Sometimes, we have to stay in hotels when we travel. Oftentimes, people will regret the choice they make when they book a hotel because they failed to do some research. Today is the day you learn how to get a great hotel room at a great price. These tips can help you discover the best hotel along with ways to get a better price for it.
Check online reviews before booking a room. This gives you first-hand accounts of people’s experiences in each hotel. What patrons have to say about the hotels you are considering can help you make the best decision about where to stay.
Find great hotel room prices by checking out travel websites like Orbitz and Expedia. If you are a member of a hotel loyalty program, make sure to indicate this when searching for rates. You may also be eligible for deals that are offered to members of certain organizations, like AAA or AARP.
Consider ordering room service if you want a special meal without needing to go out. 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 take a lot of electronic gadgets with you on a trip, lock them up in the safe when away from the room. Place your iPad, GPS and other small electronics in the safe when you are not in your room.
When booking a hotel, you need to establish what you need and what you would ideally like from your stay. Price is one, but a prime location is another. Amenities that you might personally want or need include a swimming pool or gym, on-site restaurant, continental breakfast and free Wi-Fi or local calls. Seek out hotels that offer amenities that appeal to you.
You can use online travel sites to find great hotels. These websites can help you quickly find the best value. They display the average rates of hotels so that you can see if the deal you are getting is good. Finally, they can assist you in deciding when to vacation and what to do once you arrive at your destination.
Search for the best deals in hotels online before making reservations. Often, the person booking your room won’t tell you about discounts available online. It’s your job to find them yourself. RueLaLaTravel, SniqueAway and Jetsetter are all good Internet sites to check with.
Upon arriving at your hotel, check your room before you unpack. Is your room mold and mildew free? Are the showers, sinks, toilets, etc. properly functioning? Is the room adequately stocked with towels and linens? If you quickly note any problems, let the person at the front desk know so they can help you sort it out or give you a better room.
Part of trip planning is knowing what time check-in is at your hotel. Many hotel guests will forget their check-in time; therefore, they will arrive at the hotel just to discover that they cannot check in yet. If you anticipate arriving before check-in time, make a call to the hotel and inquire if you can arrive early.
Months Ahead
You can get better deals on hotel rooms if you book several weeks or months ahead. It’s not uncommon for a hotel to offer a discount if a room is booked a couple of months ahead of time. You may save 50 percent or more.
Taking a pet on a trip requires some extra responsibility. Be sure that the hotel really does allow pets. You should bring some plastic bags and cleaning supplies to keep the room clean behind your pet. When you call to make reservations, try getting a room away from other guests so any noise your pet makes won’t bother people.
See if you can get a hotel discount through AAA if you are a member. You might be surprised to learn that your membership to the auto club also includes discounts on hotels. You could save 5% or even 10% on some rooms. These savings can really add up if you travel often.
Always remember to pack running clothes and any thing else you need for exercising while on your trip. For an early morning jog, get up and throw your gear on, and then head out the front door. When you go running in a new city, you will get a free tour, up-close and personal.
If you stay at the same chain of hotels often, look into their membership programs for frequent guests. Similar to how you earn points from frequent flyer programs, hotels offer you similar rewards for your stay. They add up to free nights, discounts at hotel restaurants, show tickets, spa deals and a whole lot more.
If you care quite a bit about your environment, consider taking a “green” vacation. There are plenty of “green” hotels that take the environment into consideration. Many new hotels are certified as green hotels. Some older hotels simply choose a variety of eco-friendly practices to be environmentally aware. Talk to your travel agent if you prefer to stay at this type of hotel.
The price you pay at a hotel often depends on the time frame in which you reserve the room. Availability sets pricing. If you can, don’t make your reservation more than one day prior to your stay. You may find the best prices this way. Empty rooms don’t earn a hotel any money, so they are willing to slash the price.
As you already know, booking a hotel is a part of most people’s lives. If you don’t do some research ahead of time, you could end up staying in a less-than-satisfactory hotel room. This article and similar ones provide you with the information you need to select the hotel that is best for you.