Does the thought of looking for a good hotel make you nervous? Have you made reservations before at what you thought was a nice hotel, only to find out otherwise? If so, you may need some useful advice on choosing a hotel. Keep reading to find out what you should know.
When going on a trip, it is a good idea to book a vacation package instead of booking each service separately. While it may seem like you are spending a lot more money at once, the reality is that you will be getting a cheaper hotel stay than you would otherwise.
Don’t make assumptions about pet policies of hotels. Always call to ask, even if it says pet-friendly online. Make sure they specify what pet-friendly means since there may be certain restrictions on pet sizes and breeds that are allowed on the property.
If you plan on bringing your family to a hotel, you should look for family-friendly policies and special deals online. Try using family vacation review sites. You can find many family hotels and resort reviews. Searching through these sites should help you also locate deals to make your trip more enjoyable and affordable.
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.
Think about going on a “green” vacation. Luckily, there are a lot of green hotels out there in this day and age. Many new hotels are constructed to meet green standards, earning green certification. Older hotels might change practices to be more green. A travel agent or similar source can help you find hotels that are considered ‘green’.
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.
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.
One way to get discounts on hotel rooms is to join AAA. People who are AAA members receive discounts at many hotel chains. In addition, having a AAA membership will make it easier to get a rental car when it’s needed. They even throw in free car seats at most locations if you’re a parent.
When you look for bed bugs, start in the bathroom. The bathroom is not a common place where bedbugs would be. When you determine there are not any in there, set your bags down and inspect the remainder of the premises. It is also a safe spot for your pets and kids.
Reviews whether or not the hotel allows pets. If you fear pets or have allergies it may be best to make reservations at hotels that have a strict no pets policy. If the hotel does not have good cleaning practices, you may be bothered by pet odors. Many hotels charge a fee for staying with a pet, but it might not be a lot. Depending on what hotel you choose, the fee charged might or might not cover any extra cleaning required.
Try to avoid checking out of the hotel ahead of your scheduled checkout time. If you check out early, you could be liable for early checkout fees. By booking a room, you are preventing other potential guests from staying in the hotel. Therefore, by leaving early, you are costing the hotel extra revenue. This is why they usually charge you an fee for early departure.
For hygienic purposes, you may want to avoid using the bedspread that the hotel provides. Sheets and blankets are washed regularly, while bedspreads usually aren’t. The bedspread can be laden with germs. Just take that blanket off the bed.
Look around for hotels that are having grand openings. These grand openings often have big savings on hotel rooms. In fact, the savings can be very significant – 20% and often more. It’s a great way to get a top notch hotel stay and then pass on the word to others about the stay!
Choosing the right hotel for your next vacation can be tricky, especially if you do not know that much about hotels. Many hotels appear nice at first, but really are not of very good quality. With the information that you have read in this article, you can avoid these hotels and find quality ones easily.