A dream vacation can become a nightmare when you stay in a bad hotel. You have to know what’s important to search for and what really isn’t important when you’re looking for the best hotel. That’s why these tips have been prepared to help you find the right hotel for your trip.
Prior to reserving a room at a hotel, look on the Internet for reviews. One great site is TripAdvisor. This gives you first-hand accounts of people’s experiences in each hotel. What former guests have to say with regards to a hotel being considered can ensure you make an informed decision.
You can find good deals on hotel rooms using online travel sites. Make sure you notify the reservation clerk about any loyalty program you belong to with the hotel. You may also be able to get good discounts due to AAA or AARP membership.
To get a meal later at night order yourself some room service. While it may cost more, it is more convenient to remain in your room while satisfying your hunger.
If you wish to keep things safe in a hotel, use the hotel’s safe that’s in the closet of your room. Valuables can be placed there with confidence, allowing you to enjoy your day without worries.
If you belong to any organizations, find out if they get any discount from certain hotel chains. There are times when an organization will give you great deals on the price of hotels. Some of these discounts can be pretty substantial, but many people don’t take advantage of them. This can result in significant savings, especially for longer stays. This can also net you a free hotel night.
Make use of the various hotel search websites on the Internet. 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. These travel sites also list activities available in your area.
If you are traveling with a pet, it is best to find a pet friendly hotel ahead of time. Ask the hotel if pets are allowed, no matter what their site says. Verify exactly what is meant by “pet-friendly” since certain breeds and pets over a certain size may not be allowed.
If you’re going to be wanting a massage at your hotel, book it well in advance. That’s because the highest quality masseurs and masseuses are typically booked way in advance due to their good name. Therefore, by planning in advance, you can ensure you have the best possible experience during your massage.
See if you can get a hotel discount through AAA if you are a member. It might be surprising to learn that some auto club memberships include hotel discounts. You can save 5%, 10% or more at quality hotels throughout the country. When you stay for multiple nights, the savings really add up.
Green Hotels
Going green is a growing trend so it is no surprise that hotels are going green as well. Fortunately, there are many green hotels to choose from today. Some hotels are certified to be green. Also, older hotels often make several changes to become eco-friendly. Talk with a travel agent to find green hotels.
To make sure you don’t have an unexpected expense, ask about how much hotel transfers will cost. A transfer can sometimes come with a substantial hidden cost. Inquiring in advance will mean more savings for you.
To make reserving a hotel easy, use AAA. A membership with AAA not only provides you with hotel discounts but a guaranteed piece of mind when trying to rent a vehicle. Some places provide free car seats too.
Smoking Rooms
Ask if there is smoking allowed in the hotel. If you are not a smoker, you might want to avoid hotels with smoking rooms. You may be able to get a non smoking rooms still, but you can get smoke in the air which will stick to you. Sometimes, smokers rent and smoke in non-smoking rooms. Choose a non-smoking hotel to avoid the stench.
Determine what the policy on smoking is if you smoke. There are sometimes rooms designated for people who smoke. Ask to see if any of these are available. Some hotels charge large penalties if they find that smoking occured in a room not designated for it, so make sure you follow the hotel’s smoking rules.
It may come as a shock to you, but most hotels don’t allow you to check-in early. Plan accordingly or you will find yourself waiting a long time to access your room. Hotels need this time to clean and prepare your room. You can inquire about checking in early, but do not expect that you’re going to be able to do it.
If you have to get a rollaway or a crib, you need to let them know when you’re making the reservation. Some hotels may not have one, so you want to know this upfront. In addition, there is sometimes an extra charge for these items. Make sure these needs are discussed during the initial reservation so you don’t get any surprises.
Don’t use the hotel bedspread if you can avoid it. Although the blankets and sheets are cleaned when guests check out, sometimes the bedspread on top will not be. This can mean that the comforter has tons of germs and bacteria. Remove the bedspread and use your own travel blanket or comforter, instead.
It should now be obvious that with the right knowledge you can be kind to your budget and still get a wonderful hotel room for your trip. You have to know the right times to book and what you should look for. If you follow these tips and do your homework in advance, you should be able to book the ideal hotel room with ease.