The hotel you choose could make the difference in whether you have positive or negative experience. Hotels are expensive, so this is not a decision to be taken lightly. For the best deal possible, take a look at the great advice below.
Use travel websites, like Expedia and Priceline to find great hotel deals. If you are a member of a loyalty program, use that info when checking rates. Additionally, there may be other price breaks for you through various organizations, like AAA or other exclusive clubs.
If you want a nice meal at night with your special someone, and you are too comfortable in your room to go out, order some food through room service. Although you’ll probably pay more, it is worth being able to comfortably dine in the room while in pajamas.
Check with the organizations that you are a member with. Some may offer discounts on hotels. These discounts are often neglected; however, they can save you upwards of ten percent. This can help you to save some cash, especially if you’re going to be staying for a few nights. This can also net you a free hotel night.
Be clear about check-in time at the hotel you have booked. Many people show up before check-in time only to find out their room isn’t ready. If you anticipate arriving early, check with the hotel to find out if your room will be ready.
There are three things to do ahead of time if you want to bring your pet to a hotel with you. Find out if the hotel will allow pets first. Make sure you bring along plenty of plastic bags to dispose of any pet waste. You should also see if you can get a room near the end part of the hallway to make sure other guests don’t have to put up with pet noise.
AAA members get an extra discount at certain hotel chains. You may not know that your membership to the auto club includes discounts on hotels. You can save 5 percent or even more on hotels around the country. The savings can really add up if you’re staying multiple nights.
If you stay at the same chain of hotels often, look into their membership programs for frequent guests. They work a lot like frequent flier miles do with airlines. You earn points in a similar way. 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.
The time you book the room will change how much you’ll pay. Hotels price rooms in part based on availability. Don’t book a room more than a day in advance. This will get you the very best rate on your hotel room. Hotels are often happy to slash prices on impending vacancies since they will get nothing if they can’t book the room.
If you don’t want to get a big expense on the hotel bill you get, speak to the place about hotel transfers prior to booking things. Particularly if you are getting a discount, the fee associated with the transfer may be high. Ask about this beforehand to save more.
Sign up for AAA to ensure easier hotel arrangements when traveling. AAA members not only get discounts at many hotel chains, it will also make it much easier to rent a car. They even throw in free car seats at most locations if you’re a parent.
Don’t call long distance in your hotel room. Use the Internet, instead. Hotels usually have Wi-Fi, so you can call using Skype. But the Internet is infinitely useful while traveling so it is usually worth it.
Call the hotel before you arrive to make sure the swimming pool is in working order. There are few things as frustrating as showing up to a hotel, with your kids chomping at the bit to get in the pool, only to have it closed for repairs.
When checking your hotel accommodations for bed bugs, begin in the bathroom. This is where bedbugs are least likely to be. When you determine there are not any in there, set your bags down and inspect the remainder of the premises. Have kids and/or pets wait for you in the bathroom while you look around.
If you smoke, you should understand the hotel’s policy about smoking before you book a room. Many have designated rooms for smokers. If that happens to be the case, then you need to ask for that type of room. You may be charged hefty fees if there is evidence that you have smoked in a that is designated as non-smoking.
Look into the hotel policy with regard to pets. If you’re terrified pets or are allergic to them, it may be best to make reservations at hotels that have a strict no pets policy. They may have a hidden smell that the hotel tries to mask with a strong fragrance, which is also an irritant. There may be an extra fee to have a pet stay. The fee might be too low to cover the extra cleaning costs.
As this article has shown you, if you prepare and do your research right, you’ll get a hotel that’s great for a good price. You just have to know what to look for and when to book. Remember what you have read and then go from there!