It’s never fun to feel like the hotel has taken advantage of you and your money. For whatever reason, a poor choice in hotel rooms can turn into a poor experience for the entire vacation. Learn how to minimize the potential of a bad experience by reading the following article.
There are plenty of websites that offer reviews for local hotels, for example TripAdvisor. Use these websites to review a hotel before you make the actual reservation. In this way, you can get real information from real people regarding their experiences at a variety of hotels. These reviews can help you decide which hotel you should select.
To get the very best prices for the hotels that you’d like to visit, use travel sites online like Orbitz and Expedia. Make sure you notify the reservation clerk about any loyalty program you belong to with the hotel. You might also have other discounts from a membership in the AARP or AAA.
If you are hungry when you get to your hotel and do not want to leave, consider ordering room service. While it may cost a little extra, it is worth it if you can stay in your comfortable room as you satisfy your cravings.
Check the organizations that you’re a member of. Some of them may provide discounts on hotel stays. Many people don’t remember these discounts, which can save them 10% or more. For extended stays, this can really add up. It can add up to equal a free night!
Many factors come into play as you choose a hotel. Price is one thing you should consider, but when you get a hotel you may want it near a certain place. Other amenities that people look for are a gym, pool, free local phone calls, free Wi-Fi, and free breakfast. Try to get a room that fits your needs, then start shopping by price.
Check your hotel room prior to unpacking. Is the room mildew-free and otherwise clean? Are the toilet, shower and sink functioning properly? Do you have an adequate number of towels? If any issues are immediately prevalent, call the front desk that instant so they can address them or move you to another room.
Part of trip planning is knowing what time check-in is at your hotel. Some people neglect asking what the check-in time is and get to the hotel when their room is still not ready. Call the hotel desk and find out if your room has been prepared if you know that you’ll be arriving early.
For the best hotel rates, plan your trip weeks or months ahead of time. A lot of places will give you a discount if you’re going to book about a month or so in advance. This will allow you to save up to 50 percent even when staying at an elite hotel.
Use your AAA discount at hotels. You would be surprised where hidden discounts may be lurking. Membership in AARP, a union, an auto club or even being a police officer can get you a discount. The savings can really add up if you’re staying multiple nights.
Pack your GPS and running clothes while on vacation. This makes it easy for you to wake in the morning and get in a run. Running not only provides you with great exercise, but it also helps you better learn the city in which you are residing.
If you often frequent the same hotel chains, look into their frequent stay membership programs. Similar to how you earn points from frequent flyer programs, hotels offer you similar rewards for your stay. These points add up to restaurant discounts, free nights, tickets to a show, spa treatments, and more.
Before you decide to book, always find out if there are any hotel transfer fees so you won’t be surprised on your bill. If the room is the bargain, then an expensive transfer can ruin the whole savings. You save the most money when you ask about this beforehand.
Avoid making long distance calls from the hotel room phone. Use your cell phone or the Internet. With a Wi-Fi connection, you can use Skype for your calls. Use these types of services to keep in contact with loved ones back home instead of having exorbitant charges added to your bill from the costly phone calls.
Call ahead to your hotels to make certain the swimming pools are ready for your kids. Your kids and you will be very frustrated if the pool at your hotel is closed because of repairs when you arrive.
Checking in early may not be available. Be sure to not to show up early so you don’t have to wait. The rooms can’t be readied and cleaned until the prior guests are gone, so this means that check-in time is usually around 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. If you do arrive early, ask the desk clerk if it’s possible to check in early, but don’t necessarily expect it.
Early Departure
It you’re able to, try not to check out until it’s time for you to depart. The hotel might charge you an early departure fee. If you reserve a room for a set number of days but check out a day or two early, that hotel may charge a fee because they couldn’t book that room. That’s why they will charge you a fee for early departure.
By following this smart advice, you can avoid negative experiences when staying in hotels. Looking out for yourself and choosing a good room based on the advice provided is going to help you fare better. You want to be able to relax and enjoy yourself at your hotel room.