A hotel is important when it comes to whether or not you’ll enjoy your trip. With the high cost of staying in a hotel, it’s crucial you are aware of what to search for when booking a room. Follow these tips to get the best value in hotel accommodations.
Check online hotel reviews prior to booking your stay. In this way, you can get real information from real people regarding their experiences at a variety of hotels. Other customers can give you some valuable insight and help you choose the right place to stay.
Find great prices at online travel sites like Orbitz and Expedia. If you are a part of a loyalty program, make note of that. If you have a membership in any other organization, put that down as well.
Hotel Safe
Be sure to put all valuables, such as jewelry and electronics, in the hotel safe. Putting your valuable jewelry and electronic items in the hotel safe allows you to feel secure as you enjoy your vacation.
When making a hotel selection, you should consider many things. Price is one, but a prime location is another. A pool, a gym, a restaurant, free breakfast, free local calls and free Wi-Fi are other amenities that may be important to you. Look for the hotel that gives as many of the extra you desire as possible.
Checking online is the best way to find a good price and get the information that you need about hotels. Most of the time, people you speak with over the phone won’t mention any discounts possibly available to you. It is your duty to perform due diligence. Check websites like Hotwire.com, Kayak.com and Priceline.com for great discounts.
Be sure to look at your room before unpacking your suitcase. Is it clean? Are the facilities operating correctly? Are there enough linens and towels? If you find obvious problems, notify the front desk right away so the hotel can correct the problems or they can assign a different room.
Don’t think every hotel is pet-friendly. Call them ahead of time to see if they are even if the website they’re on says yes. Be sure you know what pet-friendly means because there could be specific restrictions on sizes or certain breeds of dogs.
If your pet is coming to a hotel with you, there are a few things you need to do in preparation. Make sure it’s a pet-friendly hotel. Make sure you bring along plenty of plastic bags to dispose of any pet waste. See if you can stay in a room toward the end of a hall so your pet does not disturb guests.
If you want to have a massage with your partner on your vacation, make sure that you schedule an appointment with a masseuse as early as possible. The best practitioners go fast, so make your reservation early and book by name where possible.
If you’re a member of the AAA, you should see what your hotel membership discount will be. You may be surprised that your auto club membership includes hotel discounts, but it does. There are discounts at hotels around the country of 5 percent or more. It’s a way to save money that can add up fast.
If you book accommodations often, hotel loyalty programs are good to participate in. These are exceptional benefits reserved for customers who frequently use a particular chain of hotels. It is possible to earn perks such as free stays, extended check out times and other upgrades.
In order to avoid an unwanted expense on the hotel bill, inquire about any hotel transfer fees prior to booking them. 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.
Be sure you understand your hotel’s smoking policy if you smoke. Some have rooms for smokers. If they do, ask for this type of room. If you smoke in a room designated as non-smoking, a big penalty can come along with it.
If you’ll need a rollaway or crib, make sure to mention it when booking the room. Not every hotel will be able to accommodate you. Some hotels will include an additional fee if you want to rent these items during your stay. Talk about your needs when you reserve a spot so you don’t get surprised with something you won’t like.
For hygienic purposes, you may want to avoid using the bedspread that the hotel provides. Sheets are generally washed after guests leave the room, but the bedspread typically isn’t. This can make it full of bacteria, germs, and other unknown elements. Just remove this covering from the bed to have peace of mind.
Do not take the linens with you when you check out of the hotel. If you do take any items, the housekeeping staff is sure to notice, and you may receive a bill from the hotel. If you actually like the hotel’s stuff, ask if there is a way to purchase the items.
You can save money when traveling by booking your hotel and flight together. Often travel websites provide greater discounts for package deals. Be sure and compare the rates on different sites, as some will offer better deals than others.
In the event that you have to make hotel reservations while you’re on the road, stop at a tourist center or local gas station for information or a free booklet, and you may also find valuable coupons. You can now make a call to book a room rather than having to drive around to find one.
Now you should understand that some preparation goes a long way when it comes to booking hotels. You need to know what you are looking for and when you should book a room. Use the above tips to find the best hotel for what you need.