Making vacation arrangements often involves a significant amount of work. In addition to choosing where you will vacation and what you will use for transportation needs, you have to figure out which hotel you will stay in. Staying at the wrong hotel can ruin a long anticipated getaway. Check out how to make the right choice by reading the tips below.
Find great prices at online travel sites like Orbitz and Expedia. As you check your rates, don’t forget to include that you’re a loyalty program member. Also, as an added bonus, you may get discounts from other companies such as AAA or AARP.
If you have a safe in your closet, then you should use it to keep your valuables safe while you are outside of the room. Your iPad, watch, and other smaller, expensive items can be placed into the safe, then you can rest assured at their safety as you head out for a fun-filled day.
Check out the search tools offered by online travel sites. These kinds of websites allow you to locate great deals fast. On this type of site, you can find out the average and discounted rates of most hotels. You can also find out about local amenities and things offered by the hotels.
Check your room when you arrive. Make sure there is no mold or mildew anywhere in the room. Are the showers, sinks, toilets, etc. properly functioning? Are linens and towels in ample supply? If you find obvious problems, notify the front desk right away so the hotel can correct the problems or they can assign a different room.
Be aware in advance of the check-in time. If you don’t know when you can check in, you may find your room is not ready when you arrive at your hotel. Call the hotel if you are early and find out if your room is ready.
Plan your trip as far in advance as you can to ensure best rates. You can get some great discounts if your trip is booked several months into the future. Doing this could save you up to 50 percent off your room, and this holds true with the more elite brands as well.
If you’re taking a pet to the hotel, do some things beforehand. First, inquire as to whether the hotel really is a pet-friendly place. Pack a supply of plastic grocery bags with you – you will need to clean up any pet waste. Reserving a room near the end of a hallway will keep other guests from being disturbed by your pet.
If the hotel you stay at offers a couples massage, it is very important that you make an appointment well ahead of time. In order to get the best masseurs at these top hotels, you must plan early to ensure that you get a good experience.
If you want to keep your regular running routine, pack your GPS and running clothes. This makes it easy for you to wake in the morning and get in a run. Spending time on the road with your own two feet will give you a perspective that you’ll never get while riding in a car.
Be sure you know the cost associated with hotel transfers when booking a room. This is especially important if you run across an unbelievable deal. If you know this upfront, you can save more money.
You can get great hotel discounts by becoming a member of AAA. Members of AAA get discounts at lots of hotel chains which more than makes up the membership to AAA, plus it is easier to rent a car anywhere you go. Also, if you require a car seat, the rental company may provide you with one if you are a member of AAA.
If you want your family to have a happy stay, call the hotel ahead and ensure that their swimming pools are available and in good working order. Imagine arriving at your destination looking forward to a dip in the pool, only to discover that you can’t use it.
Avoid having a bad trip because you chose the wrong hotel. A bit of research goes a long way. The more you know about how to find and book the right accommodations, the better choices you will have. You should be able to enjoy every aspect of your vacation, including your hotel. Keep all of this information in mind while planning your next trip.