Do you dread trying to choose an out of town hotel? Well, you are at the right place. This is because the information here will give you all the basics. Look at all the amazing advice below.
Keep your electronics secure by using the hotel safe located in your hotel room. Anything of value can be securely locked in the safe, then you won’t have to worry about your valuables while out enjoying yourself for the day.
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. This safe will store your small important items, such as your iPad, iPod, GPS, jewelry, etc. By doing this, you can keep these items secure and enjoy your day without fretting about someone stealing them.
Figuring out which hotel you want to book isn’t an easy process. While price is obviously a factor, you may want to think about room size and amenities as well. A pool, a gym, a restaurant, free breakfast, free local calls and free Wi-Fi are other amenities that may be important to you. Choose a hotel that meets all of your needs.
Find out the exact time for check-in and check-out. Some people end up waiting for their room to be available because they forget to check this critical detail. Call the hotel if you are early and find out if your room is ready.
Never book a hotel room before seeking out online deals. Many times, the person you book your room with will not tell you that you can get a discount online. It is your responsibility to scour the Internet for these savings. Check out websites such as Jetsetter, RueLaLaTravel, and SniqueAway.
Plan your trip in advance for the best rates. A lot of hotel locations offer discounts for reservations a month or more in advance. This will allow you to save up to 50 percent even when staying at an elite hotel.
Don’t unpack upon arrival without checking your hotel room first. Your room should definitely be neat and should not have any odd smells, suspicious stains or mildew. Are the facilities operating correctly? Are linens and towels in ample supply? This quick check can keep you from discovering a problem later, after you have unpacked and all other good rooms are taken. Tell the front desk immediately.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking all hotels will accept pets. Call before you book so that you know for sure. Verify exactly what is meant by “pet-friendly” since certain breeds and pets over a certain size may not be allowed.
Be aware of when you can check into your room. Many hotel guests will forget their check-in time; therefore, they will arrive at the hotel just to discover that they cannot check in yet. If you anticipate arriving early, check with the hotel to find out if your room will be ready.
There are some things you have to do before taking your pet on a trip. You want to ensure you’ve chosen a pet-friendly hotel. Also, bring a lot of plastic sacks like ones from the grocery store so you can get your pet’s messes cleaned up. And, ask if your room can away from guests.
If you want to get a low rate at your hotel, start planning early for your vacation. A lot of hotel locations offer discounts for reservations a month or more in advance. You can save up to 50 percent, even on elite hotel chains.
To make sure that you get a couple’s massage when you’re staying somewhere, get your appointment booked as early as you are able to. Many top masseuses book by name, so plan as early as possible.
Do not make the assumption that your pets are welcome at all hotels. Therefore, make sure you call the hotel staff to confirm that they will allow pets. Even if they have a website that states pets are allowed, you should still call to confirm this. A hotel may be pet-friendly, but still has restrictions against certain breeds or animals. Find out ahead of time if your pet is acceptable.
If you are a runner, be sure to bring your running clothes and shoes. When you wake up in the morning, throw on your gear and head out for a morning jog. Spending time on the road with your own two feet will give you a perspective that you’ll never get while riding in a car.
Book your appointment as far ahead of time as possible to guarantee you get the perfect couples massage for you and your significant other. Usually, the best massage therapists are booked well in advance at top resorts. If you plan early, you will have the best experience possible.
Sign up for frequent guest programs at hotels. Like the programs for frequent flyer, these programs the hotel offer give you points whenever you stay with them. They will get you discounts on the hotel restaurants, spa deals, and just a number of great stuff.
If you want to keep up the running regimen you have while traveling you should get your GPS watch packed with some running clothes. When you wake up in the morning, throw on your gear and head out for a morning jog. Spending time on the road with your own two feet will give you a perspective that you’ll never get while riding in a car.
People who care about the environment may be more comfortable staying in a hotel that is eco-friendly. The number of “green” hotels is steadily growing. Some hotels are certified to be green. Many older hotels are environmentally aware and have eco-friendly measures in place. Ask your booking agent about green hotels.
Inquire about hotel transfer costs before before booking. Many times, rooms seem to be a good deal, but there are hidden fees for this service. Asking these things before anything happens will allow you to save more.
The time you book the room will change how much you’ll pay. Hotels give rooms a price based on what’s available. Book your room more the day before you need it if you can. This will net you the best price when it comes to hotel rooms. Empty rooms earn no money, so the hotels often slash the prices.
You don’t want to make too many long distance calls while you’re staying in a hotel room. Instead, use the Internet. You can access Skype with the Internet connection at your hotel. This is much cheaper than paying for a bunch of long distance calls from your hotel room.
Inquire about the price of a transfer before you place a booking. 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. Ask about this beforehand to save more.
Inspect your room for bed bugs, starting with the bathroom. Bedbugs are rarely seen in this room. This makes it an ideal spot to put your luggage as you check out the rest of your room for bedbugs. Kids and pets can safely wait there too.
Figure out if you want a hotel you can or cannot smoke in. If you’re not a smoker, it may be wise to stay away from rooms that are for smoking. Even in a non-smoking room, the smoke from other rooms is in the air and might infiltrate your clothing. Sometimes, smokers rent and smoke in non-smoking rooms. To avoid cigarette odors entirely, opt for a non-smoking hotel.
Determine whether or not the hotel you are considering allows smoking or not. If you’re not a smoker, you might want to skip a smoking 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. Too avoid exposure to the smell of cigarette smoke, it may be best to stay at a non-smoking hotel.
Find out what the policy on pets is. If you fear pets or have allergies it may be best to make reservations at hotels that have a strict no pets policy. These hotels may also have an odor due to the smells sinking in the floor and linens. Some hotels charge a nominal fee for pets, while others charge substantially more. If the hotel you are staying at does not incorporate much of an extra fee, the cleaning service might not be up to par.
Do you smoke? If so, it is important that you are aware of a hotel’s smoking policy in advance. Many hotels have rooms designated for smokers. If your selected hotel does, ask for one. You may be charged hefty fees if there is evidence that you have smoked in a that is designated as non-smoking.
Checking in early may not be available. Make sure you plan around your check-in time, or you will be forced to sit in a lobby to wait for your room. Hotels use these in between hours to make sure rooms are cleaned and ready for the next occupant. You can request an early check-in ahead of time, but it may cost more.
Find out what the policy on pets is. If you fear pets or have allergies it may be best to make reservations at hotels that have a strict no pets policy. If the hotel does not have good cleaning practices, you may be bothered by pet odors. Some hotels have an extra fee for pets, and the charge is not much in some places. The fee charged may not be adequate to cover the extra cleaning needed to completely remove the odors.
If needed, always ask about the availability of a crib or roll-away at the time you reserve the room. Some hotels won’t have these extra amenities, and when they do, there is often an extra cost. Also, you may get charged extra for these types of things. Make your needs known at the time you place your reservation so that you do not have any unpleasant surprises.
It is not always possible to check-in early. Plan your time accordingly unless you want to wait in the lobby for hours. The hotels need a chance to clean up your room prior to check in. If you happen to show up early just ask if your room was prepared early, but they’re most likely going to say no.
Early Departure
Beware of an establishment that attempts to “walk you.” This happens when the room you requested is unavailable because of overbooking on the part of the hotel. The hotel will then “walk” you, or direct you to a different hotel. If you can’t avoid this, then make sure you are getting a room that is still worth the value that you have already paid.
Don’t check out early, if possible. Some hotels charge a fee for early departure. You reserve a room when you book it, so if you leave early they lose money. Therefore, they have to make up for the loss by charging an early departure fee.
Don’t get that bottled water and open it! You are very likely to be tired and thirsty when finally arriving to a hotel. As a result, that bottle of water on the little fridge may look very good to you. Hotels take advantage of guests by charging ridiculous amounts for bottled water. Check the hotel gym and see if they offer it for free. If not, hit a convenience store and save some money.
Don’t let a hotel take advantage of you. Hotels routinely overbook, which means that you could find that there is no room available for you when you arrive at the hotel. When this happens, the hotel directs you to another property, “walking” you. Avoid this if you can, but if you must go someplace else, make sure the room you get is comparable to the one you booked, and you are paid to travel there.
There are some good strategies for getting a free room upgrade. You can do this by checking in exactly at your expected arrival time. Often your room has not yet been cleaned, so they might give you a room upgrade at no extra charge.
With your new-found knowledge, you will find it much easier to book an excellent hotel. These tips are simple to understand and use. Just use your time wisely and make smart decisions to ensure things go your way.
Tip at the hotel when appropriate. Room service should get a tip, but maid service shouldn’t. Tipping will make your stay better.
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