When you plan a vacation, there are many details that require your attention. You have to choose where you are going and figure out your transportation method. You also have to plan where you will stay. The article below will help you with your choice.
Check online reviews before booking a room. These types of sites let you read about real customers’ experiences with each hotel. What former guests have to say with regards to a hotel being considered can ensure you make an informed decision.
Use Orbitz or Expedia to find a great deal. If you are a member of the hotel’s loyalty program, don’t forget to add that information as you check rates. Also, as an added bonus, you may get discounts from other companies such as AAA or AARP.
If you wish to keep things safe in a hotel, use the hotel’s safe that’s in the closet of your room. You can place your small, expensive items such as your iPad in the safe, so you can enjoy your day knowing they are safe and secure.
Look at organizations you’re part of for discounts. Many organizations provide hotel discounts for members. People often forget about these discounts, which can be 10% or more. For extended stays, this can really add up. For a week of vacation time that adds up to an extra day!
There are several things you should consider when booking a hotel. The location of the hotel may be just as important than the price. You may or may not care about such amenities such as a gym, large pool, WiFi or a free breakfast buffet. Choose a hotel that meets all of your needs.
Use online hotel search tools. Use these websites to your advantage! In addition, these websites will provide a comparison of different hotel prices, which will allow you to find the best possible deals. You can also use them to explore the area around the hotel for recreation.
Don’t book a hotel room without looking for online deals. Usually, when you try to book a room over the phone, the clerk will not let you know that there is a better deal online. This is why you should always do your research well online to find these hidden discounts. Check websites like Hotwire.com, Kayak.com and Priceline.com for great discounts.
Don’t make the assumption that all hotels will welcome your pet. Therefore, make sure you call the hotel staff to confirm that they will allow pets. Even if they have a website that states pets are allowed, you should still call to confirm this. Also, speak to them about what they’re meaning by pet-friendly because they may not allow specific breeds or certain sizes of pets.
If you want a couples massage, book early. The best masseuses are booked well in advance.
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 upwards of 5% on your hotel stays. The more nights you stay, the more you will save.
Bring your running clothes with you on your trip. If you want to jog early in the morning, don your gear and then go for it. When you go running in a new city, you will get a free tour, up-close and personal.
You may wish to consider a “green” vacation if the environment is one of your concerns. Luckily, there are a lot of green hotels out there in this day and age. Green certification is something some of the newly built hotels are quite proud of promoting. Older hotels can’t always do this, but instead choose to adhere to certain green practices. Talk to a travel agent if you want to find hotels that are eco-friendly.
The price you pay at a hotel often depends on the time frame in which you reserve the room. Rooms in hotels are often priced based on their availability. Whenever you can, don’t book your hotel room until the last 24 hours. This will allow you to get a great price on a hotel room. Hotels don’t earn money on empty rooms, so they are often willing to reduce the price.
To make sure you don’t have an unexpected expense, ask about how much hotel transfers will cost. If you are getting a very low price on the room, it is especially important that you ask about any hidden fees that might be tacked onto your bill. You can increase the amount you save by simply finding this information out in advance.
Avoid making long distance calls from the hotel room phone. Utilize the Internet, instead. Some hotels offer free Wi-Fi, so you can use Skype. In this way, you can stay in touch with friends, relations and colleagues without racking up a big phone bill.
It may come as a shock to you, but most hotels don’t allow you to check-in early. If you are going to arrive early, plan on doing something to fill your time. The room has to be cleaned ahead of your check in. You can request an early check-in ahead of time, but it may cost more.
You know your rights if a hotel attempts to take advantage of you. When hotels overbook rooms, the one you reserved may not be available. This is known as “walking” a customer. Avoid getting “walked” whenever you can, but if you have to switch hotels, be certain that your reservation there is equivalent or even an upgrade.
Don’t take linens from your room! As soft and luxurious as they are, the housekeepers will likely notice that things are missing, and you might get a bill from the hotel for them. If you really have to have the stuff, see if the hotel will sell it to you.
As you can see, you can choose a comfortable and affordable hotel with ease. Once you understand what to look for, you can start planning ahead. Make your reservations, and you will have a wonderful stay. Tell all your friends about it upon your return!