There are times when you must stay in a hotel. A lot of people have a bad hotel experience because they didn't research for information ahead of time. But, you can avoid a costly and nightmarish hotel stay by using the tips found below. This article will give you tips to help you enjoy your stay at a price you can afford.
Check online hotel reviews prior to booking your stay. These reviews can give you a customer's perspective of the hotel you are planning on staying at. Patron reviews can give you valuable information that will help you make a good choice.
Search for hotel deals online. It's not uncommon for a hotel employee to not mention to you that it is possible to receive a great discount online. It's your job to find them yourself. RueLaLaTravel, SniqueAway and Jetsetter are all good Internet sites to check with.
Planning for a trip months or even just weeks in advance can often get you a better rate for your hotel room. A lot of hotel locations offer discounts for reservations a month or more in advance. You might only pay half price for premium hotels.
Don't make assumptions about pet policies of hotels. Even if the website says they are pet-friendly, always call in advance to verify. Also, find out if there are any size or breed restrictions.
If you are a member of AAA, ask about a hotel discount. Your membership in this auto club has just such a discount available to you. You can save five percent or more on certain hotels. The savings can really add up nightly.
If you often stay at the same hotel chain, check to see if they offer membership to frequent stay programs. Similar to frequent flyer programs, some hotels have programs that give point for each stay. These points add up to restaurant discounts, free nights, tickets to a show, spa treatments, and more.
If you don't want to get a big expense on the hotel bill you get, speak to the place about hotel transfers prior to booking things. If you are getting a very low price on the room, it is especially important that you ask about any hidden fees that might be tacked onto your bill. You can increase the amount you save by simply finding this information out in advance.
For those frequent travelers, it may be better to build loyalty and perks by joining the membership club of your favorite hotel. This allows you to earn points each time you book a room. You can use these points to purchase perks in the future.
A membership in AAA can make booking a hotel easier when you travel. AAA offers their members good discounts on hotels, car rental and other aspects of travel. Parents with young children will appreciate the complimentary car set offered in some locations.
In hotel rooms, avoid calling long distance if possible. Use the Internet, instead. Skype connections are available in many hotels these days using Wi-Fi. This saves you a ton of money.
If you wish to see if a hotel room has bed bugs, check out the bathroom. This is where you won't find them. That means you can store your luggage here as you inspect. It's also safe for pets and kids this way.
Figure out if you want a hotel you can or cannot smoke in. If you don't smoke, you may wish to avoid those that have smoking rooms. While you can book a non-smoking room, smoke can infiltrate your room and settle into your clothing. Even if a room is designated as nonsmoking, sometimes people smoke in there anyway. Too avoid exposure to the smell of cigarette smoke, it may be best to stay at a non-smoking hotel.
If possible, do not check out earlier than your scheduled departure day. An early departure charge may be added to your bill if you leave sooner. When you make your reservation, the hotel can't offer the room to someone else, so they lose money if you leave early. They will charge a departure fee so they get back what they lose.
Know what the industry term “walk” means when booking a room. Sometimes a hotel will overbook and you will find the room you booked is not available. This means that they will direct you to another hotel. If you can't avoid this, then make sure you are getting a room that is still worth the value that you have already paid.
Save your money when on the road by making your flight and hotel reservations together as a bundle. A lot of websites for travel will give you quite a bit of savings for you if you reserve a hotel and a rental car or flight together. To get the best deal, compare the rates between several airlines and hotels.
Don't book your trip during peak season if you are looking to get a good price. This is when rates are highest. Instead, book your room in the off-peak time of year, when hotels are desperate to fill their rooms. You'll typically find that the rates you get will be good.
Try to get a hotel upgrade without spending any money. The best way to do this is by showing up at the exact time that you are scheduled to check in. If the room you are booked for has not been cleaned yet, you may be offered a better room at no additional charge.
If you must find a hotel while traveling, check gas stations, tourist stops and rest centers to get a free guide book with information about local hotels. These often have good discount coupons included. This way you'll be able to call a place and get your room instead of driving around looking for deals.
You will probably have to visit a hotel many times in your life. If you don't do the right research, you may not get a hotel that you enjoy. This article can help you find the perfect hotel for your stay.
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