A substandard hotel stay is downright insulting when you consider how much a hotel costs. Whether you are paying too much or the place is just lousy, a bad experience can ruin a vacation. If you wan to make sure you have an enjoyable stay, and thus an enjoyable vacation, then pay serious attention to the advice below.
Prior to reserving a room at a hotel, look on the Internet for reviews. One great site is TripAdvisor. These provide you with first-hand information about people’s recent experiences at each hotel. What others say will help you make a wise decision.
Online travel sites like Orbitz and Expedia can help you find the lowest rates on hotel rooms. If you are a member of the hotel’s loyalty program, don’t forget to add that information as you check rates. You might also be entitled to additional discounts through your other organizations, such as AAA or AARP.
Keep your electronics secure by using the hotel safe located in your hotel room. Putting your valuable jewelry and electronic items in the hotel safe allows you to feel secure as you enjoy your vacation.
Plan your trip in advance for the best rates. The earlier you book, the better rate you should get. You may find yourself saving as much as half off of the room’s typical rates.
Not every hotel allows pets. Call the hotel in advance to ensure the hotel is pet friendly. Be certain you understand all rules pertaining to pets. Some hotels only allow certain types, sizes and breeds.
If you wish to include amenities such as massage while staying at a hotel, be sure to make your reservations in advance. Resorts that have masseurs often have very fully booked massage schedules, so it is important to plan ahead.
If you belong to AAA, see what kinds of discounts the hotel offers. It may surprise you that AAA gives hotel discounts, but most of them do. You can save upwards of 5% on your hotel stays. These savings can really add up if you travel often.
Consider joining a membership program if you travel often. That way, each time you stay, you accrue points that you can turn into vacation freebies when it’s time to take the family on an adventure.
A membership in AAA can make booking a hotel easier when you travel. People who are AAA members receive discounts at many hotel chains. In addition, having a AAA membership will make it easier to get a rental car when it’s needed. You might even get a free car seat if you have kids.
Don’t make long distance calls on your hotel phone. Rather, use a web tool. With a Wi-Fi connection, you can use Skype for your calls. You can stay connected with friends, family and business colleagues this way, rather than making expensive long distance calls.
The advice you have read here will be very helpful in finding a great hotel. By knowing what to look out for and how to spot a great deal, you will have a better experience. A stay in a hotel room should be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Whether it’s for a single night or an entire week.