money, so they’re happy to cut the price and reserve a room.
Avoid using the hotel bedspread. Sheets and blankets are washed regularly, while bedspreads usually aren’t. This bedspread is where you would find the bacteria and germs. Remove the blanket from the bed to have peace of mind.
To get the most out of your hotel stays, particularly if you travel a great deal for business, join a membership program such as that offered by Choice Hotels or Marriott. This allows you to earn point you can redeem for vacation freebies for you and your family.
When your hotel attempts to “walk” you, don’t stand for it! This refers to hotels overbooking their hotel rooms; therefore, the hotel room that you booked may not be available when you check in. As a result, hotels will attempt to escort you to another hotel. Avoid getting “walked” whenever you can, but if you have to switch hotels, be certain that your reservation there is equivalent or even an upgrade.
Sometimes, you will need to reserve a hotel room. If you do not do proper research, you could end up with a room that is unacceptable. Doing a little research helps ensure that you will have a pleasant stay.
Don’t be tempted to open bottled water! You may feel a bit parched shortly after checking in. The bottled water inside the mini fridge may tempt you. Hotels are well aware of this, and the bottled water they provide is far more costly than it is elsewhere. Sometimes you can get a free water bottle in the hotel gym. Or, to be sure you save money, you can just pack a few water bottles from home.
