When you are going on a family vacation, making a hotel reservation is an important part of the planning process. However, it is all too easy to end up choosing a shabby hotel that overcharges you. Use the following tips to make sure that you choose a great hotel at a good rate.
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.
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.
When searching for a hotel, consider "bundle" packages. For example, if you have to fly to your location, look for a bundle that includes both your hotel room and your airfare. You should save quite a bit of money that way, but make sure to always double-check the regular room rate to ensure you are getting a good deal.
Use online hotel search tools. These websites will help you find good deals quickly. Not only will they show the best deals, but they'll also include extra information about the rooms, floor plans, and even reviews from other customers. Finally, you can also use these to help you learn what there is to do when you get to your destination.
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.
Be sure to check for online deals. Most of the time, you can get cheaper deals by taking a few minutes to search for them on the Internet. It is a great way to choose your hotel. You will find deals this way that the hotels won't tell you about over the phone.
Pay attention to your security when you stay at a hotel. Make note of the fire exits and locations of fire extinguishers. Keep your door locked, and keep your key or key card in a safe place. Stash any valuables in the hotel safe. Consider bringing a flashlight along and keeping it by your bed in case you need it during the night.
To keep your incidentals at a minimum, especially when you are staying at a hotel outside the US, ask about the cost of wireless Internet before you check in, and especially before you log in the first time. Some hotels don't disclose the costly per-minute costs of Internet access, but they will certainly show up on the bill.
Book your hotel room as far in advance as possible. You will be surprised at how quickly hotels fill up, especially in smaller towns with few hotels. If you wait until last minute, there is a good chance you may not even be able to book a room. So, be sure to reserve your room as soon as you know you need one!
Sign on to Facebook and find the page of the hotel you are staying at. Write a little message on http://www.trails.com/all-hotels/ their page, and see if the staff responds. You never know, they may offer you a special perk! If nothing else, keep up with what is happening on the page in case any specials are announced.
Talk to a travel agent about potential hotel deals. You may think you'll be paying more by going through a travel agent, but more often than not the opposite is true. Travel agents typically have access to unpublished deals not only for the hotel, but also for airfare and vacation activities.
To avoid spending $2 or $3 each time you want a soda at a hotel, throw a six- or twelve-pack into the car when you head out on the road. For almost as much money as that one soda, you can have a dozen of them chilling on ice in the room, or in the mini-fridge.
Look into a hotel's pet restrictions. If you fear pets or have allergies to them, make reservations at hotels that have a strict no pets policy. Also, pet friendly hotels may have lingering odors that have been absorbed by carpeting http://feeds.feedburner.com/HolidayCottagesCambridgeshire or linens. Some hotels are pet-friendly and don't charge for it, while other hotels will add a hefty fee for keeping a pet. If the hotel you are staying at does not incorporate much of an extra fee, the cleaning service might not be up to par.
Avoid using the hotel phone to make long distance phone calls. Try using the Internet instead to stay in touch. Many hotels now offer Skype connections via Wi-Fi. This will help you converse with those back home without racking up a lofty bill.
You should know that it is not usually possible to check into your hotel early. Make sure you plan around your check-in time, or you will be forced to sit in a lobby to wait for your room. The rooms can't be readied and cleaned until the prior guests are gone, so this means that check-in time is usually around 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. If you do get to the hotel early, ask at the front desk if you can possibly check in early, but there is a chance you won't be able to.
If you book a room during a heavy occupancy period, don't be surprised if you have a mandatory stay of a few days or more. The hotel might charge you an early departure fee. Booked hotel rooms are taken off the market, so if you leave early, the hotel loses money. That is why you are charged a fee.
Here is a simple tip to help you make sure you don't leave any valuables behind in your hotel room. After checking the bathroom, drawers and closets thoroughly, take all the bed linens off the bed including sheets, blankets and pillows. Refold the linens carefully checking the bed and surrounding floor area to find any items that may have fallen out of your suitcase or pockets during your stay.
It is best to use a credit card instead of a debit card to pay for hotel stays. Many times a hold is placed on your card that exceeds the cost of the room charges. This may not be released until a few days after you check-out, which means you may not have as much money available to pay for things during your stay.
Becoming more familiar with what it takes to choose a good hotel will enable you to never have a disappointing night's stay again. If situations do arise, you will know how to handle them. So as you prepare to plan out your next trip, use the tips that you've just read to make the right decision regarding the hotel you choose.
