Have you made mistakes in the past when trying to book a hotel room? Have you ended up with a sub-par room or paid too much? If the answer is yes, then you already know that this can be disastrious for your vacation. However, it doesn’t mean you should have to or you should spend too much money on a four star hotel. The following article is packed with tips on how to find a great hotel room.
Prior to making reservations, research hotels on sites like TripAdvisor. These websites have reviews and comments from people who have recent experience with their stay. What people say about their experiences at the hotels you’re thinking of booking can aid you in coming to the right decision.
Find great hotel room prices by checking out travel websites like Orbitz and Expedia. Always remember to give your loyalty program information to the clerk when you book your room or search for prices. You may also be eligible for other discounts through any memberships you have with organizations such as AAA and AARP.
To get a meal later at night order yourself some room service. Although you’ll probably pay more, it is worth being able to comfortably dine in the room while in pajamas.
The Internet is a great place to research hotels. You will typically find websites that provide deals on certain hotel chains. They display the average rates of hotels so that you can see if the deal you are getting is good. On top of that, they can help you determine the cheapest destinations.
Check your room when you arrive. Is the room free of mildew and mold and clean? Are all bathroom fixtures in proper working order? Are all the towels you’ll need present in the room? If you have any questions or notice any problems with the room, immediately call the front desk and report them so that they may be handled. You may also asked to be transferred to a new room if the problem is serious, such as mold or mildew.
Know the hotel’s check-in time. Some people forget to find out what time they are allowed in their room; they show up at the hotel only to find their room is not yet ready. If you might be arriving before the check-in time, ask the hotel whether it’s okay to come.
Although many hotels have certain rooms that allow pets, never assume your hotel will without researching ahead of time. Put a call into the front desk just to be sure, no matter what it says on their website. Verify exactly what is meant by “pet-friendly” since certain breeds and pets over a certain size may not be allowed.
If you’re interested in the massage services of a hotel you intend to stay at, reserve your appointment ahead of time. The best practitioners go fast, so make your reservation early and book by name where possible.
If you are a member of AAA, ask about a hotel discount. It might be surprising to learn that some auto club memberships include hotel discounts. You can save 5 percent or more on your hotel stay just by showing your membership card. This really adds up when you are staying for many nights.
If you travel frequently, it is wise to enroll in hotel loyalty programs. There are some great benefits offered to clients who often book the same chain. You will be able to earn stuff like a free upgrade, an allowance to check out late, and even free stays when you get enough points.
Do you use the same hotels on a regular basis? If so, check out their membership programs for frequent guests. Just like with a frequent flyer mile program, you can get points for staying a hotel. They add up to free nights, discounts at hotel restaurants, show tickets, spa deals and a whole lot more.
If you travel frequently, you can maximize your hotel benefits by looking into reward programs from large hotel chains. Every stay in a particular hotel chain where you are a member will add points to your total, which can later be used on free rooms or amenities that usually cost you.
When you travel, go through AAA to find hotel accommodations easier.` People who are AAA members receive discounts at many hotel chains. In addition, having a AAA membership will make it easier to get a rental car when it’s needed. Parents of younger children are likely to enjoy the free car seat provided in many locations.
Smoking Rooms
Look into the smoking policies in the hotel you are considering. If you are a nonsmoker, you may want to avoid hotels that offer smoking rooms. You may be able to get a non smoking rooms still, but you can get smoke in the air which will stick to you. Sometimes, smokers rent non-smoking rooms because that is all that is available, and then they smoke in them anyway. Choose a non-smoking hotel to avoid the stench.
Always review the policy of whether or not the hotel allows pets. If you do not like pets, or you are allergic to them, then you should probably avoid pet-friendly hotels. These hotels sometimes have odors because the carpet and linens have absorbed them. Some hotels charge a nominal fee for pets, while others charge substantially more. It might not be adequate to the cost of cleaning demands.
Make sure you know your rights if any hotel ever tries to “walk” you. Hotels sometimes over-book, and this can leave you without a room. As a result, hotels will attempt to escort you to another hotel. If you can’t avoid this make sure the room you get there is better or comparable and that they pay for the travel there.
Now that you’ve read this, you should know how to find an affordable hotel. When you’re able to tell where you should be looking, getting a good hotel reservation is easy. Always remember the tips that have been presented here.