The right hotel reservation can mean the difference between a vacation for the ages and a disaster that you will never forget. However, knowing which hotels are worthwhile and which should be avoided can be tricky. If you need some help, make use of the advice in the following article.
Online travel sites like Expedia or Orbitz can help you get the best price for rooms at the hotel you would like to stay at. When making hotel reservations, be sure to include information regarding hotel loyalty programs in which you may hold membership. You may also be eligible for deals that are offered to members of certain organizations, like AAA or AARP.
To save money on a minibar or vending machine at a hotel, pack a cooler before you start out on your trip, and throw in some six-packs of soda or beer and a bottle of wine. When you get to the hotel, if you have a small fridge, you are all ready. If there isn’t a fridge, use the ice machine and your cooler to keep things chilled.
Try using price comparison sites online to find a hotel when you’re on a budget. Websites like Priceline, Travelocity, Expedia, and the like can help you see all kinds of hotels in different locations. You can narrow down your searches to specific price ranges and compare them to each other.
When searching for a hotel, consider “bundle” packages. For example, if you have to fly to your location, look for a bundle that includes both your hotel room and your airfare. You should save quite a bit of money that way, but make sure to always double-check the regular room rate to ensure you are getting a good deal.
You can use online travel sites to find great hotels. These kinds of websites allow you to locate great deals fast. Being able to comparison shop helps you find the best value, while getting the amenities that are important to you. Finally, you can also use these to help you learn what there is to do when you get to your destination.
If you want to save some serious money on your hotel reservations, get the price bundled with something else. This is typically done through an online travel site. When bundled with airfare, hotel room rates drop dramatically, sometimes by over half the list rates that are publicly advertised elsewhere on the Internet.
If you forget to bring toiletries with you, the housekeeping staff at the hotel may be able to help. Most hotels provide soap, shampoo and conditioner as a matter of course, but they may also have toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, razors and other necessary items on hand for those who request them. Many even supply hair dryers in the room, so you do not have to bring your own along.
Sign on to Facebook and find the page of the hotel you are staying at. Write a little message on their page, and see if the staff responds. You never know, they may offer you a special perk! If nothing else, keep up with what is happening on the page in case any specials are announced.
Book your hotel room as far in advance as possible. You will be surprised at how quickly hotels fill up, especially in smaller towns with few hotels. If you wait until last minute, there is a good chance you may not even be able to book a room. So, be sure to reserve your room as soon as you know you need one!
If possible, try to stay in a hotel during the off-season. Most hotels know how desperate people are to find a room during the travel season. They tend to jack up their prices because they know people are willing to pay for the room. If you go during the off-season, you will get big discounts!
To keep the smell of swimsuits and wet feet out of your hotel room, have your kids put their Aquashoes and swimsuits out on the patio. Hanging them over the rail and letting the towels and suits dry will keep that chlorine scent out of your room, and the shoes and sandals will make your room stink, so keep them out!
Be aware of the pet policy of the hotel. If you are allergic to pets, avoid pet friendly hotels. Hotels that allow pets typically have rooms that have a pet odor in them. Some hotels are pet-friendly and don’t charge for it, while other hotels will add a hefty fee for keeping a pet. The fee may cover the cleaning, and it may not.
When you are looking for a hotel, you have to balance quality and price. You need to find a hotel room that is both affordable and livable. Doing so can be difficult, but sometimes you just need to know where to look. Keep the tips you have read here in mind when searching for a good hotel.