Hotel Secrets Straight From The Travel Experts
Your hotel can really make a difference in the type of vacation that you have. Hotels are not cheap, so you should know how to select the right one when you want to book one. For the best deal possible, take a look at the great advice below.
Use travel websites, like Expedia and Priceline to find great hotel deals. Make sure you notify the reservation clerk about any loyalty program you belong to with the hotel. You may also be able to get good discounts due to AAA or AARP membership.
If you are hungry when you get to your hotel and do not want to leave, consider ordering room service. 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.
Use the closet safe to protect your electronics. You can put your iPad, GPS watch, and other small, costly items into the safe, and then head out for the day with peace of mind about their security.
Consider the benefits of any organization memberships you have. Hotel discounts are often one of the benefits offered. Many people forget to do this and miss out on saving a sizable amount of money. This can add up to big savings, even more so if you will be staying for many nights. It may equate to one whole free night.
There are quite a few things you need to think over when you’re about to stay at a hotel. Price is important but a shabby, dirty hotel room is no bargain at any price. What about free breakfast, local calls, wifi or swimming pool? Try to find a hotel that offers as many of your desired amenities as possible.
Make use of online tools to find a hotel. These sites allow you to find great deals quickly. You can see the average price of the rooms, and you can check to see how those rates stack up to the rates you’re being offered now. They also can help with figuring out when the ideal time to go on vacation is and what you can do once you are there.
Verify the check-in time at the hotel. Sometimes there are people that don’t know when the room will be ready and so they aren’t sure of what to do with the extra time they have since they can’t check in. If you can’t help your arrival time being early, you can ask for an early check-in but it might cost a bit extra.
Don’t assume your hotel is pet-friendly. Even if the website says they are pet-friendly, always call in advance to verify. Also ask exactly what they mean by pet-friendly, as there might be restrictions on certain breeds and sizes of pet that they allow on their premises.
If you need to have a pet stay with you in your hotel room, do a few things ahead of time. Be sure that this hotel will be friendly to pets. Also, bring a lot of plastic sacks like ones from the grocery store so you can get your pet’s messes cleaned up. Reserving a room near the end of a hallway will keep other guests from being disturbed by your pet.
If you’re interested in the massage services of a hotel you intend to stay at, reserve your appointment ahead of time. The best masseuses are booked well in advance.
Hotel Discounts
If you have a AAA membership, look into hotel discounts included. You could also get a surprise that you have an auto club membership that gives you hotel discounts. It’s possible you could save 5 percent or higher on hotels across the United States. The more nights you stay, the more you will save.
If you often stay at a certain type of hotel, ask about the “frequent stay” program. Many hotels offer membership programs that allow you to earn points for each of your stays. They add up to free nights, discounts at hotel restaurants, show tickets, spa deals and a whole lot more.
People who care about the environment may be more comfortable staying in a hotel that is eco-friendly. These are much more common today than they were in the past. Certain hotels provide green rooms, and in fact, some are even certified as green hotels. Some older inns just select one or more of several eco-friendly strategies to show environmental awareness. Ask your travel agent to help you identify environmentally friendly hotels.
To avoid major expenses on your final hotel bill, be sure to ask the sales representative about the price of hotel transfers first. It is not uncommon to find that greatly discounted bookings may have a hidden cost for the transfer. Ask the hotel representative ahead of time to make sure you get the most savings.
Never use the hotel phone for long distance calls. If you don’t have a cell phone or the Internet, buy a calling card to keep with you during your trip. A lot of hotels offer wi-fi, making it possible for you to use Skype. But the Internet is infinitely useful while traveling so it is usually worth it.
Inspect your room for bed bugs, starting with the bathroom. This is where you won’t find them. That makes the bathroom the safest place to keep the luggage while you look through the remainder of the accommodations. It is also the safest place for children and pets, too.
It should now be obvious that with the right knowledge you can be kind to your budget and still get a wonderful hotel room for your trip. You need to what you should be looking for and when the best time is to book. Remember these tips and you will find a room that is right for you.