Booking hotels can be extremely overwhelming, even if you have done it a hundred times before! Therefore, it is crucial that you do some research in advance. Think of how much you are willing to spend, consider what amenities you want, and research away. Keep the following suggestions in mind on your way to having a great hotel stay.

Be sure to read online review websites prior to booking a hotel. Websites like TripAdvisor will give you some first-hand accounts of hotel experience from actual customers. Patron reviews can give you valuable information that will help you make a good choice.

Double-check your organizational memberships. Many of them offer hotel discounts to members. A lot of people don’t use these discounts, and you may save 10% or even more. This is especially useful if you plan to book a longer stay. If you are staying for a week, you can pay for a whole night’s lodging with these discounts.

Inspect your room before unpacking your bags. Is it without mildew and mold? Are the toilet, shower and sink functioning properly? Are you given the linens and towels that you’re going to need? If you have any problem with the room, report it immediatlely to have it fixed as soon as possible.

Part of trip planning is knowing what time check-in is at your hotel. If you don’t know you may end up waiting a long time. Therefore, if you anticipate arriving early, call the hotel in advance and see if it is possible to check in early.

There are three things you must do before bringing your pet along on your vacation. First, find out if the hotel allows pets. Be sure to bring some bags with you so you can pick up your pet’s waste. And, ask if your room can away from guests.

If you have a AAA membership, look into hotel discounts included. It may be surprising that auto clubs members receive hotel deals, but they do. You can save upwards of 5% on your hotel stays. The savings can really add up nightly.

Membership Programs

There are membership programs that hotels offer for those that stay frequently at their chains. Many hotels offer membership programs that allow you to earn points for each of your stays. You might earn free stays and discounts, show tickets, or other things.

When you book has a huge impact on your final bill. The price is subject to the laws of supply and demand like any other product. If you can, make your room reservations only a day in advance. You can often get the best price if you do it this way. Hotels don’t like to have vacancies so they often provide better prices.

Always avoid making long distance calls from your hotel room. You can use the Internet to make these types of calls. Hotels usually have Wi-Fi, so you can call using Skype. Use these connections to keep in touch instead of costly long distance calls.

If you are a smoker, know the smoking policy for the hotel in which you are staying. Many hotels have rooms designated for smokers. You should try your best to book one of these if they are available. Don’t smoke in a nonsmoking room, or you may be charged by the hotel for doing so.

Check to see if the hotel allows pets. If you’re allergic to pets or fear them, then you may want to avoid hotels that allow pets. Hotel floors and linens can glean unpleasant odors from pets. One hotel may charge guests an arm and a leg to bring their pet, while others don’t. Depending on the hotel, that fee may or may not be enough to cover extra cleaning.

Keep in mind that hotel check-ins are usually very strict; therefore, you probably won’t be able to check-in early. Plan your trip right or you might end up waiting in a hotel lobby. Hotels need this time to clean and prepare your room. If you arrive earlier than your check-in time, you can always ask the front desk and see if they can let you in.

Do not check out early. Some hotels charge a fee for early departure. When you make your reservation, the hotel can’t offer the room to someone else, so they lose money if you leave early. So, in leaving early you risk being charged a fee for early departure.

Do not drink the bottled water in your room. Sure, you might be a little thirsty after checking into your new room. You may get tempted to open a bottle of water that is in the hotel’s mini-fridge. Hotels take advantage of guests by charging ridiculous amounts for bottled water. Some hotels offer free bottles of water in their gyms. Or, to be sure you save money, you can just pack a few water bottles from home.

Don’t think that you should steal the hotel’s property. Housekeeping will notice items are missing and you could get a bill. If you really have to have the stuff, see if the hotel will sell it to you.

Bundle your flight and your accommodations for greater savings. Many travel websites will offer a significant discount if you book a hotel room as well as a rental car or flight. In order to make sure you’re getting the best deal, make sure you do a few comparisons.

These tips should help you get the ideal room for your budget and needs. Use the tips that work for you and do some of your own research as well. In this way, you can have a pleasant stay at a nice price.