How often have people told you that they had an amazing vacation, but the hotel was awful? Your vacation’s success hinges on selecting a good hotel. Therefore, it is crucial that you select the best hotel for your needs and budget. Keep reading for more tips.
Use Orbitz or Expedia to find a great deal. As you check your rates, don’t forget to include that you’re a loyalty program member. Also, you may be eligible for discounts through other organizations to which you may belong, such as AARP or AAA.
If you have a safe in your closet, then you should use it to keep your valuables safe while you are outside of the room. Your iPad, watch, and other smaller, expensive items can be placed into the safe, then you can rest assured at their safety as you head out for a fun-filled day.
Make sure that you know the check-in time for the hotel that you book. Some people forget to find out what time they are allowed in their room; they show up at the hotel only to find their room is not yet ready. If you anticipate arriving before check-in time, make a call to the hotel and inquire if you can arrive early.
To get a good price when you want a hotel room, get your trips planned quite a few weeks or so in advance. You can get some great discounts if your trip is booked several months into the future. You may find yourself saving as much as half off of the room’s typical rates.
Don’t assume your hotel is pet-friendly. Be sure to ask even if the website says it’s ok to bring a pet. Also, ask what their definition of pet-friendly is, as there may still be restrictions on size or breed of pet allowed at the hotel.
Use your AAA discount at hotels. You would be surprised where hidden discounts may be lurking. You can save 5 percent or more on your hotel stay just by showing your membership card. Those discounts add up to great savings, especially if you will be having an extended stay.
If you travel often, consider signing up for a loyalty program with your favorite hotel chain. These programs provide perks to those who stay at a particular chain regularly. These loyalty programs allow you to earn free upgrades, late check outs and even free stays.
In order to avoid an unwanted expense on the hotel bill, inquire about any hotel transfer fees prior to booking them. If the room is the bargain, then an expensive transfer can ruin the whole savings. Asking before you arrive can really increase your overall savings.
If you are a frequent business traveler, establishments like Marriott and Choice Hotels offer attractive membership programs. Then you can accrue points, get extra perks, and save money.
If you’re traveling with kids, be sure that you check on the pools to ensure they’re open and in service. Nothing is worse than having excited kids who find out they cannot go to the pool.
When you look for bed bugs, start in the bathroom. This is the least likely place for bedbugs to be. This is why you should keep your luggage in there while you go on a search for bedbugs. Kids and pets can stay there as well.
See if the hotel is non-smoking or smoking. If you’re someone who doesn’t like cigarette smoke, you may want to find a different hotel. While it is possible to book a nonsmoking room, you can still be affected by the smoke from other areas. Also, people may rent a non-smoking room and smoke in it. Choose a non-smoking hotel to avoid the stench.
Look into the hotel policy with regard to pets. If you have an allergy, or you just don’t like dogs, it may not be in your best interest to book a hotel that lets guests bring their pets. Usually, hotels that do allow pets will have a strong odor coming from the linens as well as the carpeting. One hotel may charge guests an arm and a leg to bring their pet, while others don’t. Some hotels use the paid fees to clean the hotel more thoroughly.
It may come as a shock to you, but most hotels don’t allow you to check-in early. So, you may have to sit for a while in the lobby or find a way to occupy yourself until checking in if you are going to be arriving early. The room has to be cleaned ahead of your check in. If you do happen to arrive early, check with the desk to see if you can check in, but don’t expect that request to be honored.
If you will need a crib or rollaway, be sure to specify this fact when you make your reservation. Hotels don’t typically have a lot of these, so be sure to ask in advance. On occasion, these services may require an additional charge. Talk about these when reserving your room so you aren’t hit with unexpected expenses.
Don’t open the bottled water! Once you check-in and start to unwind, you will probably feel very thirsty. That’s what the hotel owners had in mind when they packed the min-fridge with delicious, yet expensive, refreshments. The hotel is counting on this, and as a result, they mark up the prices on the bottled water. Some hotels offer free bottles of water in their gyms. If possible, bring your own bottled water.
If you’re smart, you can get great accommodations for very little money. This article is filled with information that will make it easy to find the best accommodations for you. It doesn’t need to be one that’s too expensive. Use these tips to find a great room that is affordable.