All hotels are different. The cost and quality will differ from place to place. For the ultimate vacation, you should plan on booking the best hotel that your budget will allow. Keep reading to learn how to find a great hotel.
Prior to reserving a room at a hotel, look on the Internet for reviews. One great site is TripAdvisor. These reviews can give you a customer’s perspective of the hotel you are planning on staying at. Consider what they say to help you make your decision.
Keep your electronics secure by using the hotel safe located in your hotel room. You can stash your expensive electronics and jewelry in the safe and go about your day without worry.
If you are a member of a frequent flyer program or travel a lot, try joining a hotel loyalty program. You can earn points and use them toward your upcoming stays. You can also gain airline miles if the hotel is a partner of a frequent flier program. Check the airline or hotel website to see what you’re qualified for.
When booking a hotel stay, always check the Internet. There are many travel sites located online that let you compare prices for hotel located in the city of your choosing. Additionally, you can save a lot of money by booking your stay during the weekdays. Weekend rates tend to be higher than weekday stays.
See if you can get a hotel discount through AAA if you are a member. AAA members actually receive hotel discounts at specific hotel chains! You can save 5%, 10% or more at quality hotels throughout the country. These savings quickly add up, especially if you are staying for multiple nights in a row.
If you travel frequently, sign up for loyalty programs at your favorite hotels. They offer rewards to guests who book the same hotel chain frequently. You can score things like complimentary upgrades, later check-out options and even free nights once you accumulate enough loyalty program points.
If you are planning to stay in a hotel for an entire week or longer, ask the hotel about long term price discounts. Hotels will often have weekly and monthly rates which are unpublished. These can offer significant price breaks for your hotel stay. Be sure to mention it upfront.
If you plan on using any glasses from the hotel minibar, make sure that you wash them first. Even if they appear to be clean, they may have been wiped with a chemical cleaner. Many housekeeping staff use the same products that they use to clean windows and mirrors on those glasses.
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.
If you are looking for deals on a hotel room, you may have to go straight to the source yourself. Many hotels do not post ads all over the Internet offering discounts. You usually have to find them yourself. Simply call potential hotels and ask them if they have any promotions or discounts.
Being a member of AAA can save you money on hotels. AAA members get good hotel discounts and can also find good car rental rates much more easily. Parents with young children will appreciate the complimentary car set offered in some locations.
Follow a hotel chain you are thinking about reserving with on social media. Deals and promotions are often promoted first or sometimes only on Facebook and Twitter. Introduce yourself to hotel employees through social media to see if you can get any tips from them on booking a great deal.
Stay safe and secure in a hotel. Travelers to hotels are often robbed even when they are inside the room. Use every lock the hotel provides, including the handle lock, chain and deadbolt. Hotels are a magnet for shady characters looking to exploit people who are traveling with a lot of money and valuables.
Always know the hotel smoking policy wherever you stay if you personally smoke. A lot of places will have smoker’s rooms. So be sure to request one of these rooms. Some hotels fine guests if they find that they smoked in a designated non-smoking room. This means that you must be sure to obey the hotel’s smoking rules.
In order to maximize the enjoyment of your trip, it is crucial that you find the best hotel. So do some homework, find a hotel that looks inviting and then go after the best price. Getting the most for your money is something that you should strive for. Apply the tips outlined here for a great hotel experience.