Sometimes, staying in a hotel is unavoidable. It’s unfortunate, but too many people learn too late that the room they booked is a bad one because they didn’t know what to look for. Luckily, you are in the right place. Here, you’re going to read about tips to help your stay be great.
Check online reviews before booking a room. Online review websites will allow you to see previous guests’ experiences at the hotels you are considering. Patron reviews can give you valuable information that will help you make a good choice.
Prior to making reservations, research hotels on sites like TripAdvisor. This will give you valuable information about the recent experiences of people at each hotel. These reviews can aid you in your decision about whether to book the hotel.
Compare prices at websites like Orbitz and Expedia to ensure that you receive the best available rate. Are you a member of a certain hotel’s membership program? If so, make sure you put this information into the travel site. You may also be eligible for deals that are offered to members of certain organizations, like AAA or AARP.
Use websites like Orbitz and Expedia for great prices. As you check your rates, don’t forget to include that you’re a loyalty program member. You might also have other discounts from a membership in the AARP or AAA.
Find out if any organization to which you belong offers good discounts. You may be able to receive discounts on hotel through these organizations. People don’t always remember to check out these discounts, which can often be 10% and higher. This can add up to big savings, even more so if you will be staying for many nights. If you stay for a week, these discounts will almost add up for a free night.
It’s important to make sure that your valuables are safe during a hotel stay, so make use of the room’s safe. This safe will store your small important items, such as your iPad, iPod, GPS, jewelry, etc. By doing this, you can keep these items secure and enjoy your day without fretting about someone stealing them.
There are quite a few things you need to think over when you’re about to stay at a hotel. The location of the hotel may be just as important than the price. A pool, a gym, a restaurant, free breakfast, free local calls and free Wi-Fi are other amenities that may be important to you. Choose an establishment that offers the amenities you desire.
See if your organizational memberships offer any benefits. Some organizations offer discounts on hotels to their members. Discounts of 10% or more are often available, and people sometimes forget that they are eligible to claim them. This can help you to save some cash, especially if you’re going to be staying for a few nights. This can also net you a free hotel night.
You can use hotel search tools on the Internet. Travel websites are very helpful when seeking the best 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. These travel sites also list activities available in your area.
There are several things you should consider when booking a hotel. Of course price is a big deal, but a hotel close to where you are head is a big consideration. Amenities that help you choose a hotel are free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, exercise room, pool, and a restaurant on the premises. Try to find a hotel that offers as many of your desired amenities as possible.
Once you get to your hotel, do not unpack until you check the room. Is the room clean? Do you see any mold or mildew? Do the sink, shower and toilet work properly? Count how many linens and towels you were given and make sure there are enough for everyone traveling with you. If you see any issues, be sure to tell the front desk. This way, they can fix the problems or switch rooms for you.
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. This is why you should look for discounts yourself. RueLaLaTravel, SniqueAway and Jetsetter are all good Internet sites to check with.
If you’d like to bring Fido on your next trip, you must make some advance plans. Make sure the hotel is actually pet-friendly. For easy cleanup, make sure that you have brought along an adequate number of plastic bags. Reserving a room near the end of a hallway will keep other guests from being disturbed by your pet.
Be sure you inspect the room you are given at check in before you start unpacking. Is your room mold and mildew free? Do a quick check to ensure that the shower, sink and toilet are all in proper working order. Do you have enough towels and linens? If you spot any problems, immediately notify the hotel staff so they can fix it or move you to another room.
Are you a member of the AAA? If so, find out about membership discounts at hotels. You may not know that your membership to the auto club includes discounts on hotels. It can save you 5% or more on hotels all around the nation. When you stay for multiple nights, the savings really add up.
Make sure that you know the check-in time for the hotel that you book. If you don’t know you may end up waiting a long time. Call the hotel desk and find out if your room has been prepared if you know that you’ll be arriving early.
If you stay in a particular hotel chain, ask about their membership program. Many hotels offer membership programs that allow you to earn points for each of your stays. You might earn free stays and discounts, show tickets, or other things.
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. Frequently, the best massage people will be booked by name. This means that if you book early, you’ll have a better experience.
Be sure to avoid hotel transfer fees by asking about them in advance. If you are getting a very low price on the room, it is especially important that you ask about any hidden fees that might be tacked onto your bill. Inquiring about this in advance will maximize any savings.
Use your AAA discount at hotels. You would be surprised where hidden discounts may be lurking. You may be able to save upwards of five percent at hotels nationwide. When you stay for multiple nights, the savings really add up.
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. There aren’t many things that are as frustrating as going to your hotel with kids that really want to swim only to see that it has been closed.
If you travel frequently, sign up for loyalty programs at your favorite hotels. These programs provide benefits to guests who book the same hotel regularly. The rewards can include free room upgrades, free meals and movie or show tickets tickets. The points can add up.
If you smoke, be aware of the hotel policy with regard to smoking. A lot of hotels have rooms designated for smokers. Ask for those rooms if you are a smoker. If you smoke in a room designated as non-smoking, a big penalty can come along with it.
The price of a hotel room is often a mix of many factors. Availability sets pricing. If you can, make your room reservations only a day in advance. This will usually ensure that you receive the best available price. Empty rooms don’t make money, so hotels slash prices to fill the building.
In most cases, an early check-in just isn’t possible. Be sure to not to show up early so you don’t have to wait. Hotels need to get a room cleaned up before you get to check into it. Check with the front desk if you arrive early, but do not be angry if they can’t get you in early.
Inquire about the price of a transfer before you place a booking. If you’re getting what appears to be a nice deal on the room, these types of hidden charges can sometimes surface. You can increase the amount you save by simply finding this information out in advance.
Avoid leaving your hotel before your scheduled date of departure. Your hotel may charge you a fee to do so. When you book a hotel room, the hotel takes that room off the market; thus, if you depart early they will lose money. So make sure that you know the hotel’s policy on checking out a day or two early – it might cost you.
Being a member of AAA can save you money on hotels. 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. It is definitely worth looking into.
Avoid sleeping under the bedspread. Sheets are generally washed after guests leave the room, but the bedspread typically isn’t. It could have acquired a lot of invisible germs and other things you want to avoid. Just make sure you remove the bedspread.
If you are planning on staying in a hotel room with your children, make sure you call the hotel in advance to ensure they provide a working pool or some other fun activities for your children to do. Nothing is more frustrating than to have kids nagging you about swimming, only to find that the pool is closed.
Do not drink the bottled water that is offered in the rooms. You are very likely to be tired and thirsty when finally arriving to a hotel. As a result, that bottle of water on the little fridge may look very good to you. Hotels take advantage of guests by charging ridiculous amounts for bottled water. Look for free water in the gym or lobby. An even better option is to pack your own bottled water for when you arrive.
If you wish to see if a hotel room has bed bugs, check out the bathroom. Bedbugs usually won’t stay here. This is the best place to put your bags while you look around. Put kids and pets in there, too.
Remember that booking both your flight and hotel can often save you money. Online sites allow for bundles which lead to great discounts. To get the best deal, compare the rates between several airlines and hotels.
If you’ll need a rollaway or crib, make sure to mention it when booking the room. Not every hotel features these options, and the ones that do only have a few. In addition, there is sometimes an extra charge for these items. Before making reservations, explain this.
To get the best hotel rate, do not book at the height of the tourist season. Rates are at their peak then. Book your rooms at a time when the hotel is off-season and they’re desperate to attract new guests. You will have a better chance in getting a good rate.
Sometimes, you will need to reserve a hotel room. When you do not do your research, the hotel you choose may not be a great one. With the information you read here it shouldn’t be difficult for you to find a great hotel.
You can actually get a room upgrade without paying a dime. One savvy way to possibly get an upgrade is to show up at the check-in time you booked exactly on the minute. If you arrive early or in a timely manner, your room may not be ready for you yet; however, this can mean a discount on your rate.
