When planning out hotel stays, there can be much that is sight unseen. That is why you need to know what it takes to find the right hotel deals. You must understand what information you need in order to make a wise decision regarding what place to stay. Read on so that you can end up sleeping in comfort next time you’re on the road.
Use websites like Orbitz and Expedia for great prices. Make sure you notify the reservation clerk about any loyalty program you belong to with the hotel. You may also be eligible for deals that are offered to members of certain organizations, like AAA or AARP.
To minimize your travel expenses when you are staying near a resort area like Walt Disney World, choose a hotel that offers a complimentary shuttle to nearby attractions. In this sort of area, you shouldn’t need to rent a car. Instead, use a cab to get to your hotel and then use the shuttle to enjoy the fun.
If you are traveling with pets, be sure to select hotels that have good accommodations for them. This is especially true if you are planning on an extended stay. A good hotel that allows pets should have amenities for them. These might include and groomer, doggy day care and special walking areas.
To get the best possible rate for a hotel room, book well in advance of your trip. Rates are markedly higher if you just get the room at the desk. In addition to saving you a lot of money, advance booking will also ensure you aren’t left without a room.
Make location a top priority when it comes to searching for hotels. If you are going to be staying in a city and want to sight-see, it may not be wise to stay in a hotel 30 minutes away from all the action. Ask the hotel about attractions close by or look up their location on the Internet.
If you are going to stay in a hotel, be sure to give them a call the day before you are due to arrive. Hotels are not responsible for calling guests to confirm their reservation; that is up to the guest. Always call the hotel to be sure your room is still reserved.
Use Twitter to your advantage. Prior to booking your hotel, tweet the property and see if there are any discounts available. Social media is becoming more popular than ever, and hotels use this medium to get the word out about the specials they have out there. If you aren’t very familiar with tweeting, you can simply use the search function on Twitter.
To keep your incidentals at a minimum, especially when you are staying at a hotel outside the US, ask about the cost of wireless Internet before you check in, and especially before you log in the first time. Some hotels don’t disclose the costly per-minute costs of Internet access, but they will certainly show up on the bill.
Maximize your hotel stays with membership programs like the ones that Marriott or Choice Hotels offer. The more points you get, the more free stays you can use for vacations.
Don’t limit your hotel bed bug inspection to the bed. Bed bugs can be up to fifteen feet away. So, check any chairs and other furniture around the room. Also look in drawers and closet spaces before unpacking your clothes and risking them. As always, flag someone on the staff down if you find anything.
If you checked out a hotel price a few weeks ago, be sure to check it out again. Prices for hotel rooms fluctuate not only week to week, but also day to day. There could be a new price available just because you waited. This is especially true if there’s a lot of extra room inventory.
To be a “green” hotel guest, check your bathroom counter and bed for a sign about how to keep the maids from taking your towels away each day. Usually, if you hang your linens up, they will stay in the room, but if you leave them on the floor, the maids will take them and give you clean ones.
When your hotel attempts to “walk” you, don’t stand for it! Hotels routinely overbook, which means that you could find that there is no room available for you when you arrive at the hotel. When this happens, the hotel directs you to another property, “walking” you. This is inconvenient, and try to avoid it if possible. If you must go elsewhere, make sure transportation is paid and you get a better room than you originally booked.
Whether you’re on vacation, traveling for business, or needing a hotel for some other reason, you definitely want to be happy with your room. There is nothing like checking out with extra charges or being unhappy with your surroundings. Knowing what you know now should help ensure that you pick the right hotel next time.