Reserving a hotel room can be overwhelming with the wide range of locations, amenities, and prices available. Just a bit of work beforehand is critical. Think of how much you are willing to spend, consider what amenities you want, and research away. You will enjoy your hotel stay by using the following advice.
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.
Be sure to consult AAA to help you make excellent plans for your entire vacation. It may be surprising that auto clubs members receive hotel deals, but they do. You can save 5 percent or more on your hotel stay just by showing your membership card. It’s a way to save money that can add up fast.
If you are a daily runner, make sure you pack exercise clothes and a GPS watch. If you want to jog early in the morning, don your gear and then go for it. Even if you stick to city streets, you will gain a better perspective on your destination city before you leave.
Make location a top priority when it comes to searching for hotels. If you are going to be staying in a city and want to sight-see, it may not be wise to stay in a hotel 30 minutes away from all the action. Ask the hotel about attractions close by or look up their location on the Internet.
Avoid using the phone in the hotel to make any calls. If you do not have a mobile phone, it would be a good idea to purchase a prepaid phone to make calls during your stay. The only exception should be if free local calls are included in the room rate.
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 Hotels will often have weekly and monthly rates which are unpublished.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.
Will your children be staying with you during your next hotel stay? If so, pick a hotel that best suits their needs. This includes amenities of the actual hotel and the location itself. A hotel could be lovely, have an indoor pool, or offer all the cable channels. But, if it’s located in an industrial area or in the part of town with lots of bard, your children may not be pleased.
There are websites available that offer you an instant discount if the hotel you have booked decreases in price before your stay. You may end up with a good amount of money back in your pocket. The best thing about this type of site is that the opposite does not apply. If the rates increase, you will only have to pay the amount you were originally quoted.
Sign up for AAA if you wish to get better hotel arrangements while you travel. Your AAA membership will pay for itself right away in hotel and car rental discounts and availability. If you have young kids, find out if they have a free car seat service.
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.
Book your hotel room as far in advance as possible. You will be surprised at how quickly hotels fill up, especially in smaller towns with few hotels. If you wait until last minute, there is a good chance you may not even be able to book a room. So, be sure to reserve your room as soon as you know you need one!
There are a variety of ways that you can ensure a great stay in a fantastic hotel. So, when you want to stay at a hotel next time, this research can help you out. In the end, your reward will be a comfortable and affordable hotel room that you love.
