It's never fun to feel like the hotel has taken advantage of you and your money. Whether you are paying too much or the place is just lousy, a bad experience can ruin a vacation. Avoid this sort of situation by following the advice presented here.
Before you choose a hotel and make reservations, check online review sites, such as TripAdvisor. Here, you can read what people had to say about their hotel stay. Find out what actual customers say about the hotel and it can help you avoid a costly mistake.
To get the very best prices for the hotels that you'd like to visit, use travel sites online like Orbitz and Expedia. As you check your rates, don't forget to include that you're a loyalty program member. You might also have other discounts from a membership in the AARP or AAA.
If you want a meal at night, it is much more comfortable to enjoy room service. This service comes at a premium, but you can stay comfortable in your room while enjoying you eats.
Look for a closet safe in your hotel room, and use it for any expensive electronics you may have brought with you. Your iPad, watch, and other smaller, expensive items can be placed into the safe, then you can rest assured at their safety as you head out for a fun-filled day.
What groups are you a member of? Sometimes you can get discounted hotel prices through these organizations. These discounts are often neglected; however, they can save you upwards of ten percent. If you are planning to stay a few nights, this can really add up. It can add up to equal a free night!
Many things must be considered when choosing the right hotel. Of course price is a big deal, but a hotel close to where you are head is a big consideration. A gym, pool, free breakfast, free wireless Internet, free local calls, and all kinds of other things may be important. Seek out hotels that offer amenities that appeal to you.
Look for deals online. Often, the only way to learn about discounts is to look online. You have to look for the discounts. Look at websites such as RueLaLaTravel, Jetsetter, and SniqueAway.
There are three things to do ahead of time if you want to bring your pet to a hotel with you. First, find out if the hotel allows pets. Be sure to bring some bags with you so you can pick up your pet's waste. You should also see if you can get a room near the end part of the hallway to make sure other guests don't have to put up with pet noise.
Pack your GPS and running clothes while on vacation. Head out early in the morning after donning your running gear. You'll get plenty of good exercise and a better understanding of the city around you.
Environmentally Friendly
You may wish to consider a “green” vacation if the environment is one of your concerns. There are plenty of “green” hotels that take the environment into consideration. Many newer hotels are environmentally friendly. Older hotels can go green by making environmentally friendly choices in energy use. Talk to your travel agent about what you want to do and let them seek out a few appropriate hotels.
Maximize your hotel stays with membership programs like the ones that Marriott or Choice Hotels offer. These points can translate into some major perks when you're vacationing.
To make reserving a hotel easy, use AAA. AAA members receive excellent discounts on hotels, car rentals and other attractions. Some places provide free car seats too.
Call ahead of arrival to see if the pool is open to keep the family happy. There is nothing worse than getting to a hotel with kids to find the pool is closed.
If you wish to see if a hotel room has bed bugs, check out the bathroom. This room is usually free from bugs. That means your luggage will be safe there while you check out the other areas of the room. Put kids and pets in there, too.
If you smoke, you should understand the hotel's policy about smoking before you book a room. Some hotels offer smoking rooms. If so, you should avail yourself of this option. If you smoke in one of the hotel's non-smoking room, you can be charged hefty fees.
You should know that you generally aren't going to be able to do an early check-in at a hotel. So, you may have to sit for a while in the lobby or find a way to occupy yourself until checking in if you are going to be arriving early. The rooms can't be readied and cleaned until the prior guests are gone, so this means that check-in time is usually around 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Check with the front desk if you arrive early, but do not be angry if they can't get you in early.
If a crib or a rollaway bed is necessary for your stay, let your booking agent know. Not every hotel will have these items available, and the ones that do only have limited quantities. On occasion, these services may require an additional charge. Talk about your needs when you reserve a spot so you don't get surprised with something you won't like.
To be sure you stay at a great hotel, use the above advice. You now have a better idea of what to look for in the right hotel room and what to avoid from the wrong ones. Relax, unwind and enjoy!
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