Reserving a hotel room can be overwhelming with the wide range of locations, amenities, and prices available. Therefore, it is crucial that you do some research in advance. Write down what you want and how much you are willling to pay, then start planning. Keep the following suggestions in mind on your way to having a great hotel stay.
Check online reviews before booking a room. These reviews can give you a customer’s perspective of the hotel you are planning on staying at. Reading other people’s reviews of the hotels you’re considering can really help you decide which one to choose.
Room service can make your stay more enjoyable. 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.
If you want a nice meal at night with your special someone, and you are too comfortable in your room to go out, order some food through room service. Even though this will cost a bit more, the convenience and comfort are worth it.
Consider the benefits of any organization memberships you have. Some of them may provide discounts on hotel stays. These discounts are often forgotten about, and they can provide significant savings. That can save a lot of money, especially if you are staying for multiple nights. For a week of vacation time that adds up to an extra day!
It’s important to make sure that your valuables are safe during a hotel stay, so make use of the room’s safe. Putting your valuable jewelry and electronic items in the hotel safe allows you to feel secure as you enjoy your vacation.
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. You may or may not care about such amenities such as a gym, large pool, WiFi or a free breakfast buffet. Look for the hotel that gives as many of the extra you desire as possible.
There are things to think about when choosing a hotel. Of course, you must think of cost; however, proximity to attractions is also very important. Internet access, pools, fitness centers and breakfast offered are a few other things to consider. So decide on the amenities that mean the most to you and start looking.
Always check for online deals prior to booking your hotel room. Most of the time, people you speak with over the phone won’t mention any discounts possibly available to you. This is why you should always do your research well online to find these hidden discounts. Use websites such as Jetsetter, SniqueAway or RueLaLaTravel.
Prior to emptying out your suitcase, carefully look over your room. Is the room clean? Do you see any mold or mildew? Is everything in the bathroom working as it should? Count how many linens and towels you were given and make sure there are enough for everyone traveling with you. If there are any obvious problems, report them to the front desk immediately so that they can be taken care of or you can be moved to a different room.
Don’t make assumptions about pet policies of hotels. Be sure to call in advance and find out about their policies, regardless of website info. Make sure that you ask ahead what pet-friendly means to the hotel because this is a loose term that may still mean there are certain restrictions.
Know when check-in time is. If you don’t know when you can check in, you may find your room is not ready when you arrive at your hotel. If you think you will arrive before check in time, call the hotel and ask if you can come.
If you want to get your daily runs in while on vacation, make sure to bring your running gear with you. Enjoy a morning jog each day while on vacation. Spending time on the road with your own two feet will give you a perspective that you’ll never get while riding in a car.
Never make the assumption that all hotels allows pets in your room. Be sure to call in advance and find out about their policies, regardless of website info. Be certain you understand all rules pertaining to pets. Some hotels only allow certain types, sizes and breeds.
Remember that hotel chains often provide loyalty programs offering excellent discounts. They provide you with points for every stay. These points can add up to hotel restaurant discounts, spa deals, free nights and much more.
If you plan on taking a family pet with you to a hotel reservation, do three things in advance. Find out if the hotel you have selected is pet-friendly. Remember to bring bags so that you can pick up your pet’s waste when you travel. Be kind to other hotel guests by requesting a room that is as far away from other guests as possible, so they won’t be disturbed by any noise your pet may make.
You can get great hotel discounts by becoming a member of AAA. AAA members not only get discounts at many hotel chains, it will also make it much easier to rent a car. At some locations they even offer free car seats.
If you’re interested in the massage services of a hotel you intend to stay at, reserve your appointment ahead of time. That’s because the highest quality masseurs and masseuses are typically booked way in advance due to their good name. Therefore, by planning in advance, you can ensure you have the best possible experience during your massage.
Don’t make long distance calls on your hotel phone. Try using the Internet, instead. Some hotels offer free Wi-Fi, so you can use Skype. You can stay in touch with work or family without the high cost of a call from the phone in your room.
It is wise to join a hotel loyalty program if you travel frequently. They offer perks to folks who frequent their hotel. There are many rewards given when you accumulate loyalty points such as free stays, free upgrades and later than usual check out times.
If you are worried about bed bugs, start your inspection in the bathroom. You probably won’t find any in there. It makes a safe place to keep your luggage when looking for bedbugs elsewhere in the room. It’s also safe for pets and kids this way.
Try to avoid long distance calling in hotel rooms. Use the Internet, instead. A lot of hotels offer wi-fi, making it possible for you to use Skype. Use these types of services to keep in contact with loved ones back home instead of having exorbitant charges added to your bill from the costly phone calls.
Make sure to ask up front if the hotel allows smoking or does not. If you are not a smoker, you might want to choose a hotel that does not have smoking rooms. Even non-smoking rooms can have smoke billow in from next door. Also, people may rent a non-smoking room and smoke in it. If you want to avoid smelling like cigarettes when you leave, you may wish to consider a non-smoking hotel.
If you are going to inspect if your hotel room has bed bugs, then start looking in the bathroom. This is probably not where you will find bedbugs. So, that means it’s the best place to stash your luggage and other belongings as you inspect the remainder of your suite. It can be a temporary haven for children and pets.
As you can see, finding the right hotel can easily be accomplished, if you just know how to do it. Use the tips that work for you and do some of your own research as well. You will be able to find the perfect hotel room at an excellent price.
Check to see if your prospective hotel is non-smoking or smoking. If you are a nonsmoker, you may want to avoid hotels that offer smoking rooms. You could still get a non-smoking room, but smoke can flow through the air and settle on your clothes. Even if a room is designated as nonsmoking, sometimes people smoke in there anyway. If you don’t want to smell like cigarettes after leaving your hotel room, you might want to look for a non-smoking hotel.