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.
Room service is one of the best parts about a hotel. How else could you possibly enjoy a midnight snack without leaving your bed? While you’re likely to pay a little more, it’s worth having the convenience of staying in your room (and in your pajamas) while you wait to satisfy those nocturnal cravings.
Try using price comparison sites online to find a hotel when you’re on a budget. Websites like Priceline, Travelocity, Expedia, and the like can help you see all kinds of hotels in different locations. You can narrow down your searches to specific price ranges and compare them to each other.
Many things must be considered when choosing the right hotel. You must consider price of course, and you might want to be close to a specific location within the city you’re staying. Amenities like a swimming pool, a gym, free local calls or breakfast, and other amenities may be things that you prefer. So decide on the amenities that mean the most to you and start looking.
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.
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.
To save money on a trip when you are traveling with a large family, choose a hotel that offers a free breakfast. Even if it’s just continental fare, you’re saving a significant amount of money by cutting out having to pay for that one meal each day on the road.
Be aware of your surroundings in a hotel to stay safe. Don’t open the door without knowing who is behind it. Use the peephole. Hotel residents are especially vulnerable to theft. Check in with the front desk if there are any deliveries to your door and keep the door locked even when inside.
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.
Check out the prices at the hotel website. Sometimes the hotel website will have deals that trump the hotel discount websites out there. Before you pick a deal be sure to do this due diligence. You can even call the hotel to ask if they have any unpublished rates.
If you are looking to save money on your next trip, it is a good idea to book a hotel that has an in-room kitchen. Many places have full kitchens that include a countertop range and a refrigerator. Preparing your own meals will save you money since you will not need to pay for room service or restaurant food.
To avoid the unpleasant surprise of a costly pet deposit when you check into a hotel, ask about pet policies and fees when you book the room. That gives you the flexibility of choosing a hotel that is more pet-friendly and keeps you from having a huge fee that you pay just because it’s too inconvenient to switch hotels at the last minute.
If the hotel you in which you are staying has a pool, find out what the policy is with regard to pool towels. Some hotels supply towels in the pool area or at the front desk. Others allow you to use the bath towels. Still others expect you to supply your own pool towels. Ask about this when making reservations, and pack accordingly.
Look around for hotels that are having grand openings. These grand openings often have big savings on hotel rooms. In fact, the savings can be very significant – 20% and often more. It’s a great way to get a top notch hotel stay and then pass on the word to others about the stay!
When you are staying at a hotel, you don’t want to have to pay too much for a bad experience. You need to know how to find a great hotel that gives you good service at a reasonable price. Remember the advice you have read here the next time you need to find a hotel.