The hotel you choose can make a trip more enjoyable, but it can also turn it into a disaster. Hotel rooms are a large expense, and you spend a lot of the time in the room, so you want to make sure you shop wisely. Read these tips to learn how to shop like the best travelers do.
To help you make a good choice, you should check out hotel review websites like TripAdvisor online. These types of sites let you read about real customers’ experiences with each hotel. Find out what actual customers say about the hotel and it can help you avoid a costly mistake.
You can find a lot of great deals on hotels if you go online and check out some of the travel sites out there. If you are a member of a loyalty program, use that info when checking rates. If you have a membership in any other organization, put that down as well.
Look for a closet safe in your hotel room, and use it for any expensive electronics you may have brought with you. You can put just about anything in there, as long as it isn’t too big, and you won’t have to worry about it.
If you belong to any organizations, check with them for travel deals. Some offer big discounts on hotel rooms. Discounts of 10% or more are often available, and people sometimes forget that they are eligible to claim them. You end up with an even bigger savings if your hotel stay is going to be for multiple nights. A stay of 5 days or more could add up to one free hotel night stay!
You want to look at a number of different things when booking a hotel stay. Of course, you must think of cost; however, proximity to attractions is also very important. Amenities that help you choose a hotel are free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, exercise room, pool, and a restaurant on the premises. Choose a hotel that meets all of your needs.
Deals Online
Always look for deals online when reserving a hotel room. The hotel representative is unlikely to inform you there are better deals online. This is why you should always do your research well online to find these hidden discounts. Check out websites such as Jetsetter, RueLaLaTravel, and SniqueAway.
If you plan on taking a family pet with you to a hotel reservation, do three things in advance. First, you’ll need to find out if a hotel is even pet-friendly. Also, bring a lot of plastic sacks like ones from the grocery store so you can get your pet’s messes cleaned up. Finally, ask the hotel staff if you can have a room on the far end away from guests so that you don’t interfere with their visit.
Always book early for that special couples massage for you and your loved one. The best practitioners go fast, so make your reservation early and book by name where possible.
AAA members get an extra discount at certain hotel chains. It may be surprising that auto clubs members receive hotel deals, but they do. You can save five percent or more on certain hotels. These savings really add up.
To keep your running regimen up while you are traveling, pack your GPS watch and plenty of running clothes. In this way, you can simply suit up and enjoy your workout as usual while on the road. Even if you are running down roads or down city streets, you’ll get a new perspective on the city you’re visiting before you’re done.
Loyalty Program
It is wise to join a hotel loyalty program if you travel frequently. There are many benefits you may be able to get. You can score things like complimentary upgrades, later check-out options and even free nights once you accumulate enough loyalty program points.
The price you pay at a hotel often depends on the time frame in which you reserve the room. The price is subject to the laws of supply and demand like any other product. If you can, make your reservation no earlier than 24 hours before you arrive. This will get you the very best rate on your hotel room. This is because the hotel will want to book rooms that are currently empty.
Transfer Costs
Inquire about hotel transfer costs before before booking. Hidden transfer costs can really make a room not worth it. Getting this information ahead of time will maximize your savings.
Making a long distance call from a hotel room should be avoided. Make use of the Internet, instead. Most hotels offer Wi-Fi, but you will probably need their password and may have to pay a fee to use this service. Use these connections to keep in touch instead of costly long distance calls.
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. Showing up at your hotel and finding out the pool isn’t in working order can ruin an otherwise great trip.
Clearly, research and good planning are key in getting the best prices on the best hotel rooms. You must know what to ask about and look for when booking a hotel room. If you follow these tips and do your homework in advance, you should be able to book the ideal hotel room with ease.