Your hotel choice can be the very thing that determines whether your trip is enjoyable or whether is is a horribly overpriced mistake. If you want to keep from making an expensive, regrettable choice, then keep reading. Below you will find everything you need to know about finding a great hotel at a price that is right for you.
To accommodate a small family without having to pay for more than one hotel room, look for a location that offers suites. Often the rates are competitive with single-room rates at other hotels, but the addition of a living area (and a fold-out bed) means that more of you can sleep comfortably.
To find the best deals on hotels consider a travel agent. Many times travel agents can find wonderful 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.
You can find good deals on hotel rooms using online travel sites. Make sure you notify the reservation clerk about any loyalty program you belong to with the hotel. Some organizations like AAA and AARP offer lodging discounts for a variety of hotel chains.
To ensure that you get the best service from the custodial staff at a hotel, leave a few dollars each morning for each bed that you use. This nominal cost will help you get rooms that receive the little extras, such as a towel or two more, or even an extra pillow.
If you are traveling for work and staying at a hotel, ask for a room at least some reasonable distance from the pool area. You will probably want to be in a room where you can concentrate. The noise levels near a pool can be distracting. Pick a quiet room where you can be productive.
If you are traveling with pets, be sure to select hotels that have good accommodations for them. This is especially true if you are planning on an extended stay. A good hotel that allows pets should have amenities for them. These might include and groomer, doggy day care and special walking areas.
If you are interested in “going green” when traveling, try going to a “green” hotel. Start by looking for these hotels online. There are several organizations that let you search for these hotels easily like Green Hotels Association and Green Globe. They will have a comprehensive list of green hotels in different locations.
For members of AAA, hotels offer discounts that are exclusive to members. Many people are surprised to see hotel discounts included with their auto club membership. Membership in AARP, a union, an auto club or even being a police officer can get you a discount. When you stay for multiple nights, the savings really add up.
If you are planning to stay in a hotel for an entire week or longer, ask the hotel about long term price discounts. Hotels will often have weekly and monthly rates which are unpublished. These can offer significant price breaks for your hotel stay. Be sure to mention it upfront.
You may wish to consider a “green” vacation if the environment is one of your concerns. Green hotels can feature specialized recycling programs, may only use recyclable products and use environmentally friendly cleaning supplies. Some newer hotels have been built green and are certified green. Many older hotels are environmentally aware and have eco-friendly measures in place. Talk to your travel agent if you prefer to stay at this type of hotel.
To get optimal value from a hotel stay, especially if you find yourself traveling a lot for your business, sign up for membership programs such as those offered by Marriott or Choice Hotels. Each hotel stay can accrue points towards vacation perks.
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.
Don’t limit your hotel bed bug inspection to the bed. Bed bugs can be up to fifteen feet away. So, check any chairs and other furniture around the room. Also look in drawers and closet spaces before unpacking your clothes and risking them. As always, flag someone on the staff down if you find anything.
As you see, your choice of hotel can set the tone for your entire trip. A bad hotel can quickly derail any vacation or business trip. So remember what you have just learned above and apply it when booking a hotel. The satisfaction of a great hotel and a great price, make any trip more enjoyable.
