There are quite a few hotels in the US, from the fanciest resorts to little motels on the roadside that aren’t all that modern. Choosing the wrong hotel is a surefire way to turn any trip into an epic disaster. Read on to learn how you can find a good hotel.
Online travel websites can offer you a great deal on hotels with lots of choices, all on the same website. If you’re a member of a loyalty program of a hotel, make sure you input that data when checking out rates. Also, as an added bonus, you may get discounts from other companies such as AAA or AARP.
Be sure to keep your valuables and electronics secure by locking them in your hotel room’s safe. Putting these items in the safe ensures that you can go out and have fun, not worrying about what you’ve left in the room.
Ask when you’re able to check into the room. You don’t want to arrive early only to find out your room isn’t ready yet. Call the front desk to find out if it is alright for you to arrive before check-in.
Don’t make assumptions about pet policies of hotels. So call ahead and make sure you understand if there are extra fees or a limited number of rooms available. Always ask about what exactly a pet-friendly policy entails, as there could still be limits on breeds and sizes.
If the hotel you stay at offers a couples massage, it is very important that you make an appointment well ahead of time. Often the best masseurs and masseuses at top resorts are booked by name, so if you do your planning early, you can make your experience sublime.
Always see if your AAA membership can get you a discount on the hotel you intend to stay at. You would be surprised where hidden discounts may be lurking. You can save 5 percent or more on your hotel stay just by showing your membership card. These savings quickly add up, especially if you are staying for multiple nights in a row.
To keep your running regimen up while you are traveling, pack your GPS watch and plenty of running clothes. For an early morning jog, get up and throw your gear on, and then head out the front door. It’ll let you explore the city in a new way.
Sign up for frequent guest programs at hotels. These are similar to frequent flyer programs, offering points each time you stay at a particular chain. These points can be traded in for restaurant discounts, tickets to shows, free nights at the hotel, and much more.
Be sure to avoid hotel transfer fees by asking about them in advance. Particularly if you are getting a discount, the fee associated with the transfer may be high. You should inquire about this before booking the hotel room.
Don’t call long distance in your hotel room. Instead, you should try the Internet. You can access Skype with the Internet connection at your hotel. Use this type of thing to get with people you know while you’re in your hotel room so you can save quite a bit of money.
Check to see if your prospective hotel is non-smoking or smoking. If you are not a smoker, you might want to choose a hotel that does not have smoking rooms. While you can book a non-smoking room, smoke can infiltrate your room and settle into your clothing. It is not unheard of for those who smoke to stay in non-smoking rooms and proceed to smoke. If you want to avoid smelling like cigarettes when you leave, you may wish to consider a non-smoking hotel.
If you are a smoker, know the smoking policy for the hotel in which you are staying. There are sometimes rooms designated for people who smoke. If that happens to be the case, then you need to ask for that type of room. If they find you have smoked in a non-smoking area, they may charge you a fine.
If you will be in need of a roll-away bed or a crib, be sure to let the hotel management know in advance. Some hotels won’t have these extra amenities, and when they do, there is often an extra cost. Hotels also charge extra for these items, sometimes. Let the hotel know what you need to avoid anything that you will turn in a bad surprise.
Avoid sleeping under the bedspread. Most hotels only wash the sheets on the bed; however, the bedspread is normally not washed. It may be a carrier of bacteria and germs. Remove the blanket and use one you brought from home to stay safe.
If a hotel is trying to “walk” you, then you’ll know what the rights are you have. When you check-in, you may discover the room you secured isn’t actually available. This means that they will direct you to another hotel. You should try to avoid this; however, if this is necessary, ensure you are provided with the same quality room or better at the same price you would have paid.
Some people rush while looking for their hotel, and often take the first room they find. But this can really end up backfiring. Nobody chooses dirty hotel rooms, so take advantage of these tips to evade this fate.