How To Find The Best Hotel For Your Trip

Most everyone will find themselves needing to stay in a hotel room at some point. A lot of travelers wind up finding out that they hate their hotel, which probably happened because they didn't do their homework. Luckily, this is a great place to be. This article provides you with the knowledge you need for a good hotel stay.

Do you stay at a particular hotel chain fairly often? Consider signing up for their loyalty club. As long as it is free to do so, you really have nothing to lose. Giving the hotel your contact information could mean getting special perks that you can use the next time you stay there.

Prior to making a hotel reservation, check for deals online. Often, the reservations clerk will not advise you that a better deal is available online. It is your responsibility to scour the Internet for these savings. Use popular websites such as Jetsetter, SniqueAway, or RueLalaTravel.

If you are interested in "going green" when traveling, try going to a "green" hotel. Start by looking for these hotels online. There are several organizations that let you search for these hotels easily like Green Hotels Association and Green Globe. They will have a comprehensive list of green hotels in different locations.

Check out priceline.com and other online hotel discount vendors to help you find the best deals out there. These websites can really bring hotel costs down to rock bottom prices. Even upper scale hotels can be found for more affordable prices. There's no reason you should be paying full rate.

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.

Get all the information you need before booking a hotel room. In addition to making sure they serve all your basic needs, you should also ask if there are any events planned at the hotel at the same time you will be there. A convention, for instance, can mean you will be in a noisy, crowded hotel.

If preserving the environment is of interest to you, you can chose a "green" vacation. These are much more common today than they were in the past. Some newer hotels have been built green and are certified green. Some of the older hotels do implement green practices to be sure they are eco-friendly. Request the help of the travel agent in identifying hotels that are environmentally friendly.

If you forget to bring toiletries with you, the housekeeping staff at the hotel may be able to help. Most hotels provide soap, shampoo and conditioner as a matter of course, but they may also have toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, razors and other necessary items on hand for those who request them. Many even supply hair dryers in the room, so you do not have to bring your own along.

It is not a good idea to place the "maid service needed" sign on your door at a hotel. This is a dead giveaway that you are not in the room. It can attract people who want to steal your valuables. It is better to notify the desk when you need maid service than to leave out the sign.

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.

To be a "green" hotel guest, check your bathroom counter and bed for a sign about how to keep the maids from taking your towels away each day. Usually, if you hang your linens up, they will stay in the room, but if you leave them on the floor, the maids will take them and give you clean ones.

If you want to save money when booking a hotel room, call the hotel directly. Tell them you're interested in receiving a good deal. Let them know of any discount you may qualify for. This can include government rates, senior rates, auto association cards or rates for business travelers.

Be aware that many hotels charge for using the hotel's Internet. You can avoid this fee by visiting a local coffee shop or restaurant that offers free Internet. If you must use the Internet at the hotel, do only what you have to do online and get off quickly to save the most money.

You will probably have to visit a hotel many times in your life. If you don't do the research, your hotel stay could become a nightmare though. Now that you know what to look for, you can make sure that you book the best hotel possible.