Are you headed out on the road and looking for a fabulous hotel room? Are you looking for advice to help you do that? If this is the case, this is the place to be. This article has the information you need about booking a room at a hotel.
When leaving your hotel room, keep any electronics you have secure by putting them in the room’s safe. You can use it to store your tablet and other expensive items to keep them secure.
Before you pick out your hotel you’re going to reserve a spot at, check out review sites online like TripAdvisor. This lets you know what others’ experiences have been like. What patrons have to say about the hotels you are considering can help you make the best decision about where to stay.
What groups are you a member of? Many of them offer hotel discounts to members. These discounts are often neglected; however, they can save you upwards of ten percent. On a multiple night stay, these savings can really add up. This can mean a lot of savings over a full week stay.
You can find a lot of great deals on hotels if you go online and check out some of the travel sites out there. When making hotel reservations, be sure to include information regarding hotel loyalty programs in which you may hold membership. You might also be entitled to additional discounts through your other organizations, such as AAA or AARP.
Use online search tools for hotels. These kinds of websites allow you to locate great deals fast. In addition, these websites will provide a comparison of different hotel prices, which will allow you to find the best possible deals. You can also use them to explore the area around the hotel for recreation.
See if your organizational memberships offer any benefits. Some organizations offer discounts on hotels to their members. Some discounts can be over ten percent! That can add up to huge savings over multiple nights. Within a week’s time, you are basically getting a free night’s stay.
Search for the best deals in hotels online before making reservations. A lot of the time, when you book a room with someone, they’ll tell you there aren’t any online discounts. It’s your job to find them yourself. Check out websites such as Jetsetter, RueLaLaTravel, and SniqueAway.
Look for deals online. It’s not uncommon for a hotel employee to not mention to you that it is possible to receive a great discount online. That’s why it’s always your duty to search the web for better deals whenever you are booking a hotel room. Use popular websites such as Jetsetter, SniqueAway, or RueLalaTravel.
Don’t unpack upon arrival without checking your hotel room first. Your room should definitely be neat and should not have any odd smells, suspicious stains or mildew. Check the toilet, the shower, and the sink to make sure they are clean and function properly. Do you have the blankets, pillows and towels you need? If you quickly note any problems, let the person at the front desk know so they can help you sort it out or give you a better room.
Know the check-in times. Some people neglect asking what the check-in time is and get to the hotel when their room is still not ready. Therefore, if you anticipate arriving early, call the hotel in advance and see if it is possible to check in early.
Although many hotels have certain rooms that allow pets, never assume your hotel will without researching ahead of time. Call ahead to their service desk and make sure, even if their website listing says they are. Verify exactly what is meant by “pet-friendly” since certain breeds and pets over a certain size may not be allowed.
To get the best prices on hotel rooms, start your trip planning weeks, or even longer in advance. Some hotels have great discounts when you book a couple of months in advance. You may save 50 percent or more.
If you enjoy a morning run, try booking a hotel room that’s near the beach or an open park. Enjoy a morning jog each day while on vacation. When you go running in a new city, you will get a free tour, up-close and personal.
If you’re taking your pet with you, do these things in advance. First, ensure that the hotel actually allows pets. Gather plastic grocery bags so you are able to clean up any pet messes. And, ask if your room can away from guests.
Going green is a growing trend so it is no surprise that hotels are going green as well. Luckily, you can choose from quite a few green hotels these days. There are plenty of hotels built today with strong environmental standards. Also, older hotels often make several changes to become eco-friendly. Talk with a travel agent to find green hotels.
If you want to keep up the running regimen you have while traveling you should get your GPS watch packed with some running clothes. Simply set an alarm or get a wake up call and take an early morning run. Whether you are running on roads or city streets, you will gain more knowledge about the city you are visiting while you run.
Be sure you know the cost associated with hotel transfers when booking a room. You don’t want to ruin the deal you are getting on your room by paying for an expensive transfer. Asking about this ahead of time helps you maximize your savings.
Loyalty Program
If you’re traveling with kids, be sure that you check on the pools to ensure they’re open and in service. Showing up at your hotel and finding out the pool isn’t in working order can ruin an otherwise great trip.
If you travel often, it’s a great idea to enroll in a hotel’s loyalty program. They give people benefits if they go to that chain often. You can score things like complimentary upgrades, later check-out options and even free nights once you accumulate enough loyalty program points.
Determine what the policy on smoking is if you smoke. Some have rooms for smokers. Therefore, if you are a smoker, always ask for a room that allows smoking. Otherwise, you might find yourself paying a high fee for smoking in a room that is designated as non-smoking.
If you often frequent the same hotel chains, look into their frequent stay membership programs. Just like with a frequent flyer mile program, you can get points for staying a hotel. You might earn free stays and discounts, show tickets, or other things.
Find out how the hotel handles pets. If you fear pets or have allergies to them, make reservations at hotels that have a strict no pets policy. Pet odor lingers. Most hotels charge a pet fee; however, sometimes this is negligible. Depending on what hotel you choose, the fee charged might or might not cover any extra cleaning required.
Timing matters when booking a hotel room. Hotels price rooms in part based on availability. If it’s possible, your room should be booked around a day in advance or more. You’ll end up with a great deal this way. They’ll lower the price to fill the room.
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. Some hotels do not offer cribs or rollaways; while others have a limited number of them. Also, you may face extra charges for the use of these items. Avoid difficulties by making these arrangements in advance.
If you do a great deal of traveling, consider joining hotel chain loyalty programs. This allows you to earn point you can redeem for vacation freebies for you and your family.
Unless it is an emergency, always stay for the total number of nights that you have booked. The hotel might charge you an early departure fee. When a hotel room is something you book, they are taking it away from other people and will lose some money if you leave early. They will charge a departure fee so they get back what they lose.
Being a member of AAA can save you money on hotels. AAA members receive excellent discounts on hotels, car rentals and other attractions. You might even get a free car seat if you have kids.
For hygienic purposes, you may want to avoid using the bedspread that the hotel provides. While the staff may have washed the sheets prior to your stay, the comforter is not always washed. This means you might find that the bedspread is carrying germs and bacteria. Pull it off for peace of mind.
If you wish to see if a hotel room has bed bugs, check out the bathroom. Bedbugs are rarely seen in this room. This makes it an ideal spot to put your luggage as you check out the rest of your room for bedbugs. It’s safe for pets and kids too.
Know your personal rights when any hotel tries to “walk” you. Hotels will overbook, leaving you without a room. When this happens, the hotel directs you to another property, “walking” you. This should only be a last resort and the other accommodations should be just as good or better and your trip there should be paid for as well.
Learn about the smoking policies if you smoke. Some have rooms for smokers. Ask for those rooms if you are a smoker. If you smoke in one of the hotel’s non-smoking room, you can be charged hefty fees.
You can save money when traveling by booking your hotel and flight together. It is not unusual for travel websites to provide large savings when a hotel is booked along with a rental car or a flight. To maximize this service, be sure to compare the rates of different airlines and hotels.
You should be aware that early hotel check ins are not always possible. Plan to arrive at the proper check-in time so you don’t find yourself wandering around the hotel’s lobby for hours. The hotels need a chance to clean up your room prior to check in. You can inquire about checking in early, but do not expect that you’re going to be able to do it.
For a cheaper room, don’t book during a busy tourist season. Rooms typically cost the most during this time. Go for the off season instead, as hotels will want to make a deal to sell their rooms. You’ll typically find that the rates you get will be good.
If a crib or a rollaway bed is necessary for your stay, let your booking agent know. Some hotels do not have these items, and most have limited quantities. Certain hotels will even charge a fee for these things. Before making reservations, explain this.
You can help ensure your stay is pleasant by tipping appropriately. For instance, the bill for room service usually includes the tip; however, the bill for maid service does not include the tip. Tipping when you should will ensure that you’re respected and appreciated.
As you have learned from this article, if you research things before you book your hotel room, you’ll do well and pick out a good hotel. You will find the above tips to be helpful when searching for a hotel. Make sure you use the information provided or you’ll miss out on a great opportunity.
Some rooms in a hotel have a nicer view than other rooms. If the view quality does not impact the price of the room, request for a room with a great view. These are the little things that make your trip more enjoyable without costing you any money. So inquire about the little niceties like a good view, or a room that is has special features.
