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.
To ensure that you get the best service from the custodial staff at a hotel, leave a few dollars each morning for each bed that you use. This nominal cost will help you get rooms that receive the little extras, such as a towel or two more, or even an extra pillow.
If you are traveling for work and staying at a hotel, ask for a room at least some reasonable distance from the pool area. You will probably want to be in a room where you can concentrate. The noise levels near a pool can be distracting. Pick a quiet room where you can be productive.
When you are staying at a hotel, it is a good idea to leave a small tip for the housekeeping staff. It is best to tip daily instead of waiting until the entire trip has come to an end since there is a chance that the same person will not be assisting you every day.
Make sure that you know the check-in time for the hotel that you book. If you don’t check, the room may not be ready when you arrive. Ask for an early check-in time if absolutely necessary.
Do not feel silly when it comes to asking a hotel’s guest representative some questions. If you are looking for quiet and relaxation, you need to ask ahead to be sure you will get it. For instance, is the hotel too close to an airport? Is there construction going on nearby. Know this before booking with a hotel.
To keep from paying through the nose for dry cleaning services from a hotel, ask what the costs are before you send your clothing out. If you need cleaning done, it’s often cheaper to walk down the street to a nearby dry cleaner. People who are in town on business often benefit greatly from these savings.
When traveling with small children, try to choose a hotel that caters to them. Most hotels offer cribs. Some have playgrounds and/or pools to help keep your kids entertained. Some even offer or children’s programs during the day or babysitters at night. Many hotels do not charge extra for children under a certain age to stay in the same room with their parents.
If you are a daily runner, make sure you pack exercise clothes and a GPS watch. You can still enjoy your early morning jog while on vacation if you have your gear and the right room booked. Running not only provides you with great exercise, but it also helps you better learn the city in which you are residing.
If you travel frequently, sign up for loyalty programs at your favorite hotels. They provide benefits to anyone who stays at a hotel chain frequently. You will be able to earn stuff like a free upgrade, an allowance to check out late, and even free stays when you get enough points.
Avoid using the phone in the hotel to make any calls. If you do not have a mobile phone, it would be a good idea to purchase a prepaid phone to make calls during your stay. The only exception should be if free local calls are included in the room rate.
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.