From small motels to five-star hotels, the US is home to thousands of accommodations. A nice hotel makes your trip that much better but a bad hotel can quickly ruin any trip. To find what you need, read the tips below.
Be sure to keep your valuables and electronics secure by locking them in your hotel room’s safe. You can stash your expensive electronics and jewelry in the safe and go about your day without worry.
Compare prices at websites like Orbitz and Expedia to ensure that you receive the best available rate. If you belong to a hotel’s loyalty program, be sure to input that information when checking rates. If you have a membership in any other organization, put that down as well.
There are things to think about when choosing a hotel. Your budget comes first, but proximity to attractions is also important. Amenities that you might personally want or need include a swimming pool or gym, on-site restaurant, continental breakfast and free Wi-Fi or local calls. Choose an establishment that offers the amenities you desire.
Put your electronics into the room’s safe. Your small electronic devices can be left in the safe when you are out, so you will not have to worry about them.
The Internet is a great place to research hotels. These websites can help you quickly find great deals. They can also show you what the hotel’s average rates typically are, allowing you to see whether you are actually getting a good deal or not. Also, hotel search websites can assist you in determining where to vacation and what to do there.
Double-check your organizational memberships. Many clubs, groups and organizations are able to get members discounted hotel rates. A lot of people don’t use these discounts, and you may save 10% or even more. This can add up to big savings, even more so if you will be staying for many nights. That can give you close to a completely free night when it adds up.
Prior to making a hotel reservation, do some research online in order to discover the best deals. Many times, the reservation specialist won’t tell you of discounts when you call to book your room. This is why you should always do your research well online to find these hidden discounts. Sites, such as Jetsetter, will let you know of any discounts available.
Figuring out which hotel you want to book isn’t an easy process. Of course price is a big deal, but a hotel close to where you are head is a big consideration. A gym, pool, free breakfast, free wireless Internet, free local calls, and all kinds of other things may be important. Seek out hotels that offer amenities that appeal to you.
Know when you are able to check in and get your room. If you show up too early for check-in, then your room may not be ready for you yet. If you anticipate arriving before check-in time, make a call to the hotel and inquire if you can arrive early.
When you arrive at your hotel, thoroughly inspect your room before unpacking. It should be free of any mildew or mold. Do the toilet, sink and shower work properly? Do you have all the towels and linens you need? If you find obvious problems, notify the front desk right away so the hotel can correct the problems or they can assign a different room.
Do not assume that each hotel welcomes pets. Even if the website says they are pet-friendly, always call in advance to verify. Also ask exactly what they mean by pet-friendly, as there might be restrictions on certain breeds and sizes of pet that they allow on their premises.
You should always start planning any serious trip months or weeks ahead of time. This will help you book early and get the best prices. A lot of hotel locations offer discounts for reservations a month or more in advance. You may find yourself saving as much as half off of the room’s typical rates.
Taking a pet on a trip requires some extra responsibility. Confirm that pets are allowed in the room you are staying. Pack a supply of plastic grocery bags with you – you will need to clean up any pet waste. 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.
There are three different things you should do in advance if you’re going to be traveling with a pet. Be sure that the hotel really does allow pets. Also, take a good supply of plastic bags, such as grocery bags, to clean up after your pet. Finally, ask the hotel staff if you can have a room on the far end away from guests so that you don’t interfere with their visit.
To make sure that you get a couple’s massage when you’re staying somewhere, get your appointment booked as early as you are able to. The best massage therapists are usually booked up for months ahead of time, and you don’t want to miss out.
If you want a nice massage for you and your loved one, book that as early as possible. Frequently, the best massage people will be booked by name. This means that if you book early, you’ll have a better experience.
If preserving the environment is of interest to you, you can chose a “green” vacation. The number of “green” hotels is steadily growing. Some hotels are certified to be green. Some older inns just select one or more of several eco-friendly strategies to show environmental awareness. Ask around for hotels that are friendly to the environment.
Do you travel on a periodic basis? If so, consider joining your hotel’s loyalty program. They provide benefits to anyone who stays at a hotel chain frequently. You can often earn free upgrades, free stays, and complimentary late check out with enough points accrued.
What you will be charged for a room, depends on when it’s booked. Availability dictates the prices of hotel rooms. If possible, don’t make your reservation more than a day in advance. You can often get the best price if you do it this way. Empty rooms don’t earn a hotel any money, so they are willing to slash the price.
Remember that hotel chains often provide loyalty programs offering excellent discounts. These programs usually work by letting you rack up points. You might earn free stays and discounts, show tickets, or other things.
Maximize your hotel stays with membership programs like the ones that Marriott or Choice Hotels offer. This allows you to get more points with each stay that you can convert into free rooms and other benefits on your next family vacation.
Vacation “green” if you are worried about the environment. Many hotels offer environmentally friendly standards today. Many new hotels are certified as green hotels. Many older hotels will still be environmentally aware by utilizing some eco-friendly practices. Speak with a travel agent to see if they can help you pick out hotels that care about the environment.
When you travel, go through AAA to find hotel accommodations easier.` Not only will AAA members receive discounts for a lot of hotel chains that make it worth getting into, you may also find rental cars more easily than those without the membership. It’s great to know that you can count on both of these things.
Most folks don’t do their research when they need to book a hotel. Unfortunately, this tactic can virtually ruin a trip. You really don’t want your hotel room to be dirty, so use this advice to avoid this circumstance.
Inspect your room for bed bugs, starting with the bathroom. This is the least likely place for bedbugs to be. This is the best place to put your bags while you look around. It’s also safe for pets and kids this way.
