Looking for the right hotel can be overwhelming, especially if you are unfamiliar with the city you will be staying in. So doing a bit of research and planning is essential. Below are some tips to help guide you as you weed through you hotel choices. These tips can help you quickly find the right hotel for you.
If you are traveling for work and staying at a hotel, ask for a room at least some reasonable distance from the pool area. You will probably want to be in a room where you can concentrate. The noise levels near a pool can be distracting. Pick a quiet room where you can be productive.
When planning a vacation, be sure to make all of your hotel reservations well in advance. In this way, you can lock in lower rates. If you have some flexibility regarding when you take your vacation, be sure to find out about off season rates. Very often, the rate you pay in non-peak times of year is significantly lower.
Look at organizations you’re part of for discounts. Some groups provide members with discounts on certain hotels. Discounts of 10% or more are often available, and people sometimes forget that they are eligible to claim them. This can help you to save some cash, especially if you’re going to be staying for a few nights. This can mean a lot of savings over a full week stay.
Be aware in advance of the check-in time. If you don’t know when you can check in, you may find your room is not ready when you arrive at your hotel. Call the hotel if you are early and find out if your room is ready.
Planning for a trip months or even just weeks in advance can often get you a better rate for your hotel room. If you book one or two months in advance, you can often receive a discount. With elite brands, this can translate into savings of up to 50 percent.
Never assume that all hotels are pet-friendly. Always call to ask, even if it says pet-friendly online. Be certain you understand all rules pertaining to pets. Some hotels only allow certain types, sizes and breeds.
Bedbugs have become a problem at hotels in recent years, so upon entering your hotel room, check for signs of these critters. Check for stains on bedding and behind walls. If you notice any signs that point to the possible presence of bedbugs, request a different room. Bedbugs can travel home with you in your luggage, causing an unwelcome infestation in your home.
Before you make your hotel reservation, check to see if any fees will be added to your bill. Many hotels charge extra for parking, Wi-Fi and even room cleaning. These charges can make your stay more costly than you anticipated, so be sure to ask about them before you make your decision.
The cost of your hotel room largely depends on the dates on which you plan to stay there. Rooms are typically priced according to availability. Don’t book a room more than a day in advance. Doing so will ensure you get the best possible price on a hotel room. Empty rooms don’t make money, so hotels slash prices to fill the building.
If you are traveling with children, make sure you tell the front desk about your needs when you call to make a reservation. For example, do you need a pack and play? Make that known before you show up at the hotel. Also, ask if there is space in the room to set up a crib. You may need to ask for a larger room so that your entire family can be comfortable.
If you plan to use the telephone provided in your hotel room, know what to expect as far as charges. Some hotels offer free local calls, but others charge for each call. In addition to any long distance charges, the hotel usually adds an extra fee. Use your cell phone to make calls from your hotel room when possible.
Be aware of the pet policy of the hotel. You may wish to stay away from hotels that permit pets if you have allergies or you fear certain animals. Also, pet friendly hotels may have lingering odors that have been absorbed by carpeting or linens. While some hotels charge fees for pets, they don’t always charge a lot. The fee may cover the cleaning, and it may not.
There is no need to be overwhelmed by booking a hotel anymore. The tips above are perfect for helping you find a great room at a great price. So remember them and put them into action the next time you are booking a hotel room. Then you can relax, knowing that you are set.