When you are traveling or going on vacation, you are probably going to end up staying at a hotel. However, all hotels are not created equal. Finding a quality hotel that is not going to charge you an arm and a leg can be tricky. Use these tips to get a good deal on your next hotel reservation.
To keep your packing to a minimum on a long trip to one destination, choose a hotel that offers a coin laundry facility. This way, you don’t have to pack as much, and when you are about halfway through your trip, you can wash and dry everything. When it’s almost time to go, repeat the process so you don’t get home with a bunch of dirty clothes.
When picking a hotel, there is a lot to think about. Your budget comes first, but proximity to attractions is also important. Amenities that help you choose a hotel are free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, exercise room, pool, and a restaurant on the premises. Seek out hotels that offer amenities that appeal to you.
When traveling with children, be sure the hotels you choose offer features the kids will enjoy. A playground on site is very helpful. A pool with plenty of shallow area and/or a kiddie pool will provide great play time. Also check to see if the hotel you are interested in offers a child care service.
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.
If you are a person who travels often, it is a good idea to sign up for hotel loyalty programs. They give people benefits if they go to that chain often. There are many rewards given when you accumulate loyalty points such as free stays, free upgrades and later than usual check out times.
To get a workout without leaving your hotel room, take your suspension training gear along. Most systems fit into a bag that doesn’t weigh more than three or four pounds, and all you need is a door frame to attach the system to. You can get a solid strength training workout by using your body weight to provide resistance.
If you don’t have your heart set on a certain hotel, try using a website like Hotels.com. These types of sites let you put in bids and then return a list of hotels in your price range. The only drawback is that they may not reveal which hotel you have booked until after you have committed to staying there.
To enjoy a tropical destination a bit more quietly, stay away from the large, all-inclusive resorts that bring in quantity but also feature nonstop partying. Instead, choose a smaller resort that also offers shuttles to the major local attractions. You’ll have a stay that is more on your terms, especially when it’s time to sit out on your patio in the quiet of the night.
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.
Before you decide to book, always find out if there are any hotel transfer fees so you won’t be surprised on your bill. A transfer can sometimes come with a substantial hidden cost. Asking about this ahead of time helps you maximize your savings.
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.
Be aware of your surroundings in a hotel to stay safe. Don’t open the door without knowing who is behind it. Use the peephole. Hotel residents are especially vulnerable to theft. Check in with the front desk if there are any deliveries to your door and keep the door locked even when inside.
To avoid spending $2 or $3 each time you want a soda at a hotel, throw a six- or twelve-pack into the car when you head out on the road. For almost as much money as that one soda, you can have a dozen of them chilling on ice in the room, or in the mini-fridge.
When you are staying at a hotel, you don’t want to have to pay too much for a bad experience. You need to know how to find a great hotel that gives you good service at a reasonable price. Remember the advice you have read here the next time you need to find a hotel.