Have you booked a hotel only to discover that it's a disaster? If this has happened, you know the wrong room can ruin a trip. But, you probably are not looking to go broke on your room either. Continue reading for useful tips on booking a fabulous hotel room at an affordable price.
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.
Online travel sites like Orbitz and Expedia can help you find the lowest rates on hotel rooms. When making hotel reservations, be sure to include information regarding hotel loyalty programs in which you may hold membership. Also, as an added bonus, you may get discounts from other companies such as AAA or AARP.
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.
To avoid having to iron your shirts when you unpack everything in your hotel room, pack your polo and dress shirts more carefully. Use a hanging bag, and stack your dress shirts together. Then, starting with the shirt in back, bring the arms around, stacking the arms and wrapping them around keeps your shirts in place.
Inspect the room before unpacking. Is your room mold and mildew free? Do the toilet, sink and shower work properly? Have the staff provided all the necessary soap, shampoo, towels, etc. that you will be needing? If you notice a problem, be sure to inform the front desk right away to have these problems resolved.
Don't assume a hotel is pet-friendly. Call and ask before you reserve. Make sure that you ask ahead what pet-friendly means to the hotel because this is a loose term that may still mean there are certain restrictions.
Remember that hotel chains often provide loyalty programs offering excellent discounts. Similar to how you earn points from frequent flyer programs, hotels offer you similar rewards for your stay. These points can add up to hotel restaurant discounts, spa deals, free nights and much more.
If you don't have your heart set on a certain hotel, try using a website like Hotels.com. These types of sites let you put in bids and then return a list of hotels in your price range. The only drawback is that they may not reveal which hotel you have booked until after you have committed to staying there.
One way to get discounts on hotel rooms is to join AAA. AAA members are given many discounts and booking privileges on hotel rooms and rental vehicles. Parents of small children will probably like the car seat that's provided for free in a lot of locations.
Avoid using the hotel phone to make long distance phone calls. If you don't have a cell phone or the Internet, buy a calling card to keep with you during your trip. Hotels usually have Wi-Fi, so you can call using Skype. You can stay connected with people back home by using this instead of making expensive long distance calls from your hotel phone.
If you have a little one with you, remember that hotel rooms aren't usually set up for babies. Don't forget to pack a few things so that you can baby proof the space. For example, an outlet cover is small but it plays a big role in keeping your child safe.
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.
You should know how to get a good hotel without paying too much. It is easy to find deals once you are aware of where to look. Just remember to use the tips from this article.