Your hotel accommodations can make or break your vacation experience. Hotels are expensive, so this is not a decision to be taken lightly. So following is some advice to assist you in obtaining a good room at a fair price.
Use online travel sites, such as Expedia and Orbitz, to find the best prices at the hotels you want to stay at. If you are in a hotel loyalty program, put your information in. You may also be eligible for deals that are offered to members of certain organizations, like AAA or AARP.
Room service can make your stay more enjoyable. Although you will probably have to spend more money to do this, it’s usually worth the cost because you have the luxury of receiving excellent food without having to leave your hotel room.
If you have a safe in your closet, then you should use it to keep your valuables safe while you are outside of the room. Putting your valuable jewelry and electronic items in the hotel safe allows you to feel secure as you enjoy your vacation.
You want to look at a number of different things when booking a hotel stay. 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. Shop around for a hotel that has the features that are most important to you.
You can use hotel search tools on the Internet. These websites can help you get great deals quickly. They also can show you the average hotel rates, letting you see whether the deal is good or bad. Finally, they can help you determine when you’d like to travel and what you’d like to do when you’re there.
Hotel Discounts
If you have a AAA membership, look into hotel discounts included. AAA members actually receive hotel discounts at specific hotel chains! You may be able to save upwards of five percent at hotels nationwide. The more nights you stay, the more you will save.
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 perspective that you’ll never get while riding in a car.
It is wise to join a hotel loyalty program if you travel frequently. This type of program provides discounts and benefits for frequent visitors. There are many rewards given when you accumulate loyalty points such as free stays, free upgrades and later than usual check out times.
If you often stay at a certain type of hotel, ask about the “frequent stay” program. Just like with a frequent flyer mile program, you can get points for staying a hotel. In time you may even get to stay there for free!
Membership Programs
In order to enhance your hotel visits, especially when traveling for work, you should consider joining membership programs that hotels provide. Examples include membership programs provided by Marriott or Choice Hotels. These programs allow you to collect points that can be applied toward further travels.
When traveling with children, check with the hotel ahead of time to ascertain that the pool is usable. It can prove rather frustrating when you check in to your room with the kids screaming “pool” only to find out it’s closed.
When checking your hotel accommodations for bed bugs, begin in the bathroom. Bedbugs usually won’t stay here. This makes the perfect location to place your belongings while you inspect your hotel room for bedbugs. Kids and pets can safely wait there too.
If you smoke, you should understand the hotel’s policy about smoking before you book a room. There are sometimes rooms designated for people who smoke. If so, you should avail yourself of this option. If you don’t, you can be hit with some major penalties for lighting up in a non-smoker’s room.
In most cases, checking into a hotel room ahead of schedule isn’t possible. Plan your time accordingly unless you want to wait in the lobby for hours. The room has to be cleaned ahead of your check in. If you’re going to have to show up early, speak with the people at the front to see if you’re able to get into the room, but don’t think that it will happen.
Don’t give into the temptation to take hotel linens home. If you do take any items, the housekeeping staff is sure to notice, and you may receive a bill from the hotel. If you do want to take something, ask about a direct purchase when you’re checking out.
Think about bundling your flight and hotel together. A lot of travel websites provide significant savings for people who reserve a hotel and a rental car or flight from them. Always compare the prices from multiple hotels to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
If you want lower hotel room rates, try to avoid booking in the middle of peak tourist seasons. This is the highest time for rates. Book when the hotel is empty for the best deals. This will get you a real bargain.
A bit of research goes a long way in reserving a hotel. You just need to know what you should do. So keep the tips from above in mind and you will be sure to find a hotel that is perfect for your needs.