There are so many things to take into account when reserving a hotel room, such as the hotel’s location, cost and all the amenities. This is why researching beforehand is essential. Figure out your budget and decide which features you need from a hotel room. Use these tips for a more successful trip.
Use online travel sites, such as Expedia and Orbitz, to find the best prices at the hotels you want to stay at. Always remember to give your loyalty program information to the clerk when you book your room or search for prices. Additionally, there may be other price breaks for you through various organizations, like AAA or other exclusive clubs.
If you want a meal at night, it is much more comfortable to enjoy room service. Room service can be expensive, but the luxury of being able to lounge about in your room in your jammies can make it worthwhile.
Make use of the room safe to ensure the safety of your electronics when you are not in your room. Place your iPad, GPS and other small electronics in the safe when you are not in your room.
Consider the benefits of any organization memberships you have. Some may offer discounts on hotels. Discounts of 10% or more are often available, and people sometimes forget that they are eligible to claim them. You end up with an even bigger savings if your hotel stay is going to be for multiple nights. This can also net you a free hotel night.
When making a hotel selection, you should consider many things. Of course, you must think of cost; however, proximity to attractions is also very important. Amenities such as complimentary WiFi, free local calls, complimentary breakfast, a gym and pool and a convenient restaurant are also important considerations. You want to secure a room at a hotel that provides the things you desire.
Make use of online tools to find a hotel. These websites will help you find good deals quickly. Hotel search websites also let you see the regular rates of hotels, so you can compare and see whether a supposed deal is really a good one. You can also use them to explore the area around the hotel for recreation.
Checking online is the best way to find a good price and get the information that you need about hotels. The reservation clerk won’t offer these details to you over the phone. It’s your job to find them yourself. Look at Jetsetter, RueLaLaTravel or similar websites for discounts.
To get a good price when you want a hotel room, get your trips planned quite a few weeks or so in advance. The earlier you book, the better rate you should get. Some of the most popular hotel chains can end up giving you up to 50 percent in savings.
One of the best bonuses of a AAA membership is great discounts on booking a hotel. Many people are surprised to see hotel discounts included with their auto club membership. You can save more than five percent on hotels all over the country. It’s a savings that really adds up over the nights.
Loyalty Programs
If you travel frequently, it is wise to enroll in hotel loyalty programs. They give people benefits if they go to that chain often. These loyalty programs allow you to earn free upgrades, late check outs and even free stays.
If you stay in a particular hotel chain, ask about their membership program. Similar to frequent flyer programs, hotels have programs that add points on to your account each time you stay with them. These points can quickly add up to many perks such as a free night, discounts at the hotel restaurants, spa deals and much, much more.
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. This allows you to earn point you can redeem for vacation freebies for you and your family.
Aaa Members
Become a AAA member if you want to make arranging hotel accommodations a bit simpler. Not only will AAA members receive discounts for a lot of hotel chains that make it worth getting into, you may also find rental cars more easily than those without the membership. Many car rental agencies add perks, such as a child car seat at no charge, for AAA members.
If you are bringing your kids along for the trip, then it’s a good idea to call a hotel in advance and make sure they have working pools. There is nothing worse than having to tell your excited kids they cannot swim.
If you want to inspect a hotel room for bed bugs, start with the bathroom. You probably won’t find any bedbugs in the bathroom. You can leave your bags there while you investigate the remainder of the room for bedbugs. If you have pets or children with you, ask them to wait in the bathroom too.
Determine what the policy on smoking is if you smoke. A lot of hotels have rooms designated for smokers. Ask to see if any of these are available. You may be charged hefty fees if there is evidence that you have smoked in a that is designated as non-smoking.
Pet Friendly Hotels
Reviews whether or not the hotel allows pets. If you are afraid of pets or have allergies to them, you should probably avoid booking at pet friendly hotels. Also, pet friendly hotels may have lingering odors that have been absorbed by carpeting or linens. You may get charged extra for having a pet, but a lot of places don’t charge all that much. The fee might be too low to cover the extra cleaning costs.
You can secure a great hotel room and find a deal all at the same time. Remember this advice for the next time you plan a hotel stay. In this way, you can have a pleasant stay at a nice price.