When booking a hotel, learn all you can. If you do it wrong, it can cost you money or create an unneeded headache. This article will help you make a good decision when choosing a hotel. Keep reading in order to find out what you need to know.
Compare prices at websites like Orbitz and Expedia to ensure that you receive the best available rate. If you are a part of a loyalty program, make note of that. You may also be able to get good discounts due to AAA or AARP membership.
Be sure to put all valuables, such as jewelry and electronics, in the hotel safe. Your iPad, watch, and other smaller, expensive items can be placed into the safe, then you can rest assured at their safety as you head out for a fun-filled day.
What groups are you a member of? Some organizations offer discounts on hotels to their members. Many people don’t remember these discounts, which can save them 10% or more. They can save you plenty of money, especially for prolonged stays. This can rack up a free night over the entire course of a whole week.
You want to look at a number of different things when booking a hotel stay. The cost is important but hardly the only factor to keep in mind. What about free breakfast, local calls, wifi or swimming pool? Choose an establishment that offers the amenities you desire.
In order to get the best hotel deals, always plan your trips weeks ahead of schedule, or even a few months. You can get some great discounts if your trip is booked several months into the future. With elite brands, this can translate into savings of up to 50 percent.
Don’t assume a hotel is pet-friendly. Call before you book so that you know for sure. Be certain you understand all rules pertaining to pets. Some hotels only allow certain types, sizes and breeds.
There are three things you must do before bringing your pet along on your vacation. First, you’ll need to find out if a hotel is even pet-friendly. Remember to bring bags so that you can pick up your pet’s waste when you travel. Reserving a room near the end of a hallway will keep other guests from being disturbed by your pet.
If you are a member of AAA, ask about a hotel discount. Your membership may entitle you to hotel discounts. You may save 5% or even more on nationwide hotels. It really is a savings that adds up over time.
If you are a daily runner, make sure you pack exercise clothes and a GPS watch. When you wake up in the morning, throw on your gear and head out for a morning jog. Running not only provides you with great exercise, but it also helps you better learn the city in which you are residing.
If you are worried about the environment, consider taking a “green” vacation. Fortunately, there are many green hotels to choose from today. Some new buildings are certified as green. Some older hotels choose to use eco-friendly practices as well, making them a good green option. Request the help of the travel agent in identifying hotels that are environmentally friendly.
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 way, when you stay at a hotel, you can get points and then turn those points into free stuff that you can do with your family.
Get an AAA membership for hotel perks when you travel. 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. Some places provide free car seats too.
If you wish to have happy kids while you’re on the road, be sure you call a hotel to see if they have a working pool at the time. There aren’t many things that are as frustrating as going to your hotel with kids that really want to swim only to see that it has been closed.
If you smoke, it is important to know what the hotel’s smoking policy is before you book your room. Many have designated nonsmoking rooms. If the hotel has one, ask for this kind of room. If you stay in a room that doesn’t allow smoking and the hotel staff discover evidence of you smoking in this room, then you could be charged a large penalty. Therefore, it is important that you always follow the hotel’s rules when it comes to smoking.
You should know that it is not usually possible to check into your hotel early. So, you may have to sit for a while in the lobby or find a way to occupy yourself until checking in if you are going to be arriving early. Hotels need to get a room cleaned up before you get to check into it. If you do arrive early, ask the desk clerk if it’s possible to check in early, but don’t necessarily expect it.
Now you know some of the tricks to getting a great hotel room. You need to make sure you read over this a second time if you’re wanting to let the tips really sink in. When you have the knowledge here down pat, you’ll be ready to find the best hotel room for any of your future trips.