The hotel where you stay can be paradise or a very expensive nightmare. Hotels are not cheap, so you should know how to select the right one when you want to book one. If you'd like to learn how to get a great hotel, keep reading the article below.
Make sure you check out online review websites prior to making a reservation for a hotel. Here you can get first-hand reports of the experience people had staying at different hotels. These reviews can aid you in your decision about whether to book the hotel.
Many factors come into play as you choose a hotel. Of course price is a big deal, but a hotel close to where you are head is a big consideration. Other amenities that people look for are a gym, pool, free local phone calls, free Wi-Fi, and free breakfast. So decide on the amenities that mean the most to you and start looking.
Take advantage of online hotel searching tools. There are a lot of websites that have great deals and other useful tools to help you comparison shop to find the right hotel at the right price. They can tell you what the average rate at a hotel is, ensuring you know the general pricing. Finally, they can also help you figure out when you want to go on your vacation and what you want to do there.
Know the hotel's check-in time. If you show up too early, you may find yourself sitting around the lobby, waiting for your room to be ready. Call the hotel if you are early and find out if your room is ready.
Although many hotels have certain rooms that allow pets, never assume your hotel will without researching ahead of time. Call ahead to their service desk and make sure, even if their website listing says they are. Also ask exactly what they mean by pet-friendly, as there might be restrictions on certain breeds and sizes of pet that they allow on their premises.
If you are a member of AAA, ask about a hotel discount. You would be surprised where hidden discounts may be lurking. You can save upwards of 5% on your hotel stays. It's a way to save money that can add up fast.
Environmentalists can now enjoy a green vacation. These are much more common today than they were in the past. Some of the newer hotels were built with green standards in mind. Some of the older hotels do implement green practices to be sure they are eco-friendly. Finding hotels that are environmentally friendly can be as easy as asking your favorite travel agent.
Before you decide to book, always find out if there are any hotel transfer fees so you won't be surprised on your bill. If the room is the bargain, then an expensive transfer can ruin the whole savings. Inquiring about this in advance will maximize any savings.
Maximize your hotel stays with membership programs like the ones that Marriott or Choice Hotels offer. This allows you to earn points each time you book a room. You can use these points to purchase perks in the future.
Get an AAA membership for hotel perks when you travel. Members of AAA get discounts at lots of hotel chains which more than makes up the membership to AAA, plus it is easier to rent a car anywhere you go. At some locations they even offer free car seats.
When you first arrive, inspect your hotel room's bathroom. The bathroom is not a common place where bedbugs would be. That is what makes it the best place to start. You can store your luggage there and search the rest of your room for those bedbugs. Kids and pets can stay there as well.
Allow Pets
Know your hotel's policy on pets prior to booking with them. If you fear pets or have allergies it may be best to make reservations at hotels which do not have a pet-friendly policy. Rooms that allow pets may also have the odor of animals. This can be in the linens and carpet. Some hotels only allow pets in certain rooms and charge more for the room because they do extra cleaning to ensure it is up to standards after each guest. If the hotel you are staying at does not incorporate much of an extra fee, the cleaning service might not be up to par.
Checking in early may not be available. Be sure to plan your arrival with that in mind, or you may be sitting in the lobby area for some time. Hotels need to get a room cleaned up before you get to check into it. Having said that, don't hesitate to ask the front desk about checking in if you do arrive early; however, you shouldn't expect to be able to do this. The best thing you can do is arrive on time.
As you can see, doing just a bit of preparation and research can help you get a great hotel and a great discount. You just need the right information. Use the above tips and you'll find the perfect hotel.
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