Are you overwhelmed when it comes to choosing a hotel room for your vacation? What hotel will be best for you? Don’t fret. The tips that follow will help you with all things related to hotels.
There are quite a few things you need to think over when you’re about to stay at a hotel. Price is always a big factor, but you also need a hotel that’s geographically proximate to your target destinations. A gym, pool, free breakfast, free wireless Internet, free local calls, and all kinds of other things may be important. Ensure the hotel you are planning on staying at has the amenities you desire.
Prior to making a hotel reservation, check for deals online. Often, the reservations clerk will not advise you that a better deal is available online. So, it’s up personally to you to go searching for such discounts. There are many travel websites that offer discounts.
Know when you are able to check in and get your room. If you don’t know you may end up waiting a long time. Call the hotel desk and find out if your room has been prepared if you know that you’ll be arriving early.
Not every hotel allows pets. Call the hotel in advance to ensure the hotel is pet friendly. Also, find out if there are any size or breed restrictions.
Think about these three things if you plan to bring a pet with you during your hotel stay. Find out if the hotel you have selected is pet-friendly. You should bring some plastic bags and cleaning supplies to keep the room clean behind your pet. Be kind to other hotel guests by requesting a room that is as far away from other guests as possible, so they won’t be disturbed by any noise your pet may make.
Many hotels have loyalty programs available to customers who travel often. They provide rewards to those who stay with them often. You can get a free upgrade, restaurant gift certificates or even a free stay!
Sign up for frequent guest programs at hotels. Similar to frequent flyer programs, hotels have programs that add points on to your account each time you stay with them. Over time, these points can really add up, allowing you to enjoy numerous upgrades, spa visits, restaurant discounts, and even free nights at the hotel.
Environmentally Friendly
You may wish to consider a “green” vacation if the environment is one of your concerns. There are a lot of eco-friendly hotels out there. There are newer hotels that were built to be environmentally friendly. Older hotels can go green by making environmentally friendly choices in energy use. Talk to your travel agent if you prefer to stay at this type of hotel.
To get optimal value from a hotel stay, especially if you find yourself traveling a lot for your business, sign up for membership programs such as those offered by Marriott or Choice Hotels. These points can translate into some major perks when you’re vacationing.
Become a AAA member if you want to make arranging hotel accommodations a bit simpler. Not only do AAA members get hotel discounts at many chains that are well worth the AAA membership, but you can find it a lot easier to find a rental car where you go. In addition, parents may enjoy the benefit of having free car seats provided.
Do not make long distance calls from your hotel room. Use the Internet, instead. Skype connections are available in many hotels these days using Wi-Fi. Use these types of services to keep in contact with loved ones back home instead of having exorbitant charges added to your bill from the costly phone calls.
If you wish to have happy kids while you’re on the road, be sure you call a hotel to see if they have a working pool at the time. There aren’t many things that are as frustrating as going to your hotel with kids that really want to swim only to see that it has been closed.
If you smoke, it is important to know what the hotel’s smoking policy is before you book your room. Some have smoking rooms. If they do, ask for this type of room. 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 are allergic to animals, you should probably avoid staying in hotels that allow people to bring their pets. Because odors have a tendency to linger on fabrics and rugs, the hotel may have an odor about it. Some hotels add an extra charge for pets, other do not. The fee may cover the extra cleaning or it may not, it all depends on the hotel in question.
Know that you may not be able to check-in early at some hotels. Unless you’re okay with waiting for your room to be ready, plan your timing wisely. Hotels need this time to clean and prepare your room. You can request an early check-in ahead of time, but it may cost more.
Try to avoid checking out of the hotel ahead of your scheduled checkout time. If you check out early, you could be liable for early checkout fees. Booking that room means it wasn’t available when others were reserving. Make sure you understand that you might be charged for an early departure.
After reading the information here, you now have a better idea on how to get the best hotel room for your money. Just do your research and give yourself time to evaluate your choices. Once you have the information you need on price and amenities, you will be well armed to select a great room for your stay.