Did you ever make a hotel room reservation only to find out that property was a landfill? If so, you know how this can ruin your whole vacation. Still, you’re not exactly wanting to pay tons of money for a better room. Read these tips to improve your skills when shopping for a hotel room.
Before booking your hotel room, look to online review sites for in depth reviews from recent travelers. These websites have reviews and comments from people who have recent experience with their stay. The information provided by patrons of the hotel will help you make a good choice of where to stay.
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 belong to a hotel’s loyalty program, be sure to input that information when checking rates. You may also qualify for discounts from other organizations you belong to such as AAA or AARP.
If you belong to any organizations, check with them for travel deals. Some of these organizations will offer you discounts on hotel prices. Discounts of 10% or more are often available, and people sometimes forget that they are eligible to claim them. This is a good discount that only gets better the longer you stay in a hotel. It can add up to almost a free hotel night!
There are things to think about when choosing a hotel. Of course price is a big deal, but a hotel close to where you are head is a big consideration. Amenities, such as a gym, room service, or free Wi-Fi, might be of importance to you. Try to get a room that fits your needs, then start shopping by price.
Never book a hotel room before seeking out online deals. Often, the reservations clerk will not advise you that a better deal is available online. It is your duty to perform due diligence. Websites like TripAdvisor, Expedia, and Jetsetter always have promising bargains for certain hotels that you won’t find anywhere else for a better price.
Be sure to look at your room before unpacking your suitcase. It should be free of any mildew or mold. Are the showers, sinks, toilets, etc. properly functioning? Does your room feature the linens and towels you require? If any issues are immediately prevalent, call the front desk that instant so they can address them or move you to another room.
Find out the exact time for check-in and check-out. If you are early, your room may not be ready. Call the hotel if you are early and find out if your room is ready.
If you want to find the absolute rock bottom hotel prices, plan your trips weeks or months ahead of time. If you chose to book a month or even two ahead of your arrival date, you can get great discounts. You might only pay half price for premium hotels.
Do not make the assumption that your pets are welcome at all hotels. Call them ahead of time to see if they are even if the website they’re on says yes. Verify exactly what is meant by “pet-friendly” since certain breeds and pets over a certain size may not be allowed.
Book any massage appointments you make early. Many of the top masseuses out there are booked far ahead of time.
Auto Club
See if you can get a hotel discount through AAA if you are a member. Many people are surprised to see hotel discounts included with their auto club membership. Membership in AARP, a union, an auto club or even being a police officer can get you a discount. These savings really add up.
Bring your running clothes with you on your trip. Go for a jog every morning. Whether you are running on roads or city streets, you will gain more knowledge about the city you are visiting while you run.
If you tend to return to the same family of hotels for your vacation, consider joining their membership reward programs. These are similar to frequent flyer programs, offering points each time you stay at a particular chain. They will get you discounts on the hotel restaurants, spa deals, and just a number of great stuff.
Don’t make long distance calls on your hotel phone. Use your cell phone or the Internet. Some hotels now provide Skype via Wi-Fi. You will be able to stay in touch with family and friends while you are away without the additional expense of costly phone calls.
If you’re traveling with kids, be sure that you check on the pools to ensure they’re open and in service. There is nothing worse than arriving at your destination anxiously looking forward to splashing around in the pool, only to find that it is closed.
Inspect your room for bed bugs, starting with the bathroom. This is the place where you are least likely to find them. It makes a safe place to keep your luggage when looking for bedbugs elsewhere in the room. It’s safe for pets and kids too.
Review the pet policy at the hotel. You may wish to stay away from hotels that permit pets if you have allergies or you fear certain animals. Pet odor lingers. Many hotels charge a fee for staying with a pet, but it might not be a lot. Depending on what the hotel is like, you might have to pay an extra cleaning fee.
It is not always possible to check-in early. Plan for this, or you may risk waiting in the hotel lobby for an hour or more. The hotel must clean each room prior to the next visitor taking it. Having said that, don’t hesitate to ask the front desk about checking in if you do arrive early; however, you shouldn’t expect to be able to do this. The best thing you can do is arrive on time.
Now that you are done with this article, you know how to book a great hotel room. It is easy to book a great hotel room if you are aware of what you’re looking for. Just remember to use the tips from this article.