Is a hotel reservation something you’ve made but you figured out later that the place wasn’t any good? If you have, you know a bad hotel can ruin your vacation. However, you shouldn’t have to book a pricey hotel to avoid this. Read on to learn how to locate a good hotel at a good price.
Get room service if you don’t want to leave. Although you will probably have to spend more money to do this, it’s usually worth the cost because you have the luxury of receiving excellent food without having to leave your hotel room.
Check with the organizations that you are a member with. Many clubs, groups and organizations are able to get members discounted hotel rates. A lot of people don’t use these discounts, and you may save 10% or even more. This can add up to big savings, even more so if you will be staying for many nights. This can also net you a free hotel night.
Make use of the various hotel search websites on the Internet. They allow you to quickly locate great discounts. 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. Finally, by using these websites, you can learn the best places and times to take a vacation.
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. This is why it’s up to you to search for these discounts. Review the different websites, such as Jetsetter or SniqueAway.
Inspect the room before unpacking. Is your room mold and mildew free? Do the plumbing fixtures function properly? Is the room adequately stocked with towels and linens? If you notice a problem, be sure to inform the front desk right away to have these problems resolved.
Know the check-in times. Many hotel guests will forget their check-in time; therefore, they will arrive at the hotel just to discover that they cannot check in yet. Call and ask if you think you’ll be early.
Plan your trip as far in advance as possible. Many hotels offer the best discounts if you book a few months in advance. Some of the most popular hotel chains can end up giving you up to 50 percent in savings.
If you want to have a massage with your partner on your vacation, make sure that you schedule an appointment with a masseuse as early as possible. Frequently, the best massage people will be booked by name. This means that if you book early, you’ll have a better experience.
Loyalty Programs
It may be wise to look into loyalty programs that your favorite hotels offer. They offer perks to folks who frequent their hotel. These loyalty programs allow you to earn free upgrades, late check outs and even free stays.
If there’s a hotel chain you stay at often, check out their membership programs for frequent guests. They work a lot like frequent flier miles do with airlines. You earn points in a similar way. These points add up to restaurant discounts, free nights, tickets to a show, spa treatments, and more.
Discuss what a hotel transfer will cost you prior to actually booking anything. It is not uncommon to find that greatly discounted bookings may have a hidden cost for the transfer. You should inquire about this before booking the hotel room.
Membership programs offered by hotel chains help members who travel a lot get the best rooms during their stay. This way, when you stay at a hotel, you can get points and then turn those points into free stuff that you can do with your family.
A membership in AAA can make booking a hotel easier when you travel. AAA members not only get discounts at many hotel chains, it will also make it much easier to rent a car. In addition, parents may enjoy the benefit of having free car seats provided.
If you’re a smoker, then make sure you get a hotel with a smoking room. If you’re not a smoker, a smoking room may be unappealing. You can still get a room that’s non-smoking, but the smoke can flow in the air and get on all your clothes. Sometimes, smokers rent non-smoking rooms because that is all that is available, and then they smoke in them anyway. To be sure you don’t absorb cigarette smoke, think about staying at a nonsmoking hotel.
Understand the smoking rules in your hotel, especially if you smoke. Hotels normally have rooms set aside for smokers. If this applies to the hotel of your choice, request that type of room specifically. Otherwise, you might find yourself paying a high fee for smoking in a room that is designated as non-smoking.
It is not always possible to check-in early. If you are going to arrive early, plan on doing something to fill your time. Hotels have to make sure their rooms are ready for you. If you can’t avoid being early, ask the front desk to make an exception, but be prepared if they can’t accommodate you.
You should know how to get a good hotel without paying too much. Finding good deals is not that hard. You’ll be surprised at what you can find. Just put in a little time and your travel plans can be a dream.
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