Booking a hotel room can be a scary experience, especially if you have had a bad experience before. By then, it is usually too late to back out. So that is why you need to prepare properly by doing research. So here are some tips to help you find the hotel room of your dreams.
Spend some time reading online reviews of hotels left by real customers before you make a reservation. These reviews are often your best source of information, since they are written by people who have actually stayed at the hotel. Be sure to pay attention to the most recent reviews, since the hotel may have already addressed older complaints.
One way to save money when traveling is to search for a hotel that offers a free continental breakfast. This can save you a lot of money if you are staying for a week. Many of the top hotel chains offer large continental breakfasts consisting of breakfast meats, pastries and drinks.
Do you stay at a particular hotel chain fairly often? Consider signing up for their loyalty club. As long as it is free to do so, you really have nothing to lose. Giving the hotel your contact information could mean getting special perks that you can use the next time you stay there.
Plan your trip as far in advance as you can to ensure best rates. Many locations offer discounts if you are willing to book more than a month or two ahead of time. You might only pay half price for premium hotels.
If you travel often and prefer one 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 hotel may run from time to time.
Pack your GPS and running clothes while on vacation. Head out early in the morning after donning your running gear. You’ll get plenty of good exercise and a better understanding of the city around you.
If you are going to stay in a hotel, be sure to give them a call the day before you are due to arrive. Hotels are not responsible for calling guests to confirm their reservation; that is up to the guest. Always call the hotel to be sure your room is still reserved.
People who care about the environment may be more comfortable staying in a hotel that is eco-friendly. Luckily, many hotels are around these days for you to choose from. Some hotels are certified to be green. Old hotels will change their practices to be more green. You can ask a travel agent to pinpoint eco-friendly hotels, thus making sure your vacation doesn’t hurt the environment.
The price you pay at a hotel often depends on the time frame in which you reserve the room. Hotels price rooms based on availability. If possible, don’t make your reservation more than a day in advance. Doing so will ensure you get the best possible price on a hotel room. If the hotel never rents the room they’ll get zero dollars for it, so most of the time they will give you a steep discount on it.
In order to avoid an unwanted expense on the hotel bill, inquire about any hotel transfer fees prior to booking them. This is especially important if you run across an unbelievable deal. Inquiring about this in advance will maximize any savings.
As you probably know, a bad hotel experience can be a nightmare. So it is important to do your research before you book so you will get a room that is right for you. So use the information from above to help you find the hotel that suits you perfectly.