When you are traveling or going on vacation, you are probably going to end up staying at a hotel. However, all hotels are not created equal. Finding a quality hotel that is not going to charge you an arm and a leg can be tricky. Use these tips to get a good deal on your next hotel reservation.
To keep your packing to a minimum on a long trip to one destination, choose a hotel that offers a coin laundry facility. This way, you don't have to pack as much, and when you are about halfway through your trip, you can wash and dry everything. When it's almost time to go, repeat the process so you don't get home with a bunch of dirty clothes.
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.
When traveling with a pet, your choices of hotels will be limited. Once you find a hotel that is pet friendly, find out what the policies are with regard to pets. Most hotels charge an extra fee for pets, and they may have designated areas in which to walk your pet. Be sure you know the particulars ahead of time to avoid potential problems later.
If you want to save some serious money on your hotel reservations, get the price bundled with something else. This is typically done through an online travel site. When bundled with airfare, hotel room rates drop dramatically, sometimes by over half the list rates that are publicly advertised elsewhere on the Internet.
Try out DealAngel the next time you are looking online for hotel rooms. This relatively newer site will show you just how good of a deal you are actually getting. It even has a unique feature that will show you how hotel rates vary by date, letting you pick the cheapest time to go.
To enjoy a tropical destination a bit more quietly, stay away from the large, all-inclusive resorts that bring in quantity but also feature nonstop partying. Instead, choose a smaller resort that also offers shuttles to the major local attractions. You'll have a stay that is more on your terms, especially when it's time to sit out on your patio in the quiet of the night.
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.
Find out what perks are offered on hotel club floors before deciding the extra premium isn't worth the cost. At some hotels, staying on a club floor can mean benefits like free food and even full meals. Factor up the potential expenses of paying for those on their own, and you might see that an upgrade can actually save you money.
Make location a top priority when it comes to searching for hotels. If you are going to be staying in a city and want to sight-see, it may not be wise to stay in a hotel 30 minutes away from all the action. Ask the hotel about attractions close by or look up their location on the Internet.
When booking hotel rooms on a discount site, keep in mind that you will not be given any of the best rooms at the hotel. Since many discount site users are not likely to visit again unless a similar deal is presented, the better rooms are saved for guests who are paying full price.
To enjoy a tropical destination a bit more quietly, stay away from the large, all-inclusive resorts that bring in quantity but also feature nonstop partying. Instead, choose a smaller resort that also offers shuttles to the major local attractions. You'll have a stay that is more on your terms, especially when it's time to sit out on your patio in the quiet of the night.
Talk to a travel agent about potential hotel deals. You may think you'll be paying more by going through a travel agent, but more often than not the opposite is true. Travel agents typically have access to unpublished deals not only for the hotel, but also for airfare and vacation activities.
Before you think you got the best price deal on that hotel, look into whether there are resort fees that you'll be charged. These fees can be up to $25 or more a night. Over a week, that's a lot of cash that you weren't expecting to pay. Be sure you know what to expect.
Many hotel chains offer reward programs to guests who stay there frequently. You can often earn credit for free rooms if you stay at a particular chain enough times. When you book a hotel, ask if they have such a program. If there is no cost to join, signing up is worth it.
Before you book a hotel room, research the area the hotel is located at. Is it a safe area? Is the crime rate high? Does the hotel have their own security measures? Ask if they have 24 hours front desk service or if the hotel has security cameras or security guards.
Stay safe and secure in a hotel. Travelers to hotels are often robbed even when they are inside the room. Use every lock the hotel provides, including the handle lock, chain and deadbolt. Hotels are a magnet for shady characters looking to exploit people who are traveling with a lot of money and valuables.
As you see, there are many things you can do to make sure that you get a room at a great hotel.But you also want one at a price that will be right for your budget. Using the advice from above will help you weed out the bad so you can book a hotel room that puts your mind at ease.
