How many times have you heard people say that their vacation was great, except for the terrible hotel accommodations? The hotel in which you stay makes a big difference in how much you enjoy your vacation. It’s important to find a hotel that fits the budget you’ve outlined, but also includes some of the features you like the most. Keep reading to find out more.
Use travel websites, like Expedia and Priceline to find great hotel deals. If you are a member of the hotel’s loyalty program, don’t forget to add that information as you check rates. Don’t neglect to check for other discounts in which you may qualify, including AAA and AARP.
Check for online reviews before making any reservations. These sites will allow you to see previous guests’ experiences at the hotels you are considering. Factor former guests’ reviews into your final decision.
Room service can be a great way to have a private, comfortable meal. It may cost more, but it’s convenient when you don’t feel like leaving.
There are many different things to consider as you search for a hotel to stay in. Price is important but a shabby, dirty hotel room is no bargain at any price. Amenities that help you choose a hotel are free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, exercise room, pool, and a restaurant on the premises. Choose a hotel that meets all of your needs.
Look at organizations you’re part of for discounts. Sometimes you can get discounted hotel prices through these organizations. People don’t always remember to check out these discounts, which can often be 10% and higher. When you’re staying for more than one night, this can add up to a decent savings. That’s almost an extra free night throughout an entire week.
Upon arriving at your hotel, check your room before you unpack. Is it clean? Do the plumbing fixtures function properly? Count how many linens and towels you were given and make sure there are enough for everyone traveling with you. If you spot any problems, immediately notify the hotel staff so they can fix it or move you to another room.
Many things must be considered when choosing the right hotel. Of course price is a big deal, but a hotel close to where you are head is a big consideration. Amenities like free WiFi, fitness facilities, a pool and free meals may also be important considerations. Look for the hotel that gives as many of the extra you desire as possible.
Know when check-in time is. If you don’t know you may end up waiting a long time. Ask for an early check-in time if absolutely necessary.
Utilize the Internet when searching for a hotel. These sites can help you get good deals. Not only will they show the best deals, but they’ll also include extra information about the rooms, floor plans, and even reviews from other customers. They can also give you information on nearby attractions, too.
If you want to get a low rate at your hotel, start planning early for your vacation. There are quite a few hotels that will reward booking your room a few months in advance with nice discounts. You might even be able to save up to 50 percent off at some very exclusive hotels.
To benefit from the best prices at hotels, start planning your trips several weeks or even months in advance. Many locations offer discounts if you are willing to book more than a month or two ahead of time. You can save up to 50 percent, even on elite hotel chains.
If you are a daily runner, make sure you pack exercise clothes and a GPS watch. You can still enjoy your early morning jog while on vacation if you have your gear and the right room booked. Even if you are running down roads or down city streets, you’ll get a new perspective on the city you’re visiting before you’re done.
Not every hotel allows pets. Be sure to call in advance and find out about their policies, regardless of website info. Ask about their pet policy. Many hotels have restrictions on the breed and size of pet allowed on the premises.
If you travel a lot, you should consider joining hotel loyalty programs. They offer benefits to people that stay at the same chain quite often. Some of the useful things that you can earn are extra upgrades, free nights, and late check-outs.
See if you can get a hotel discount through AAA if you are a member. You may be surprised that your auto club membership includes hotel discounts, but it does. You can save upwards of 5% on your hotel stays. Over multiple nights, that five percent will really add up.
Timing matters when booking a hotel room. The prices are based partly on availability. Book your room more the day before you need it if you can. A late booking when the hotel is slow often results in a bargain. Empty rooms don’t earn a hotel any money, so they are willing to slash the price.
If you book accommodations often, hotel loyalty programs are good to participate in. These programs provide perks to those who stay at a particular chain regularly. Rewards can include free hotel stays, upgrades and late check-out times if you save up enough points.
Get a AAA membership to facilitate the process of booking a hotel when you travel. AAA members are given many discounts and booking privileges on hotel rooms and rental vehicles. It’s great to know that you can count on both of these things.
The cost of your hotel room largely depends on the dates on which you plan to stay there. Hotel rooms are priced based on how many are available. If possible, book your room no more than 24 hours in advance. This is the best way to get the best prices. A room that’s empty won’t help the hotel, so generally they will get the price lowered.
Call the hotel before you arrive to make sure the swimming pool is in working order. Nothing is quite as frustrating as arriving at a hotel with children clamoring to jump in the pool only to find that it is closed.
See if the hotel is non-smoking or smoking. If you are a non-smoker, you might want to stay away from hotels that offer smoking rooms. Even if you book a non-smoking room, smoke can enter your room through air vents. There are times when smokers light up in a non-smoking room. If you don’t want to stink like a cigarette when you are leaving a non smoking hotel may be a good choice.
Moking Hotel
Check to see if the hotel allows pets. When you are scared of animals or allergic, you won’t want to stay at pet-friendly hotels. Usually, hotels that do allow pets will have a strong odor coming from the linens as well as the carpeting. Depending on the hotel, you may be expected to pay extra for keeping a pet, but it isn’t usually a large sum. The fee may be for any cleaning that needs to be done.
Look into the smoking policies in the hotel you are considering. If you are a non-smoker, you might want to stay at a non-smoking hotel. Even if you stipulate that your room should be non-smoking, second hand smoke can still enter your room. Sometimes a smoker will get a non smoking room and still smoke in it. Choose a non-smoking hotel to a smoke smell on your clothes.
If you require a rollaway bed or crib at your hotel, let the person know when making a reservation. Some hotels don’t have them, and others have a limited amount. In addition, there is sometimes an extra charge for these items. You should discuss this with the hotel agent prior to booking so that you do not have an unexpected charge to your bill.
It may come as a shock to you, but most hotels don’t allow you to check-in early. Plan your trip right or you might end up waiting in a hotel lobby. Most hotels clean and prepare rooms at a certain time, so that they are ready for check-in. If you are early, don’t expect miracles.
Do not check out early. Some hotels charge a fee for early departure. By booking a room, you are preventing other potential guests from staying in the hotel. Therefore, by leaving early, you are costing the hotel extra revenue. This is why they have the departure fee, to get their money back that they would have otherwise lost.
If you are going to need a rollaway or a crib, make sure that the hotel knows this in the reservation process. Some hotels don’t offer these amenities at all. Sometimes, there are also extra charges for items like these. Ask about this before you finalize your reservations, to make sure your needs are fully met.
To be safe, avoid the top bedspread that is provided by the hotel. Most hotels only wash the sheets on the bed; however, the bedspread is normally not washed. This means you might find that the bedspread is carrying germs and bacteria. Therefore, as soon as you walk into your room, take the bedspread off the bed.
If you book a room during a heavy occupancy period, don’t be surprised if you have a mandatory stay of a few days or more. Hotels often charge early departure fees. 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. This is why they usually charge you an fee for early departure.
Make sure you know your rights if any hotel ever tries to “walk” you. Hotels sometimes overbook, which means you discover that your reservation is unavailable. The hotel “walks” you to a new hotel nearby. Try to avoid this scenario if you can, but if it becomes necessary to secure alternate accommodations, be sure that the room is at least comparable to the one at the hotel you booked, and get compensation for your travel expenses.
It is possible to find excellent accommodations at a reasonable price with just a little common sense. The great tips provided in this article will help you find that perfect hotel. It doesn’t need to be expensive. Use the information from this article to ensure you have an enjoyable, affordable stay.
If you wish to get an upgrade in a hotel, try getting one without paying anything. You can do this by going at the precise check-in time. Often the room isn’t quite ready at the exact time and the hotel will offer you an upgraded room instead.
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