Do you get a migraine thinking about making your next hotel reservation? With so many different choices, how do you choose the right one? Relax, we’ve got it covered. This article will give you advice on what to do to get a really good hotel for your trip.
There are plenty of websites that offer reviews for local hotels, for example TripAdvisor. Use these websites to review a hotel before you make the actual reservation. This will give you valuable information about the recent experiences of people at each hotel. Factor former guests’ reviews into your final decision.
Before you make reservations at a particular hotel, check its reviews on websites like TripAdvisor. These websites have reviews and comments from people who have recent experience with their stay. Factor former guests’ reviews into your final decision.
Compare prices at websites like Orbitz and Expedia to ensure that you receive the best available rate. As you check your rates, don’t forget to include that you’re a loyalty program member. You might also be entitled to additional discounts through your other organizations, such as AAA or AARP.
You can find good deals on hotel rooms using online travel sites. Input your loyalty info when you are looking for rates online. You can also get additional discounts from any organization you are apart of, such as the AAA or the AARP.
You want to look at a number of different things when booking a hotel stay. 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.
Check the organizations that you’re a member of. Some may offer discounts on hotels. These discounts can be as much as 10 percent or even more. This can result in significant savings, especially for longer stays. It can add up to almost a free hotel night!
If you’re taking a pet to the hotel, do some things beforehand. Check to see if the hotel actually permits pets. Make sure you have some plastic bags to get rid of pet messes. 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.
Prior to emptying out your suitcase, carefully look over your room. Is it free of mildew and mold while being clean? Are all bathroom fixtures in proper working order? Do you have all the towels and linens you need? 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.
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 you want to take your pet along on a trip, take care of three tasks before you leave. You want to ensure you’ve chosen a pet-friendly hotel. Pack a supply of plastic grocery bags with you – you will need to clean up any pet waste. When making your reservation, ask for a room at the end of the hall to spare other guests your pet noise.
AAA members get an extra discount at certain hotel chains. You may not have known that, but it’s true. You can save 5 percent or more motels and hotels in the US. This is a savings that can really add up over several nights.
Auto Club
If you travel often, consider signing up for a loyalty program with your favorite hotel chain. These are exceptional benefits reserved for customers who frequently use a particular chain of hotels. These programs can assure you niceties such as the best prices, room upgrades, and special perks such as free meals or late checkouts.
If you are an AAA member, check into your membership hotel discount. It might be surprising to learn that some auto club memberships include hotel discounts. Membership in AARP, a union, an auto club or even being a police officer can get you a discount. It really is a savings that adds up over time.
Think about going on a “green” vacation. Fortunately, there are many green hotels available nowadays. Some of the newer hotels are built in a way that they get certified green. Some older inns just select one or more of several eco-friendly strategies to show environmental awareness. You can ask a travel agent to pinpoint eco-friendly hotels, thus making sure your vacation doesn’t hurt the environment.
If you book accommodations often, hotel loyalty programs are good to participate in. A loyalty program offers many benefits. There are many rewards given when you accumulate loyalty points such as free stays, free upgrades and later than usual check out times.
Consider joining a membership program if you travel often. When you do, you get points every time you stay at a hotel.
Vacation “green” if you are worried about the environment. There are several green hotels around. There are plenty of hotels built today with strong environmental standards. Some older inns just select one or more of several eco-friendly strategies to show environmental awareness. Talk to your travel agent about what you want to do and let them seek out a few appropriate hotels.
If you wish to see if a hotel room has bed bugs, check out the bathroom. This room is usually free from bugs. When you determine there are not any in there, set your bags down and inspect the remainder of the premises. Not to mention a great place for your children and pets too.
The timing for your booking of a hotel room has much to do with what you pay. Rooms are often priced in accordance with availability. If possible, book your room no more than 24 hours in advance. This will allow you to get a great price on a hotel room. A room that’s empty loses money for the hotel; so, they usually cut the price.
Know whether or not smoking is allowed in your room. Some have rooms for smokers. Ask for those rooms if you are a smoker. Smoking in a non-smoking room can be a big no-no and you may even be charged an extra cleaning fee.
Before you decide to book, always find out if there are any hotel transfer fees so you won’t be surprised on your bill. A transfer can sometimes come with a substantial hidden cost. Ask the hotel representative ahead of time to make sure you get the most savings.
When making your reservation for a room, specify when you need a roll-out bed or crib. Not all hotels supply these items, and those that do have limited quantities. They may charge extra for this. Discuss these needs when making your reservation to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Maximize your hotel stays with membership programs like the ones that Marriott or Choice Hotels offer. You will build up points with that hotel for added benefits. It works a lot like frequent flier miles do for airlines.
Be aware of your options in case a hotel “walks” you. When hotels overbook rooms, the one you reserved may not be available. In such cases, the hotel “walks” you, or sends you to another hotel. You should try to avoid this; however, if this is necessary, ensure you are provided with the same quality room or better at the same price you would have paid.
Avoid using the hotel phone to make long distance phone calls. You can use the Internet to make these types of calls. Some hotels now provide Skype via Wi-Fi. This can be a much cheaper option than calling from a hotel room and getting hit with lots of fees.
Do not drink the bottled water in your room. After checking in you may be thirsty and tired. You may get tempted to open a bottle of water that is in the hotel’s mini-fridge. Hotels take advantage of guests by charging ridiculous amounts for bottled water. The gym in the hotel may have water for free. Or, to be sure you save money, you can just pack a few water bottles from home.
If you are inspecting a room for bed bugs, then the bathroom is the best place to start. The bathroom is not a common place where bedbugs would be. This makes it an ideal spot to put your luggage as you check out the rest of your room for bedbugs. It is also the safest place for children and pets, too.
Don’t think that you should steal the hotel’s property. If housekeeping notices that you’ve taken towels or linens, you may be billed for those items. Ask if you can buy the linens from the hotel if you like them a lot.
Moking Rooms
When traveling, booking your flight and hotel together will save you money. Travel booking sites often provide significant discounts for combining your room and flight and perhaps even a rental car. To get the best deal, compare the rates between several airlines and hotels.
Ask if there is smoking allowed in the hotel. If you don’t smoke, you may wish to avoid those that have smoking rooms. Although certain hotels that allow smoking will provide guests with non-smoking rooms, smoke will still be in the air. There are even cases where people are smoking in non-smoking rooms before you arrive. Request a non-smoking room if you do not want to smell like cigarettes.
If you are looking for a lower rate before you book a hotel, then don’t book a room during the peak season. Rates are highest during this time. Go for the off season instead, as hotels will want to make a deal to sell their rooms. You will normally receive a discounted rate.
Be sure you understand your hotel’s smoking policy if you smoke. A lot of places have specific rooms just for people who smoke. If your selected hotel does, ask for one. If they find you have smoked in a non-smoking area, they may charge you a fine.
If you are looking for an upgrade, try scoring one without having to pay a dime. You can do this by going at the precise check-in time. A lot of the times your room may not be ready yet so they’ll give you a deal on a different room that’s better for free.
It is usually not possible to check into your hotel early. Be sure to plan your arrival with that in mind, or you may be sitting in the lobby area for some time. Most hotels clean and prepare rooms at a certain time, so that they are ready for check-in. Check with the front desk if you arrive early, but do not be angry if they can’t get you in early.
If you need to book a hotel on short notice while traveling, take a look at different tourist centers, rest stops or gas stations to grab free pamphlets and guides which allow you to get good discounts and find names of hotels. This way you can just call ahead to book a room instead of driving around looking for a good bargain.
If you will be in need of a roll-away bed or a crib, be sure to let the hotel management know in advance. Many hotels do not have the items, and the ones that do may have a limited quantity. Sometimes, there is an additional charge for these items. Discuss your needs at the time of booking.
Some rooms come with a view, while others do not. If you do not have to pay more for a room with a good view, ask for one. A room with a view can take your vacation to another level. So inquire about the little niceties like a good view, or a room that is has special features.
Now that you have read this article, you have a good grasp on finding the right hotel. Research each hotel and evaluate them before making a decision. Armed with the powerful information above, you will find the right hotel for your needs.
Don’t pay the price that’s advertised when you’re booking a hotel. A savvy traveler knows not to pay this “rack rate.” The hotel expects you to haggle. Just give the hotel a call to see if you can get a great deal. Make sure you’re bold. Travel websites are notorious for offering large discounts.
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