You don’t want your hotel stay to leave you feeling fleeced. Having a bad hotel stay, because it cost too much or the rooms were dirty, can really spoil a trip. To avoid these problems, use the tips in this article to find the right hotel for you.
You can find good deals on hotel rooms using online travel sites. If you belong to a hotel’s loyalty program, be sure to input that information when checking rates. Some organizations like AAA and AARP offer lodging discounts for a variety of hotel chains.
Get room service if you don’t want to leave. You will probably pay more for this meal, but for the convenience of having it delivered to your room, it is worth it.
It’s important to make sure that your valuables are safe during a hotel stay, so make use of the room’s safe. Place your iPad, GPS and other small electronics in the safe when you are not in your room.
There are some things you have to do before taking your pet on a trip. First, inquire as to whether the hotel really is a pet-friendly place. Pack a supply of plastic grocery bags with you – you will need to clean up any pet waste. When you make a reservation you should see if you can stay near the back of the hallway to keep other guests away from your pets when they are making noises.
If you like running and frequently stay in hotel rooms, be sure and pack up a GPS watch, along with your favorite running clothes. When you wake up in the morning, throw on your gear and head out for a morning jog. Even if your route takes you through the street of a city, at least you will get a glimpse of the area you are visiting.
If you travel frequently, sign up for loyalty programs at your favorite hotels. They offer benefits to people that stay at the same chain quite often. Some of the useful things that you can earn are extra upgrades, free nights, and late check-outs.
If you often stay at a certain type of hotel, ask about the “frequent stay” program. Just like frequent flyer mile programs, these hotel programs offer you points for your stay. They can amount to show tickets, free nights, spa deals, hotel restaurants discounts and much more.
Be sure you understand your hotel’s smoking policy if you smoke. Certain hotels provide rooms that are specifically for people who smoke. If so, you should avail yourself of this option. If you don’t, you can be hit with some major penalties for lighting up in a non-smoker’s room.
Keep in mind that hotel check-ins are usually very strict; therefore, you probably won’t be able to check-in early. Be sure to not to show up early so you don’t have to wait. Hotels need this time to clean and prepare your room. If you do get to the hotel early, ask at the front desk if you can possibly check in early, but there is a chance you won’t be able to.
Always let the hotel know if you need a crib for your stay at the hotel. Not every hotel is going to come with cribs or rollaways. They may charge extra for this. You can always discuss the possibilities with the hotel clerk or manager on the phone before you book your room.
If you are concerned about germs, you might want to take the bedspread off of the bed. The sheets and blankets underneath are usually washed between guests, but the top bedspread is usually not. It may be a carrier of bacteria and germs. Remove the bedspread and use your own travel blanket or comforter, instead.
Be prepared with a knowledge of your rights if a hotel ever tries to “walk” you. This happens when the room you requested is unavailable because of overbooking on the part of the hotel. The hotel will attempt to foist you off on another hotel. It’s best to avoid this, but if you can’t, be sure you are going to a better hotel and getting a better room.
Resist the temptation to indulge in your hotel’s bottled water! When you arrive at your hotel, you might be very thirsty. You might want to open the bottled water they left you. The hotel knows your cravings and has priced that bottle of water sky high. A number hotels offer free bottles of water in their gyms. Simply, bring your own bottled water.
Be sure you don’t take off with any items from your hotel room. As much as you may like the towels, washcloths or pillows, housekeeping is likely to notice any missing items, and the hotel may send you a bill for them. It’s better to ask the hotel management if you can buy new ones of your own.
If you would like to pay less when staying at a hotel, don’t book during peak season. Rates are highest during this time. Book when the hotel is empty for the best deals. This puts you in a position with leverage, which helps you get a better deal for the room in question.
Using the advice shared here will help you make decisions that land you a good hotel. Your experiences will be better if you know things to avoid and what a good deal looks like. A hotel visit should be fun and relaxing for everyone involved.