When planning a trip, you need to pay attention to certain things. First, you must chose where you will go. Then, you need to plan on how you will be arriving there. Also, you need to plan on where you will stay. But, choosing a hotel can be hard, especially when you are unfamiliar with the area. In this article, we offer sound advice for booking good accommodations.
Before you pick out your hotel you’re going to reserve a spot at, check out review sites online like TripAdvisor. These offer feedback from those who have recently stayed at the hotel you are considering booking. What others say will help you make a wise decision.
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.
Online travel websites can offer you a great deal on hotels with lots of choices, all on the same website. If you are a member of the hotel’s loyalty program, don’t forget to add that information as you check rates. Additionally, there may be other price breaks for you through various organizations, like AAA or other exclusive clubs.
Consider the benefits of any organization memberships you have. Sometimes you can get discounted hotel prices through these organizations. Discounts of 10% or more are often available, and people sometimes forget that they are eligible to claim them. This can result in significant savings, especially for longer stays. That can give you close to a completely free night when it adds up.
Use the closet safe to protect your electronics. Your small electronic devices can be left in the safe when you are out, so you will not have to worry about them.
Always look for online deals before booking a hotel room. Sometimes, the person at the hotel desk might forget to mention a discount for booking online. That’s why it’s always your duty to search the web for better deals whenever you are booking a hotel room. Look to websites like RueLaLaTravel or Jetsetter for more help.
In order to get the best prices for hotel stays, you will want to plan your trip several weeks or months beforehand. There are quite a few hotels that will reward booking your room a few months in advance with nice discounts. You may save 50 percent or more.
If you want to get a low rate at your hotel, start planning early for your vacation. Most hotels have serious discounts for early booking customers. Doing this could save you up to 50 percent off your room, and this holds true with the more elite brands as well.
Be sure to follow your fitness regimen while staying in a hotel by packing your workout clothes and any other equipment you may need. Simply set an alarm or get a wake up call and take an early morning run. It will give you a better perspective of the city you are visiting.
Never make the assumption that all hotels allows pets in your room. Ask the hotel if pets are allowed, no matter what their site says. 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.
If you are a person who travels often, it is a good idea to sign up for hotel loyalty programs. A loyalty program offers many benefits. You might earn a free upgrade, late checkout time, or other great perks.
If you’re interested in the massage services of a hotel you intend to stay at, reserve your appointment ahead of time. Many of the top masseuses out there are booked far ahead of time.
People who care about the environment may be more comfortable staying in a hotel that is eco-friendly. Many hotels offer environmentally friendly standards today. Newer hotels are sometimes built according to green standards. Eco-friendly strategies are also now commonly adopted by many older hotels. Check online or ask a travel agent for help.
For members of AAA, hotels offer discounts that are exclusive to members. Are you aware that the auto club you belong to may offer you excellent hotel discounts? You can save 5 percent or more on your hotel stay just by showing your membership card. The more nights you stay, the more you will save.
What you will be charged for a room, depends on when it’s booked. The prices are based partly on availability. If possible, book your room no more than 24 hours in advance. This can get you a seriously discounted rate. Empty rooms don’t earn the hotel money, so they’re happy to cut the price and reserve a room.
If you want to get your daily runs in while on vacation, make sure to bring your running gear with you. Go for a run when you wake up in the morning. Whether you are running on roads or city streets, you will gain more knowledge about the city you are visiting while you run.
Maximize your hotel stays with membership programs like the ones that Marriott or Choice Hotels offer. These points can translate into some major perks when you’re vacationing.
If you travel often, it’s a great idea to enroll in a hotel’s loyalty program. They provide benefits to anyone who stays at a hotel chain frequently. There are many rewards given when you accumulate loyalty points such as free stays, free upgrades and later than usual check out times.
Become a member of AAA in order to make your travel arrangements easier. Members of AAA get discounts at lots of hotel chains which more than makes up the membership to AAA, plus it is easier to rent a car anywhere you go. Some places provide free car seats too.
The time you book the room will change how much you’ll pay. Availability dictates the prices of hotel rooms. If possible, book your room no more than 24 hours in advance. This will get you the very best rate on your hotel room. They’ll lower the price to fill the room.
If you are bringing your kids along for the trip, then it’s a good idea to call a hotel in advance and make sure they have working pools. Your kids and you will be very frustrated if the pool at your hotel is closed because of repairs when you arrive.
Before you decide to book, always find out if there are any hotel transfer fees so you won’t be surprised on your bill. Especially in situations where the price of the room represents a major deal, the hidden cost of the transfer can often make the difference. Asking about this ahead of time helps you maximize your savings.
If you are searching a hotel for bed bugs, you should check the bathroom first. This room is usually free from bugs. 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.
If you wish to get a lot out of a hotel stay, especially if you’re traveling for your business, get a membership program and join it like what the Marriott or Choice Hotels offers. This way, when you stay at a hotel, you can get points and then turn those points into free stuff that you can do with your family.
Before making a hotel reservation, learn the hotel’s policy on smoking. If you are not a smoker, you might want to choose a hotel that does not have smoking rooms. While you can book a non-smoking room, smoke can infiltrate your room and settle into your clothing. You may find that a smoker has been in your non-smoking room before you and ignored the rules. Request a non-smoking room if you do not want to smell like cigarettes.
If you want to inspect a hotel room for bed bugs, start with the bathroom. You probably won’t find any bedbugs in the bathroom. Stow you suitcases and other items here and then take a good look at the rest of your room. Put kids and pets in there, too.
If you smoke, be sure you’re aware of what the hotel thinks of smoking where you’re staying. Certain hotels provide rooms that are specifically for people who smoke. If you smoke, you should make a specific reservation for this type of room. Otherwise, you might find yourself paying a high fee for smoking in a room that is designated as non-smoking.
Always know the hotel smoking policy wherever you stay if you personally smoke. Many have rooms set aside for people who smoke. If this applies to the hotel of your choice, request that type of room specifically. Smoking in a non-smoking room can be a big no-no and you may even be charged an extra cleaning fee.
If you can, avoid checking out before the day you are scheduled to. If you do, then you could be charged an extra departure fee for early checkout. Once you have confirmed your reservation, understand that the room is reserved for you, and the hotel loses money if you leave early. That is why you are charged a fee.
Always let the hotel know if you need a crib for your stay at the hotel. Some hotels don’t provide these things, and the ones that do usually have a limited amount. In addition, there is sometimes an extra charge for these items. Make your needs known at the time you place your reservation so that you do not have any unpleasant surprises.
For hygienic reasons, it might be best to avoid the provided bedspread in your room. Most hotels only wash the sheets on the bed; however, the bedspread is normally not washed. This can mean that the comforter has tons of germs and bacteria. Just get that blanket off of the bed.
Avoid leaving your hotel before your scheduled date of departure. If you check out early, you could be liable for early checkout fees. When you reserve a room, the management of the hotel removes that room from the market, so if you leave early, the hotel loses some money. This is why they usually charge you an fee for early departure.
If you must secure a room when you are driving to a location, visit a rest stop in the state you are going to. Pick up a few tourist brochures which should have hotel information and possibly even discounts. This will give you an opportunity to book in advance and get a deal without visiting a hundred different hotels.
Be aware of your rights in the event that a hotel attempts to “walk” you. Hotels will overbook, leaving you without a room. They might try and send you to a different hotel. This is inconvenient, and try to avoid it if possible. If you must go elsewhere, make sure transportation is paid and you get a better room than you originally booked.
If you tip when the time is right, you’ll find you have a slightly more enjoyable stay at your hotel. As as example, room service tips are included in the bill, yet maid service tips are not. Tipping is customary and makes you a well-liked person amongst the people who are taking care of your room and room service.
As you have seen from reading the above article, choosing an afforable yet comfortable hotel room can be easy. The information here will help you to look out for all that you need to know. Be confident in making your travel plans, so you will end up having a great stay. And, you’re going to have pleasant stories when you return home.
Don’t pay the price that’s advertised when you’re booking a hotel. The advertised price is known as the rack rate. If you are a savvy traveler, then you can get away without paying as much. Hotel staff assume that clients will try to haggle over their room rates. Just give the hotel a call to see if you can get a great deal. Make sure you’re bold. Many different travel websites will also give you discounts.
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