How often have people told you that they had an amazing vacation, but the hotel was awful? The hotel you pick can really affect how much you enjoy a vacation. You want to choose a place that fits your budget and that offers you great service. Read on to find some helpful tips.
Before you pick out your hotel you’re going to reserve a spot at, check out review sites online like TripAdvisor. These types of sites let you read about real customers’ experiences with each hotel. These reviews can aid you in your decision about whether to book the hotel.
You can find good deals on hotel rooms using online travel sites. If you have a hotel loyalty program your a part of, be sure you enter this information while looking through rates. You may also be able to get good discounts due to AAA or AARP membership.
Check the organizations that you’re a member of. You may be able to receive discounts on hotel through these organizations. Discounts of 10% or more are often available, and people sometimes forget that they are eligible to claim them. If you are planning to stay a few nights, this can really add up. This can also net you a free hotel night.
When thinking about the type of hotel you would like to stay at, there are plenty of options to consider. Price is one thing you should consider, but when you get a hotel you may want it near a certain place. Amenities that you might personally want or need include a swimming pool or gym, on-site restaurant, continental breakfast and free Wi-Fi or local calls. Seek out hotels that offer amenities that appeal to you.
Hotel Search Websites
Make use of the various hotel search websites on the Internet. There are a lot of websites that have great deals and other useful tools to help you comparison shop to find the right hotel at the right price. Hotel search websites also let you see the regular rates of hotels, so you can compare and see whether a supposed deal is really a good one. Finally, they can assist you in deciding when to vacation and what to do once you arrive at your destination.
Before you book a hotel, look for deals online. In a lot of cases, the person booking your room isn’t going to tell you about online discounts. You will have to learn how to find these great discounts yourself. Look at Jetsetter, Enrovia and Hotels.com.
Know your check-in time in advance. If you show up too early, you may find yourself sitting around the lobby, waiting for your room to be ready. If you find you will be arriving early, call the hotel in advance and find out if you will be allowed in.
To benefit from the best prices at hotels, start planning your trips several weeks or even months in advance. Most hotels have serious discounts for early booking customers. You can save up to 50 percent, even on elite hotel chains.
Don’t assume your hotel is pet-friendly. So call ahead and make sure you understand if there are extra fees or a limited number of rooms available. 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.
If you want to arrange for a couples massage at your hotel, be sure to book the appointment right away. Many top masseuses book by name, so plan as early as possible.
AAA members get an extra discount at certain hotel chains. Your membership may entitle you to hotel discounts. You can save upwards of 5% on your hotel stays. This really adds up when you are staying for many nights.
If you travel frequently, it is wise to enroll in hotel loyalty programs. They provide benefits to anyone who stays at a hotel chain frequently. Rewards can include free hotel stays, upgrades and late check-out times if you save up enough points.
If you stay at the same chain of hotels often, look into their membership programs for frequent guests. These programs give you points every time you stay there. Over time, these points can really add up, allowing you to enjoy numerous upgrades, spa visits, restaurant discounts, and even free nights at the hotel.
If you want to work on saving the environment, a green vacation is something to look into. Fortunately, there are many green hotels available nowadays. Green certification is something some of the newly built hotels are quite proud of promoting. Older hotels might change practices to be more green. A travel agent or similar source can help you find hotels that are considered ‘green’.
You should always find out how much hotel transfers will cost before you book a room. Especially if you’re in a situation where the room’s price is a really good deal, the price of your transfer can make a big difference. Inquire before you book, so you aren’t hit with an unexpected price increase.
Being a AAA member has many advantages when it comes to booking a hotel room. AAA members receive excellent discounts on hotels, car rentals and other attractions. It is definitely worth looking into.
Always avoid making long distance calls from your hotel room. If you don’t have a cell phone or the Internet, buy a calling card to keep with you during your trip. Many hotels now offer Skype connections via Wi-Fi. In this way, you can stay in touch with friends, relations and colleagues without racking up a big phone bill.
You can locate a great room at an affordable price. This article has provided some helpful tips in the approach to finding the perfect hotel. Your dream reservation doesn’t have to prove the priciest one. Keep in mind all that you learned here and you will reserve a great room at an affordable hotel.