When planning a trip, there are many things to do. You must pack your bags, gas up your car and purchase plane tickets. It likely also includes making a hotel reservation. For some advice on finding the right hotel, read on.
Online travel sites like Orbitz and Expedia can help you find the lowest rates on hotel rooms. If you are a member of the hotel’s loyalty program, don’t forget to add that information as you check rates. You might also have other discounts from a membership in the AARP or AAA.
Would you like to enjoy the comfort of enjoying an incredible evening meal with your loved one without having to dress up and leave your room? If so, consider using 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.
Make sure you check with any organizations of which you are a member. Sometimes you can get discounted hotel prices through these organizations. You may save ten percent or more. They can save you plenty of money, especially for prolonged stays. It may equate to one whole free night.
When thinking about the type of hotel you would like to stay at, there are plenty of options to consider. The cost is important but hardly the only factor to keep in mind. Amenities such as complimentary WiFi, free local calls, complimentary breakfast, a gym and pool and a convenient restaurant are also important considerations. Shop around for a hotel that has the features that are most important to you.
You should always start planning any serious trip months or weeks ahead of time. This will help you book early and get the best prices. A lot of hotel locations offer discounts for reservations a month or more in advance. This way, you can save as much as 50 percent even with the most elite brands.
Don’t make assumptions about pet policies of hotels. Be sure to call in advance and find out about their policies, regardless of website info. Be sure you know what pet-friendly means because there could be specific restrictions on sizes or certain breeds of dogs.
If you’re taking your pet with you, do these things in advance. Take time to ensure that the hotel you’re booking is, in fact, pet-friendly. You should bring some plastic bags and cleaning supplies to keep the room clean behind your pet. 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. Experience a truly special moment with a top masseur or masseuse by asking for your appointment well in advance.
Be sure to follow your fitness regimen while staying in a hotel by packing your workout clothes and any other equipment you may need. Go for a run when you wake up in the morning. It’ll let you explore the city in a new way.
If you travel often, it’s a great idea to enroll in a hotel’s loyalty program. They provide rewards to those who stay with them often. There are many rewards given when you accumulate loyalty points such as free stays, free upgrades and later than usual check out times.
What you will be charged for a room, depends on when it’s booked. Hotels price rooms in part based on availability. When possible, you can often get a good price if you book a room at the very last minute. This will get you the best hotel rates. An empty room will earn the hotel no money; so, they generally slash the price.
If you travel frequently, you can maximize your hotel benefits by looking into reward programs from large hotel chains. Then you can accrue points, get extra perks, and save money.
Check to see if your prospective hotel is non-smoking or smoking. If you’re someone who doesn’t like cigarette smoke, you may want to find a different hotel. The smoke flows through the hotel and can stick to you. Also, people may rent a non-smoking room and smoke in it. If you want to avoid smelling like cigarettes when you leave, you may wish to consider a non-smoking hotel.
If you smoke, learn the smoking policy of the hotel where you are staying. Many have designated rooms for smokers. If you smoke, you should make a specific reservation for this type of room. If they find you have smoked in a non-smoking area, they may charge you a fine.
Extra Cleaning
You should be aware of the hotel’s policy concerning pets. If you’re allergic to pets or fear them, then you may want to avoid hotels that allow pets. Not to mention, you’ll definitely notice unwanted smells in the floor or in the linens if you don’t own a pet yourself. Some hotels only allow pets in certain rooms and charge more for the room because they do extra cleaning to ensure it is up to standards after each guest. Depending on what hotel you choose, the fee charged might or might not cover any extra cleaning required.
If you’re going to need to get a crib or a rollaway, you need to let the people at the hotel know before you arrive. Some hotels may not have one, so you want to know this upfront. There also may be an added charge for these things. Talk about these things when you make your reservations.
Don’t let a hotel take advantage of you. When hotels overbook rooms, the one you reserved may not be available. In these situations, the hotel may try to book you at another hotel, or “walk” you. This is inconvenient, and try to avoid it if possible. If you must go elsewhere, make sure transportation is paid and you get a better room than you originally booked.
A great hotel is an integral part of a great trip. A comfortable hotel room ensures your enjoy your stay whether on business or pleasure. Make sure to keep the advice here in mind when booking your next room.