Vacation planning requires covering a lot of different details. You have to choose where you are going and figure out your transportation method. You also need to figure out where to stay, and this can be hard if you are traveling to an area for the first time. These tips will help you find a great hotel.
Find out if any organization to which you belong offers good discounts. Some organizations offer discounts on hotels to their members. Discounts of 10% or more are often available, and people sometimes forget that they are eligible to claim them. That can save a lot of money, especially if you are staying for multiple nights. This can also net you a free hotel night.
Look for deals online. The reservation clerk won’t offer these details to you over the phone. This is why it’s up to you to search for these discounts. Look to websites like RueLaLaTravel or Jetsetter for more help.
Check your room when you arrive. Is the room clean and free from mildew or mold? Does the plumbing work right? Are there enough linens and towels? If you quickly note any problems, let the person at the front desk know so they can help you sort it out or give you a better room.
Don’t make the assumption that all hotels will welcome your pet. Even if a web listing says a hotel is pet friendly, call the hotel to verify. Be certain you understand all rules pertaining to pets. Some hotels only allow certain types, sizes and breeds.
If you and a loved one are wanting to go to a hotel and get massages, it is important that you book the appointment way in advance. Most of the best masseurs will be reserved by name ahead of time. You’ve got to get in your reservation early to get the best masseur or masseuses.
One of the best bonuses of a AAA membership is great discounts on booking a hotel. AAA members actually receive hotel discounts at specific hotel chains! It will let you save 5% or so on hotels that are around the nation. This is a savings that can really add up over several nights.
It is wise to join a hotel loyalty program if you travel frequently. They give people benefits if they go to that chain often. Some of the useful things that you can earn are extra upgrades, free nights, and late check-outs.
Inquire about hotel transfer costs before before booking. Many times, rooms seem to be a good deal, but there are hidden fees for this service. You should inquire about this before booking the hotel room.
Do not make long distance calls from your hotel room. Use the Internet, instead. Skype connections are available in many hotels these days using Wi-Fi. This saves you a ton of money.
Your children will be happy when you call the hotel to make sure their pool is open and working. It can be extremely frustrating if you arrive at your hotel only to find out the pool is shut down for maintenance.
If you are going to inspect if your hotel room has bed bugs, then start looking in the bathroom. This room is usually free from bugs. That means your luggage will be safe there while you check out the other areas of the room. It’s also safe for pets and kids this way.
Is your room non-smoking or not? If cigarette smoke bothers you, look for a hotel that doesn’t have smoking rooms. While you can book a non-smoking room, smoke can infiltrate your room and settle into your clothing. Smokers don’t always respect the fact that the room they are renting is a non-smoking room. If you don’t want to smell like cigarettes after leaving your hotel room, you might want to look for a non-smoking hotel.
If you smoke, be sure you’re aware of what the hotel thinks of smoking where you’re staying. There are sometimes rooms designated for people who smoke. If this is what you’re looking for, inquire about these rooms. Some hotels fine guests if they find that they smoked in a designated non-smoking room. This means that you must be sure to obey the hotel’s smoking rules.
Checking in early may not be available. Make your plans accordingly if you do not want to spend hours waiting in the lobby. Hotels need the time to clean your room so it is ready for you to check in. If you can’t avoid being early, ask the front desk to make an exception, but be prepared if they can’t accommodate you.
If you are going to need a rollaway or a crib, make sure that the hotel knows this in the reservation process. Some hotels have these in short supply. There can be extra charges for these items, as well. Discuss your needs at the time of booking.
Avoid sleeping under the bedspread. Your sheets should be fresh and clean but the bedspread is not washed after each guest. This can mean that the comforter has tons of germs and bacteria. Just get that blanket off of the bed.
Be aware of your rights in the event that a hotel attempts to “walk” you. Hotels will overbook, leaving you without a room. In this case the hotel has to send you to a different hotel. This should only be a last resort and the other accommodations should be just as good or better and your trip there should be paid for as well.
You now can see how choosing the right hotel room is not too difficult. With this knowledge in mind, get started. Plan your vacation, and have a great time. Don’t forget your camera so you can take lots of pictures of your trip.