If you are going to be vacationing any time soon, you are no doubt trying to nail down the details of your trip. Before you choose your accommodations, there are some things that you need to know. Keep reading for hotel advice that will ensure you choose the right one.
Do some research on travel websites before you book any hotel. This lets you know what others’ experiences have been like. What people say about a hotel can help you figure out where you should be staying.
If you want a nice meal at night with your special someone, and you are too comfortable in your room to go out, order some food through room service. While you’re likely to pay a little more, it’s worth having the convenience of staying in your room (and in your pajamas) while you wait to satisfy those nocturnal cravings.
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.
Look at organizations you’re part of for discounts. Many of these places will give you cheaper hotel prices. People frequently forget these discounts are available, and they can be 10 percent or more. This is a good discount that only gets better the longer you stay in a hotel. After a week has gone by it will add up to a free night almost!
To keep from paying through the nose for dry cleaning services from a hotel, ask what the costs are before you send your clothing out. If you need cleaning done, it’s often cheaper to walk down the street to a nearby dry cleaner. People who are in town on business often benefit greatly from these savings.
Find out what perks are offered on hotel club floors before deciding the extra premium isn’t worth the cost. At some hotels, staying on a club floor can mean benefits like free food and even full meals. Factor up the potential expenses of paying for those on their own, and you might see that an upgrade can actually save you money.
If you often stay at a certain type of hotel, ask about the “frequent stay” program. Just like with a frequent flyer mile program, you can get points for staying a hotel. These points can be used to earn free nights, discounts and more.
Before you make your hotel reservation, check to see if any fees will be added to your bill. Many hotels charge extra for parking, Wi-Fi and even room cleaning. These charges can make your stay more costly than you anticipated, so be sure to ask about them before you make your decision.
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.
To avoid major expenses on your final hotel bill, be sure to ask the sales representative about the price of hotel transfers first. In many situations in which the room’s price is a great deal, the undisclosed price of your transfer can frequently eat up the savings. Be sure and inquire about this beforehand so that you get your savings.
There are websites available that offer you an instant discount if the hotel you have booked decreases in price before your stay. You may end up with a good amount of money back in your pocket. The best thing about this type of site is that the opposite does not apply. If the rates increase, you will only have to pay the amount you were originally quoted.
Pay attention to your security when you stay at a hotel. Make note of the fire exits and locations of fire extinguishers. Keep your door locked, and keep your key or key card in a safe place. Stash any valuables in the hotel safe. Consider bringing a flashlight along and keeping it by your bed in case you need it during the night.
Figure out what comes with your hotel. Find out if the hotel offers better noise control and views on one side. Ask them about nearby public transportation, restaurants, and if they are near any entertainment or business areas. You should also find out the type of neighborhood they’re in and what their environmental policies are.
Now that you have come to the end of this article, you know a thing or two about vacation hotels. You should be ready to pick a great hotel based on what you just read. It won’t be long before you are headed to your destination to have some fun!