Booking a hotel room can be a scary experience, especially if you have had a bad experience before. By then, it is usually too late to back out. So that is why you need to prepare properly by doing research. So here are some tips to help you find the hotel room of your dreams.
Find great hotel room prices by checking out travel websites like Orbitz and Expedia. When making hotel reservations, be sure to include information regarding hotel loyalty programs in which you may hold membership. You might also be entitled to additional discounts through your other organizations, such as AAA or AARP.
Prior to beginning a hotel search, try thinking about what accommodations you want and can afford. Figure out if the hotel’s location is more important than its price or if you limited to hotels under a certain price range. Also consider whether you need one that has items like spas and fitness centers or just a beautiful view.
To make sure that you don’t have an allergic reaction to the soaps and shampoos that you find in hotel rooms, bring your own, particularly if you have sensitive skin. While it’s nice to find the freebies, the rash that sometimes results is quite unpleasant. Take along your own things to keep things clean.
When you are staying at a hotel, it is a good idea to leave a small tip for the housekeeping staff. It is best to tip daily instead of waiting until the entire trip has come to an end since there is a chance that the same person will not be assisting you every day.
Consider your organizational memberships. Some may offer discounts on hotels. These discounts can be as much as 10 percent or even more. That can add up to huge savings over multiple nights. If you stay for a week, these discounts will almost add up for a free night.
Do you stay at a particular hotel chain fairly often? Consider signing up for their loyalty club. As long as it is free to do so, you really have nothing to lose. Giving the hotel your contact information could mean getting special perks that you can use the next time you stay there.
Plan your trip as far in advance as possible. Some hotels have great discounts when you book a couple of months in advance. Some of the most popular hotel chains can end up giving you up to 50 percent in savings.
Visit several online travel websites and compare hotel room prices. These online travel websites do not always offer the same price for hotel rooms at a specific location. By choosing two or three different online travel websites, you can assure you are getting the best deal possible. Also, booking close to your travel date will usually net you a better price.
When staying in a hotel, it is wise not to bring valuables. If you do have valuable jewelry, documents or other items be sure to stay at a hotel that has a safe in the office. By making good use of this amenity, you can keep your personal belongings secure and enjoy peace of mind.
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.
Become a AAA member if you want to make arranging hotel accommodations a bit simpler. AAA members can receive great hotel discounts as well as locate a rental car much more easily. If you are a parent of a young child, you may even be provided with a free car seat.
Try not to make long distance calls from your hotel room. Utilize the Internet, instead. A lot of hotels have free Wi-Fi that you can use to connect with people. You will be able to stay in touch with family and friends while you are away without the additional expense of costly phone calls.
If you’re a smoker, then make sure you get a hotel with a smoking room. If you’re not a smoker, you might want to skip a smoking hotel. Even in a non-smoking room, the smoke from other rooms is in the air and might infiltrate your clothing. Sometimes, smokers rent and smoke in non-smoking rooms. Choose a non-smoking hotel to a smoke smell on your clothes.
As you probably know, a bad hotel experience can be a nightmare. So it is important to do your research before you book so you will get a room that is right for you. So use the information from above to help you find the hotel that suits you perfectly.