Have you ever made a budget hotel reservation for your vacation, only to discover that the rooms were dirty and smelly? Do you wish that there was some way to make sure that the budget hotel you choose is of the highest quality? If so, the following advice will be just what you need.
To find the best deals on budget hotels consider a travel agent. Many times travel agents can find wonderful budget hotels at a great price. When booking with a travel agent, ensure that the agent knows both your wants and your needs. This will allow the travel agent to shop for both and offer you choices.
If you’ve left amenities at home, ask the front desk. Often you won’t need to go out to buy things like toothpaste and toothbrushes. The front desk typically has the staples available to customers at no cost whatsoever. Sure it’s only a few dollars saved, but every dollar counts.
Look into club-level rates. While these rooms are more expensive up front, they typically offer a great value. For example, included in the price could be breakfast or dessert, Wi-Fi service or other perks, like drinks and snacks. See what is offered and decide if the extra cost is worth it to you.
If you are out of the room for any length of time, protect the valuables you leave in the room. In addition to leaving expensive items in a safe, leave the television on when you are out of the room. That will make it look like you are still there and thieves will move on.
When traveling with children, be sure the budget hotels you choose offer features the kids will enjoy. A playground on site is very helpful. A pool with plenty of shallow area and/or a kiddie pool will provide great play time. Also check to see if the budget hotel you are interested in offers a child care service.
Be aware of when you can check into your room. Many people forget the time, then they show up early and the room isn’t ready yet. If you might be arriving before the check-in time, ask the budget hotel whether it’s okay to come.
Bedbugs have become a problem at budget hotels in recent years, so upon entering your budget 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.
Do not always assume that staying on the club floor of a budget hotel is a great way to waste money. While you may have to pay for this upgrade, you will end up saving more money in the end. This is because things like drinks, appetizers and free breakfast are part of the deal, and these things are very expensive when purchased separately.
If you plan on bringing your family to a budget hotel, you should look for family-friendly policies and special deals online. Try using family vacation review sites. You can find many family budget hotels and resort reviews. Searching through these sites should help you also locate deals to make your trip more enjoyable and affordable.
If you travel often and prefer one budget hotel brand, consider signing up for a loyalty program. These programs offer free room upgrades, a free night’s stay after so many days and other advantages. To get the most from this service, sign up to be alerted of specials the budget hotel may run from time to time.
A good budget hotel can really enhance your enjoyment of a vacation, just as a bad one can turn the whole trip into a disaster. You need to spend some time researching your options before you make a reservation. Let the advice you have read here guide your decision the next time you need to stay in a budget hotel.