Locating a hotel that’s just right can make a vacation good or can make it bad. If you pay too much for the room, you can take money better spent on other aspects of the trip. Read this article to find out how to find the perfect hotel.
Do some research on travel websites before you book any hotel. These provide you with first-hand information about people’s recent experiences at each hotel. Other customers can give you some valuable insight and help you choose the right place to stay.
Compare prices at websites like Orbitz and Expedia to ensure that you receive the best available rate. If you are a member of a particular hotel’s loyalty program, remember to include that information when you are checking on rates. If you have a membership in any other organization, put that down as well.
Check with any membership programs for deals. 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. For a week of vacation time that adds up to an extra day!
Many factors come into play as you choose a hotel. Price is important but a shabby, dirty hotel room is no bargain at any price. You may or may not care about such amenities such as a gym, large pool, WiFi or a free breakfast buffet. Ensure the hotel you are planning on staying at has the amenities you desire.
Search for hotel deals online. Many times, the person you book your room with will not tell you that you can get a discount online. For this reason, making a proactive search is advisable. Look at Jetsetter, Enrovia and Hotels.com.
Don’t make the assumption that all hotels will welcome your pet. Call ahead to their service desk and make sure, even if their website listing says they are. Ask about their pet policy. Many hotels have restrictions on the breed and size of pet allowed on the premises.
Taking a pet on a trip requires some extra responsibility. Take time to ensure that the hotel you’re booking is, in fact, pet-friendly. You should bring some plastic bags and cleaning supplies to keep the room clean behind your pet. Also, request a room away from other guests so that your pet does not bother them.
If you want to arrange for a couples massage at your hotel, be sure to book the appointment right away. Many of the top masseuses out there are booked far ahead of time.
If you want to keep up your running regimen on the road, make sure that your packing list includes lots of running clothes and a GPS watch. Go for a jog every morning. It will give you a better perspective of the city you are visiting.
If you tend to return to the same family of hotels for your vacation, consider joining their membership reward programs. These are similar to frequent flyer programs, offering points each time you stay at a particular chain. These points add up to restaurant discounts, free nights, tickets to a show, spa treatments, and more.
The timing of your room booking often determines the price you pay. Hotels price rooms based on availability. If it’s possible, your room should be booked around a day in advance or more. This will get you a great price on your room. This is because the hotel will want to book rooms that are currently empty.
You should always find out how much hotel transfers will cost before you book a room. Particularly if you are getting a discount, the fee associated with the transfer may be high. Ask about this beforehand to save more.
Become a member of AAA in order to make your travel arrangements easier. Members of AAA get discounts at lots of hotel chains which more than makes up the membership to AAA, plus it is easier to rent a car anywhere you go. Parents with young children will appreciate the complimentary car set offered in some locations.
When you first arrive, inspect your hotel room’s bathroom. This is usually one of the few places you won’t see any. This makes the perfect location to place your belongings while you inspect your hotel room for bedbugs. It is also a safe spot for your pets and kids.
Be sure you know what the hotel smoking policy is if you smoke cigarettes. Hotels normally have rooms set aside 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.
Let the hotel know if you will be needing a crib or a rollaway bed. Some hotels don’t offer these amenities at all. In addition, there is sometimes an extra charge for these items. Therefore, when booking a hotel room, make sure you ask about these things so that you are prepared.
Avoid leaving your hotel before your scheduled date of departure. The hotel might charge you an early departure fee. Booking a hotel room means the hotel is going to take that specific room off of their market. If you wind up leaving early, then they’ll be losing money for every day that you don’t stay. So make sure that you know the hotel’s policy on checking out a day or two early – it might cost you.
When you pay too much for your hotel room, you’ll have nothing left to have fun with. Saving money and getting a comfortable room can be accomplished if you do a bit of planning and research. Keep these tips in mind whenever you plan on making a hotel reservation.