Most people have been burned by bad hotels in the past. This can be a costly mistake that should not be made more than once. Here is some great advice that will help you get the room you want at the right price.
Before you make reservations at a particular hotel, check its reviews on websites like TripAdvisor. This lets you know what others’ experiences have been like. Factor former guests’ reviews into your final decision.
You can find good deals on hotel rooms using online travel sites. If you are a member of a loyalty program, use that info when checking rates. You may also be eligible for other discounts through any memberships you have with organizations such as AAA and AARP.
If you want a nice meal at night with your special someone, and you are too comfortable in your room to go out, order some food through room service. While this could cost you a little more, it will be worth it because you can stay in your room and take care of the cravings you’re having.
Double-check your organizational memberships. Some organizations offer discounts on hotels to their members. These discounts are often neglected; however, they can save you upwards of ten percent. That can add up to huge savings over multiple nights. After a week has gone by it will add up to a free night almost!
Don’t unpack upon arrival without checking your hotel room first. Is the room clean and free from mildew or mold? Are the facilities operating correctly? Do you have an adequate number of towels? If you quickly note any problems, let the person at the front desk know so they can help you sort it out or give you a better room.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking all hotels will accept pets. 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.
If you have a AAA membership, it may qualify you for a hotel discount. You could also get a surprise that you have an auto club membership that gives you hotel discounts. You may save 5% or even more on nationwide hotels. This is a savings that can really add up over several nights.
Remember that hotel chains often provide loyalty programs offering excellent discounts. Like the programs for frequent flyer, these programs the hotel offer give you points whenever you stay with them. In time you may even get to stay there for free!
Do you care about your environment? If so, a “green” hotel may be for you. The number of “green” hotels is steadily growing. Many newer hotels are environmentally friendly. Many older hotels are environmentally aware and have eco-friendly measures in place. Check online or ask a travel agent for help.
You should always find out how much hotel transfers will cost before you book a room. In many situations in which the room’s price is a great deal, the undisclosed price of your transfer can frequently eat up the savings. If you know this upfront, you can save more money.
If you’re traveling with kids, be sure that you check on the pools to ensure they’re open and in service. It can be extremely frustrating if you arrive at your hotel only to find out the pool is shut down for maintenance.
Be sure you understand your hotel’s smoking policy if you smoke. A lot of hotels have rooms designated for smokers. If the hotel has one, ask for this kind of room. If you don’t, you can be hit with some major penalties for lighting up in a non-smoker’s room.
What is the policy on pets? If you fear or are allergic to pets, you might want to avoid pet-friendly hotels. The smells tend to stick around. Depending on the hotel, you may be expected to pay extra for keeping a pet, but it isn’t usually a large sum. Depending on what the hotel is like, you might have to pay an extra cleaning fee.
You should understand that early check-ins to hotels are not usually possible. Make sure you plan around your check-in time, or you will be forced to sit in a lobby to wait for your room. The room has to be cleaned ahead of your check in. If you do get to the hotel early, ask at the front desk if you can possibly check in early, but there is a chance you won’t be able to.
If you will have children during your hotel stay that need a crib, you must bring this up when you are booking the room. Not every hotel features these options, and the ones that do only have a few. There can be extra charges for these items, as well. Before making reservations, explain this.
If it’s possible, try not to check out before the departure date you had originally scheduled. The hotel might charge you an early departure fee. If you check out too early, the hotel will lose money because they remove the room off the reservation list. That is why you are charged a fee.
Don’t drink the water! Sure, you’re thirsty and hot. This can tempt you to consume bottles of water from the mini-fridge. The hotel knows this, and charges high prices because of it. Certain hotel gyms will provide guests for bottled water free of charge. Or, to be sure you save money, you can just pack a few water bottles from home.
Booking a bad hotel is an experience we all want to avoid. A greatly discounted price is no bargain if your hotel is a mess. This could ruin your whole trip. Using these tips is a great way to succeed. You can probably now find a really great deal too!