Any trip is an exciting event to look forward to. Part of the enjoyment of a trip is the comfort and luxury of a good hotel room. But you often don’t know what you are getting until you unlock the door to your hotel room. here are some ways to help take the mystery out of booking a great room at the best price.
Use travel websites, like Expedia and Priceline to find great hotel deals. Are you a member of a certain hotel’s membership program? If so, make sure you put this information into the travel site. You may also be able to get discounts through AAA or AARP.
Take advantage of the safe you have in your room, especially if you have electronics with you. You can place your small, expensive items such as your iPad in the safe, so you can enjoy your day knowing they are safe and secure.
Look into club-level rates. While these rooms are more expensive up front, they typically offer a great value. For example, included in the price could be breakfast or dessert, Wi-Fi service or other perks, like drinks and snacks. See what is offered and decide if the extra cost is worth it to you.
If you are out of the room for any length of time, protect the valuables you leave in the room. In addition to leaving expensive items in a safe, leave the television on when you are out of the room. That will make it look like you are still there and thieves will move on.
If you are interested in “going green” when traveling, try going to a “green” hotel. Start by looking for these hotels online. There are several organizations that let you search for these hotels easily like Green Hotels Association and Green Globe. They will have a comprehensive list of green hotels in different locations.
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.
If you want to have a massage with your partner on your vacation, make sure that you schedule an appointment with a masseuse as early as possible. That’s because the highest quality masseurs and masseuses are typically booked way in advance due to their good name. Therefore, by planning in advance, you can ensure you have the best possible experience during your massage.
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.
Ask if your possible hotel reservation is either smoking or non. If you are not a smoker, you probably want to avoid staying in a smoking room. You can still get a room that’s non-smoking, but the smoke can flow in the air and get on all your clothes. Smokers don’t always respect the fact that the room they are renting is a non-smoking room. Choose a non-smoking hotel to avoid the stench.
If you are looking to save money on your next trip, it is a good idea to book a hotel that has an in-room kitchen. Many places have full kitchens that include a countertop range and a refrigerator. Preparing your own meals will save you money since you will not need to pay for room service or restaurant food.
To avoid the unpleasant surprise of a costly pet deposit when you check into a hotel, ask about pet policies and fees when you book the room. That gives you the flexibility of choosing a hotel that is more pet-friendly and keeps you from having a huge fee that you pay just because it’s too inconvenient to switch hotels at the last minute.
Many hotel chains offer reward programs to guests who stay there frequently. You can often earn credit for free rooms if you stay at a particular chain enough times. When you book a hotel, ask if they have such a program. If there is no cost to join, signing up is worth it.
Planning a trip should be a pleasure and your stay should even more pleasurable. So finding the best room at the right price is essential to your enjoyment. By using the hints from above, you will be able to find a comfortable and enjoyable hotel at a price that is right for you.
