There are many steps to take in preparation for a vacation. There’s plenty of packing to be done. Then you’ve got to put gas in the car or shop for plane tickets. Then, on top of all of that, you’ve got to find a suitable hotel reservation. Continue reading to find some great information on doing this.
Be sure to read online review websites prior to booking a hotel. Reviews allow you to read about recent experiences at a hotel. Other customers can give you some valuable insight and help you choose the right place to stay.
The Internet is a great place to research hotels. You will typically find websites that provide deals on certain hotel chains. They can also show you what the hotel’s average rates typically are, allowing you to see whether you are actually getting a good deal or not. They might even offer some decent entertainment venues that you should experience while you’re in the local area.
Prior to booking your hotel room, search the Internet for deals. Many times, the reservation specialist won’t tell you of discounts when you call to book your room. So you should always search on your own for discounts prior to booking. Look at Jetsetter, Enrovia and Hotels.com.
When can you check in? Some people fail to check when they will be able to access their rooms. They arrive at the hotel but find that their room isn’t ready yet. If you might arrive prior to check-in time, try calling the hotel and seeing if the room is available.
You can get better deals on hotel rooms if you book several weeks or months ahead. A lot of hotel locations offer discounts for reservations a month or more in advance. You can save up to 50 percent, even on elite hotel chains.
Do not assume that each hotel welcomes pets. So call ahead and make sure you understand if there are extra fees or a limited number of rooms available. In addition, get specifics with regard to the pet policy, because only particular breeds or sizes of pets may be permitted at the hotel.
Be sure and take care of three important things before bringing a pet on your trip to any hotel. First, you’ll need to find out if a hotel is even pet-friendly. It is also a great idea to bring along some plastic bags to clean up when your pet makes a mess. When you make a reservation you should see if you can stay near the back of the hallway to keep other guests away from your pets when they are making noises.
If you want to book a good couples massage, you should not wait until the last minute. The best professionals are often in high demand, so get in while you can.
AAA members get an extra discount at certain hotel chains. Are you aware that the auto club you belong to may offer you excellent hotel discounts? You can save 5 percent or more motels and hotels in the US. This can add up in time!
It may be wise to look into loyalty programs that your favorite hotels offer. These are exceptional benefits reserved for customers who frequently use a particular chain of hotels. You can score things like complimentary upgrades, later check-out options and even free nights once you accumulate enough loyalty program points.
Environmentally Friendly
People who care about the environment may be more comfortable staying in a hotel that is eco-friendly. Many hotels offer environmentally friendly standards today. Some of the newer hotels are certified green. 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.
Steer clear of long distance calls while in a hotel. You can use the Internet to make these types of calls. Some hotels now provide Skype via Wi-Fi. You can still call family members, friends, and colleagues from your room without racking up tons of costly charges.
Start looking in the bathroom when checking for bed bugs in a hotel. You probably won’t find any in there. Stow you suitcases and other items here and then take a good look at the rest of your room. It’s safe for pets and kids too.
Reviews whether or not the hotel allows pets. If you fear pets or have allergies it may be best to make reservations at hotels that have a strict no pets policy. These hotels might also suffer from odors sinking into the floor and bed linens. Some hotels add an extra charge for pets, other do not. In fact, the extra charge for pets might not even cover the costs of cleaning; therefore, you should make sure you know all this ahead of time.
For the sake of hygiene, avoid the bedspread provided by the hotel. While sheets and linens are always washed, the topmost bedspread may not be, depending on the hotel policy. This bedspread could be a source of germs. Remove the blanket from the bed to have peace of mind.
If a hotel tries to “walk” you, know what your rights are. This refers to hotels overbooking their hotel rooms; therefore, the hotel room that you booked may not be available when you check in. The hotel will then “walk” you, or send you out 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.
Don’t take linens from your room! If hotel staff notice that these items are missing, you may be billed for them. If you really like the linens, see if they are available for purchase.
If you want to have a successful trip, you must have enjoyable accommodations. From a budget place to a luxurious spa, what you choose makes a huge difference. Refer back to these tips the next time you have to book a hotel room. Your enjoyment depends on it.