A great hotel turns your vacation into a fantasy. If you stay in a hotel that is too expensive, you’ll have very little money left over for enjoying the vacation. Read on to find out how to find an affordable place to stay with great accommodations.

To help you make a good choice, you should check out hotel review websites like TripAdvisor online. These offer feedback from those who have recently stayed at the hotel you are considering booking. Reading other people’s reviews of the hotels you’re considering can really help you decide which one to choose.

Online travel sites like Orbitz and Expedia can help you find the lowest rates on hotel rooms. If you are a member of a loyalty program, use that info when checking rates. You might also be entitled to additional discounts through your other organizations, such as AAA or AARP.

To enjoy a late-night meal with that special someone without having to leave the comfort of your hotel room, think about ordering some room service. While you’re likely to pay a little more, it’s worth having the convenience of staying in your room (and in your pajamas) while you wait to satisfy those nocturnal cravings.

If you take a lot of electronic gadgets with you on a trip, lock them up in the safe when away from the room. You can place your costly items that are small into their safe, and then you won’t have to worry about these things as you go out.

When picking a hotel, there is a lot to think about. You should look at the price, but you should also look at the location that is most convenient for what you want to do. 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. Look for a hotel that provides you with the amenities that are a priority to you.

Search for the best deals in hotels online before making reservations. Most of the time, people you speak with over the phone won’t mention any discounts possibly available to you. It’s your job to find them yourself. Check out websites such as Jetsetter, RueLaLaTravel, and SniqueAway.

Always check the room before you begin to unpack your belongings. Is the room clean and devoid of issues like mildew and mold? Are all bathroom fixtures in proper working order? Have the staff provided all the necessary soap, shampoo, towels, etc. that you will be needing? If you spot any problems, immediately notify the hotel staff so they can fix it or move you to another room.

Plan your trip as far in advance as possible. A lot of places will give you a discount if you’re going to book about a month or so in advance. Even high end hotels can offer you a substantial savings this way.

If you’re interested in the massage services of a hotel you intend to stay at, reserve your appointment ahead of time. Many top masseuses book by name, so plan as early as possible.

Are you a AAA member? If so, hotels may provide you a discount. Many people are surprised to see hotel discounts included with their auto club membership. You can save five percent or more on certain hotels. The savings can really add up if you’re staying multiple nights.

If you often stay at the same hotel chain, check to see if they offer membership to frequent stay programs. They provide you with points for every stay. These points can be traded in for restaurant discounts, tickets to shows, free nights at the hotel, and much more.

Timing matters when booking a hotel room. Rooms are typically priced according to availability. If possible, book your room no more than 24 hours in advance. This is the best way to get the best prices. Hotels don’t like to have vacancies so they often provide better prices.

Membership Programs

In order to enhance your hotel visits, especially when traveling for work, you should consider joining membership programs that hotels provide. Examples include membership programs provided by Marriott or Choice Hotels. These points can translate into some major perks when you’re vacationing.

Get an AAA membership for hotel perks when you travel. Your AAA membership will pay for itself right away in hotel and car rental discounts and availability. People that have young kids will get a car seat for free in a lot of different places.

If you are worried about bed bugs, start your inspection in the bathroom. Bedbugs usually won’t stay here. You can leave your bags there while you investigate the remainder of the room for bedbugs. It’s also safer to the pets and kids you may have.

Check to see if the hotel allows pets. If you fear pets or have allergies it may be best to make reservations at hotels which do not have a pet-friendly policy. Not to mention, you’ll definitely notice unwanted smells in the floor or in the linens if you don’t own a pet yourself. One hotel may charge guests an arm and a leg to bring their pet, while others don’t. The fee may cover the cleaning, and it may not.

If you will be needing a rollaway or a crib, alert the hotel to this fact when making your reservation. Not all hotels will supply these things, and some may have limited quantities. Hotels also charge extra for these items, sometimes. Make sure these needs are discussed during the initial reservation so you don’t get any surprises.

Know your personal rights when any hotel tries to “walk” you. Hotels will overbook, leaving you without a room. As a result, hotels will attempt to escort you to another hotel. Try to avoid this if you can, but if not, make sure that you are given a room that is equal to or better than the one you booked. They should also provide you with transportation to get to the other hotel.

Clearly, if you stay at a hotel you want to get value for your dollar. After all, you could use that money elsewhere. Follow the advice presented here to get a comfortable hotel room. Check back here when you are next planning to travel.