The Best Hotel Article You’ll Read For A While

You already know your destination. You may have already reserved your flight. Now you must make hotel reservations. What is the best way to find a good, affordable hotel? A good place to start is by reading the following article. These tips will help you to make an excellent choice.

Make sure you check out online review websites prior to making a reservation for a hotel. Online review websites will allow you to see previous guests’ experiences at the hotels you are considering. What patrons have to say about the hotels you are considering can help you make the best decision about where to stay.

TIP! Before making reservations at a hotel, check the online review sites. These provide you with first-hand information about people’s recent experiences at each hotel.

Before you make reservations at a particular hotel, check its reviews on websites like TripAdvisor. These will give you some information from people that have stayed at that certain hotel. Reading other people’s reviews of the hotels you’re considering can really help you decide which one to choose.

If you are hungry when you get to your hotel and do not want to leave, consider ordering 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.

TIP! Room service is one of the best parts about a hotel. How else could you possibly enjoy a midnight snack without leaving your bed? 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.

Use Orbitz or Expedia to find a great deal. If you are in a hotel loyalty program, put your information in. You might also have other discounts from a membership in the AARP or AAA.

Keep your electronics secure by using the hotel safe located in your hotel room. You can put just about anything in there, as long as it isn’t too big, and you won’t have to worry about it.

TIP! It’s important to make sure that your valuables are safe during a hotel stay, so make use of the room’s safe. You should put any expensive items in the hotel safe.

There are things to think about when choosing a hotel. Your budget comes first, but proximity to attractions is also important. For example, you might want a room that is in walking distance to gym, or a hotel that has free Wi-Fi. So decide on the amenities that mean the most to you and start looking.

Check in on the organizations you belong to. There are times when an organization will give you great deals on the price of hotels. People often forget about these discounts, which can be 10% or more. You end up with an even bigger savings if your hotel stay is going to be for multiple nights. This can also net you a free hotel night.

TIP! What groups are you a member of? Some may offer discounts on hotels. Many people forget to do this and miss out on saving a sizable amount of money.

Take advantage of tools provided online when searching for a hotel. These sites can help you get good deals. They can also allow you to look at the average rates of a hotel. Finally, you can also use these to help you learn what there is to do when you get to your destination.

Check the Internet for the best deals before you book a hotel room during your next trip. Lots of times, when you book a room, they don’t tell you about online discounts. This is why you should always do your research well online to find these hidden discounts. There are many travel websites that offer discounts.

TIP! Check the Internet for the best deals before you book a hotel room during your next trip. Lots of times, when you book a room, they don’t tell you about online discounts.

Before you book a hotel, look for deals online. You might not learn from the person on the phone that you can actually get great discounts over the Internet, instead. It is your responsibility to find these discounts. Look at websites such as RueLaLaTravel, Jetsetter, and SniqueAway.

To get the lowest price on accommodations, plan your trip in advance. Many hotels offer the best discounts if you book a few months in advance. You can expect savings up to fifty percent if you book months in advance.

TIP! Plan your trip as far in advance as possible. Most hotels have serious discounts for early booking customers.

Plan your trip as far in advance as possible. Some hotels have a discount if you book your room a month or more ahead of time. You might even be able to save up to 50 percent off at some very exclusive hotels.

If you’re taking a pet to the hotel, do some things beforehand. Take time to ensure that the hotel you’re booking is, in fact, pet-friendly. In addition, take along some plastic bags to pick up your pet’s mess. When you go to make the hotel reservation, see if there is room on the end that would prevent the other guests from hearing a noisy pet.

TIP! There are three things you must do before bringing your pet along on your vacation. Check to see if the hotel actually permits pets.

Although many hotels have certain rooms that allow pets, never assume your hotel will without researching ahead of time. Be sure to ask even if the website says it’s ok to bring a pet. Be certain you understand all rules pertaining to pets. Some hotels only allow certain types, sizes and breeds.

If you want to keep up your running regimen on the road, make sure that your packing list includes lots of running clothes and a GPS watch. Simply set an alarm or get a wake up call and take an early morning run. Even jogging on pavement and alongside city avenues can provide you new perspective of any city that you visit.

TIP! Always remember to pack running clothes and any thing else you need for exercising while on your trip. This makes it easy for you to wake in the morning and get in a run.

If you want to keep up the running regimen you have while traveling you should get your GPS watch packed with some running clothes. You can still enjoy your early morning jog while on vacation if you have your gear and the right room booked. It will give you a perspective that you’ll never get while riding in a car.

The amount you pay for the hotel room is determined by when you book it. Hotels price rooms based on availability. Whenever you can, don’t book your hotel room until the last 24 hours. This will net you the best price when it comes to hotel rooms. Empty rooms don’t make money, so hotels slash prices to fill the building.

TIP! The price you are charged for your hotel room is partly dependent upon when you make the reservations. The prices are based partly on availability.

If you go out to travel quite a bit, it’s good to get signed up for a hotel’s loyalty program. These programs provide perks to those who stay at a particular chain regularly. Some of the useful things that you can earn are extra upgrades, free nights, and late check-outs.

In order to avoid any surprise charges, inquire about hotel transfers prior to booking. It is not uncommon to find that greatly discounted bookings may have a hidden cost for the transfer. If you know this upfront, you can save more money.

TIP! Inquire about the price of a transfer before you place a booking. Hotel transfer costs can be extremely large, especially in hotels that appear to offer an incredible deal on their room rates.

If you are a smoker, know the smoking policy for the hotel in which you are staying. Many hotels set aside certain rooms or wings for smoking guests. Ask to see if any of these are available. If you smoke in a room designated as non-smoking, a big penalty can come along with it.

Join a membership program if you travel frequently. Then you can accrue points, get extra perks, and save money.

TIP! Join the hotel’s membership program if you frequently stay there on business trips. When you stay at a hotel, you get points you can use later on.

Know that you may not be able to check-in early at some hotels. Make your plans accordingly if you do not want to spend hours waiting in the lobby. The rooms can’t be readied and cleaned until the prior guests are gone, so this means that check-in time is usually around 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. If you should happen to get there early, ask at the desk about early check-in, but your request may not be granted.

To make reserving a hotel easy, use AAA. Members of AAA will get additional hotel discounts up to five percent, but you’ll also get discounts on rental cars as well. It is definitely worth looking into.

TIP! Being a member of AAA can save you money on hotels. AAA members get good hotel discounts and can also find good car rental rates much more easily.

If you require a rollaway bed or crib at your hotel, let the person know when making a reservation. Some hotels don’t offer these amenities at all. Also, these things can cost extra. Discuss these needs when making your reservation to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Don’t call long distance in your hotel room. Try using the Internet instead to stay in touch. You will probably find that your hotel has Wi-Fi and Skype. You will be able to stay in touch with family and friends while you are away without the additional expense of costly phone calls.

TIP! Try not to make any long-distance calls from your hotel room. Using the Internet is a better option.

If you are particular about cleanliness, you probably shouldn’t use the hotel bedspread. While sheets and linens are always washed, the topmost bedspread may not be, depending on the hotel policy. This means you might find that the bedspread is carrying germs and bacteria. Remove the blanket and use one you brought from home to stay safe.

Call the hotel before you arrive to make sure the swimming pool is in working order. If you arrive at your hotel and the pool is closed, your kids will be very disappointed.

TIP! Call ahead of arrival to see if the pool is open to keep the family happy. There is nothing worse than having to tell your excited kids they cannot swim.

If a hotel tries to “walk” you, know what your rights are. Sometimes hotels are going to overbook and then your room that you reserved won’t be there. The hotel “walks” you to a new hotel nearby. If you do choose to move, be sure that you get a better room and your travel is paid for.

When checking your hotel accommodations for bed bugs, begin in the bathroom. Bedbugs usually won’t stay here. This makes the perfect location to place your belongings while you inspect your hotel room for bedbugs. It can be a temporary haven for children and pets.

TIP! Start by inspecting the hotel bathroom if you need to make sure there are no bed bugs. Bedbugs are rarely seen in this room.

Resist the temptation to indulge in your hotel’s bottled water! You are very likely to be tired and thirsty when finally arriving to a hotel. Opening the bottle in the mini-fridge is tempting. Hotels are well aware of this and will charge you a hefty fee for that already exorbitantly priced bottled water. Certain hotel gyms will provide guests for bottled water free of charge. Better yet, bring some bottles with you.

Know your hotel’s policy on pets prior to booking with them. If you’re allergic to pets or fear them, then you may want to avoid hotels that allow pets. These hotels might also suffer from odors sinking into the floor and bed linens. Some hotels charge extra fees for pets, but some do not charge much. In fact, the extra charge for pets might not even cover the costs of cleaning; therefore, you should make sure you know all this ahead of time.

TIP! You should be aware whether or not the hotel allows pets. If you fear pets or have allergies to them, it may be best to make reservations at hotels that have a strict no pets policy.

Do not give in to the temptation to run off with hotel towels or sheets. No matter how much you love them, housekeeping will note missing linens and the hotel is likely to bill you for them. It’s better to ask the hotel management if you can buy new ones of your own.

It may come as a shock to you, but most hotels don’t allow you to check-in early. Make sure you plan around your check-in time, or you will be forced to sit in a lobby to wait for your room. Hotels need the time to clean your room so it is ready for you to check in. If you do arrive early, ask the desk clerk if it’s possible to check in early, but don’t necessarily expect it.

TIP! Checking in early may not be available. Be sure to not to show up early so you don’t have to wait.

Your hotel has a lot to do with the kind of vacation you have. If your hotel isn’t great, it may ruin the trip. Don’t get stuck in a horrible hotel room. Follow the advice offered in this article, and book a hotel that has the features that you want at the price that you want to pay.

Ask for a crib or fold-out bed when you make your reservations. Such items usually have a limited amount of such extras. Certain hotels will even charge a fee for these things. Discuss your needs at the time of booking.

TIP! If you are going to use a crib or even a rollaway bed, make sure you mention this at the time your reservation is made. Not every hotel offers these items, and the ones that do only have limited quantities.