It is rare to find a person who hasn’t had a bad experience booking a less than desirable hotel at one point or another. It can cost a lot and that’s a mistake you shouldn’t make more than once. Below are some great tips to help make sure that you book a budget friendly hotel that’s great for your need.
Compare prices at websites like Orbitz and Expedia to ensure that you receive the best available rate. If you are a member of the hotel’s loyalty program, don’t forget to add that information as you check rates. If you have a membership in any other organization, put that down as well.
Prior to choosing and reserving a hotel room, check review sites online like TripAdvisor or Expedia. Here, you can read what people had to say about their hotel stay. These reviews can help you decide which hotel you should select.
Take advantage of the safe you have in your room, especially if you have electronics with you. 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.
When checking for good prices at hotels, refer to online travel sites like Orbitz and Expedia. If you are a member of a particular hotel’s loyalty program, remember to include that information when you are checking on rates. You may also be able to get good discounts due to AAA or AARP membership.
You can use hotel search tools on the Internet. These sites allow you to find great deals quickly. They also let you see what full price is, so you know you are saving money. Finally, by using these websites, you can learn the best places and times to take a vacation.
Be sure to put all valuables, such as jewelry and electronics, in the hotel safe. You can place your costly items that are small into their safe, and then you won’t have to worry about these things as you go out.
Always look for deals online when reserving a hotel room. It’s not uncommon for a hotel employee to not mention to you that it is possible to receive a great discount online. It is your responsibility to scour the Internet for these savings. Look at Jetsetter, Enrovia and Hotels.com.
When booking a hotel, you need to establish what you need and what you would ideally like from your stay. Price is one thing you should consider, but when you get a hotel you may want it near a certain place. You may or may not care about such amenities such as a gym, large pool, WiFi or a free breakfast buffet. Look for a hotel that gives you a lot of the things you are looking for.
Be aware in advance of the check-in time. Many people forget the time, then they show up early and the room isn’t ready yet. Call the hotel if you are early and find out if your room is ready.
You can use online travel sites to find great hotels. These websites will help you find good deals quickly. They also can show you the average hotel rates, letting you see whether the deal is good or bad. Finally, by using these websites, you can learn the best places and times to take a vacation.
Never assume that all hotels are pet-friendly. So call ahead and make sure you understand if there are extra fees or a limited number of rooms available. Ask about their pet policy. Many hotels have restrictions on the breed and size of pet allowed on the premises.
When get to your hotel, inspect the room before unpacking. Is your room mold and mildew free? Do the sink, shower and toilet work properly? Do you have all the towels and linens you need? If you notice a problem, be sure to inform the front desk right away to have these problems resolved.
Book massages as early as possible. The best massage therapists are well-known at resorts, so planning early is the best way to create a good experience.
Be aware of when you can check into your room. If you show up too early, you may find yourself sitting around the lobby, waiting for your room to be ready. If you anticipate arriving early, check with the hotel to find out if your room will be ready.
If you belong to AAA, see what kinds of discounts the hotel offers. Many people are surprised to see hotel discounts included with their auto club membership. You can save 5 percent or more on your hotel stay just by showing your membership card. This can add up on a long trip.
If you are an AAA member, check into your membership hotel discount. Your membership in this auto club has just such a discount available to you. You can save more than five percent on hotels all over the country. It really is a savings that adds up over time.
Be sure to follow your fitness regimen while staying in a hotel by packing your workout clothes and any other equipment you may need. In this way, you can simply suit up and enjoy your workout as usual while on the road. Even if your route takes you through the street of a city, at least you will get a glimpse of the area you are visiting.
For people who are frequent travelers, consider signing up for some loyalty programs with your favorite hotels. These programs provide perks to those who stay at a particular chain regularly. Enjoy late check out, bonus upgrades and free nights with the loyalty paints you have earned.
If you travel frequently, sign up for loyalty programs at your favorite hotels. They give people benefits if they go to that chain often. You might receive an upgrade at no cost or be allowed to check out later than others with your points.
If you stay at the same chain of hotels often, look into their membership programs for frequent guests. Like the programs for frequent flyer, these programs the hotel offer give you points whenever you stay with them. In time you may even get to stay there for free!
If you wish to get a lot out of a hotel stay, especially if you’re traveling for your business, get a membership program and join it like what the Marriott or Choice Hotels offers. When you do, you get points every time you stay at a hotel.
If preserving the environment is of interest to you, you can chose a “green” vacation. The great thing is there are plenty of green hotels you can select from. Some of the newer hotels were built with green standards in mind. Some older hotels choose to use eco-friendly practices as well, making them a good green option. Ask your booking agent about green hotels.
Being a member of AAA can save you money on hotels. AAA members can receive great hotel discounts as well as locate a rental car much more easily. Parents of small children will probably like the car seat that’s provided for free in a lot of locations.
When you book has a huge impact on your final bill. The price of a hotel room varies with availability. If possible, book your room no more than 24 hours in advance. You may find the best prices this way. They’ll lower the price to fill the room.
Do not make long distance calls from your hotel room. Try using the Internet, instead. A lot of hotels have free Wi-Fi that you can use to connect with people. You can stay in touch with work or family without the high cost of a call from the phone in your room.
You can get great hotel discounts by becoming a member of AAA. Hotel and rental car discounts are available to AAA members. In addition, parents may enjoy the benefit of having free car seats provided.
When you first arrive, inspect your hotel room’s bathroom. You probably won’t find any in there. That means your luggage will be safe there while you check out the other areas of the room. It is usually a convenient place for young children to sit for a moment too.
Start by inspecting the hotel bathroom if you need to make sure there are no bed bugs. You probably won’t find any bedbugs in the bathroom. That makes the bathroom the safest place to keep the luggage while you look through the remainder of the accommodations. Put kids and pets in there, too.
If you smoke, learn the smoking policy of the hotel where you are staying. Some have rooms for smokers. If your selected hotel does, ask for one. Don’t smoke in a nonsmoking room, or you may be charged by the hotel for doing so.
Know whether or not smoking is allowed in your room. Most hotels have designated smoking rooms. So be sure to request one of these rooms. Certain hotels will charge you a steep fee if you get caught smoking in a room that is non-smoking. Be sure to follow the rules of the hotel.
You should always be aware whether or not the hotel allows pets. You may wish to stay away from hotels that permit pets if you have allergies or you fear certain animals. Because odors have a tendency to linger on fabrics and rugs, the hotel may have an odor about it. Most hotels charge a pet fee; however, sometimes this is negligible. The fee may cover the cleaning, and it may not.
Look into a hotel’s pet restrictions. If you fear pets or have allergies it would be best if you make reservations at hotels that have a strict no pets policy. These hotels sometimes have odors because the carpet and linens have absorbed them. Most hotels charge a pet fee; however, sometimes this is negligible. The fee may cover totally or partially the cost of the extra cleaning involved.
When your hotel attempts to “walk” you, don’t stand for it! Sometimes a hotel will overbook and you will find the room you booked is not available. The hotel will then “walk” you, or send you out to another hotel. 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.
Staying at a bad hotel can be a real nightmare. Big discounts can’t beat a poor experience. Your trip is going to go bad no matter what. Therefore, implementing the tips given here will help you find the best hotel. Once you find a hotel that you like, you’ll need to locate all of the discounts available online to truly make it a great trip.
Avoid drinking bottled water from a hotel! After you check-in you may feel tired and thirsty. That’s what the hotel owners had in mind when they packed the min-fridge with delicious, yet expensive, refreshments. There is a huge mark-up in price because the hotel knows this fact. Many hotels offer free bottles of water in their gyms. Or better yet, bring a few of your own bottles.
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