Does the thought of picking out a hotel for your next vacation make your head spin? There are so many choices out there, how can you find the perfect one? Try to stay calm. The tips that follow will help you with all things related to hotels.

Do some research on travel websites before you book any hotel. This will give you valuable information about the recent experiences of people at each hotel. Factor former guests’ reviews into your final decision.

Find great hotel room prices by checking out travel websites like Orbitz and Expedia. If you are a part of a loyalty program, make note of that. You might also be entitled to additional discounts through your other organizations, such as AAA or AARP.

Consider taking advantage of room service when the urge strikes for a late-night snack with your special someone. Sure, it might cost a bit more, but it is completely worth it to be able to kick back and relax, while your food comes to you.

See if your organizational memberships offer any benefits. Many clubs, groups and organizations are able to get members discounted hotel rates. People often forget about these discounts, which can be 10% or more. On a multiple night stay, these savings can really add up. This can rack up a free night over the entire course of a whole week.

Utilize the Internet when searching for a hotel. Travel websites are very helpful when seeking the best deals. They also let you see what full price is, so you know you are saving money. Also, hotel search websites can assist you in determining where to vacation and what to do there.

Know the hotel’s check-in time. Many people show up before check-in time only to find out their room isn’t ready. If you will be arriving early, call and ask if this is okay.

Pet Friendly Hotel

If you are traveling with a pet, it is best to find a pet friendly hotel ahead of time. You should call ahead to double check, even if it was stated on the website that this is a pet friendly hotel. A hotel may be pet-friendly, but still has restrictions against certain breeds or animals. Find out ahead of time if your pet is acceptable.

If you need to have a pet stay with you in your hotel room, do a few things ahead of time. You want to ensure you’ve chosen a pet-friendly hotel. Pack a supply of plastic grocery bags with you – you will need to clean up any pet waste. When making your reservation, ask for a room at the end of the hall to spare other guests your pet noise.

If you travel frequently, sign up for loyalty programs at your favorite hotels. They give people benefits if they go to that chain often. These loyalty programs allow you to earn free upgrades, late check outs and even free stays.

Join a frequent customer program if you stay at the same hotel chain a lot. They work a lot like frequent flier miles do with airlines. You earn points in a similar way. They can amount to show tickets, free nights, spa deals, hotel restaurants discounts and much more.

To make sure you don’t have an unexpected expense, ask about how much hotel transfers will cost. Many times, rooms seem to be a good deal, but there are hidden fees for this service. You save the most money when you ask about this beforehand.

In hotel rooms, avoid calling long distance if possible. Look to the Internet, instead. Hotels usually have Wi-Fi, so you can call using Skype. This can be a much cheaper option than calling from a hotel room and getting hit with lots of fees.

Working Order

If you want to ensure happy kids while traveling, call the hotel ahead of time to check that the pools are open and in working order. Showing up at your hotel and finding out the pool isn’t in working order can ruin an otherwise great trip.

Always review the policy of whether or not the hotel allows pets. If you’re fearful of pets or have an allergic reaction to them, it would be in your best interest to make reservations at hotels that have a strict no pets policy. Rooms that allow pets may also have the odor of animals. This can be in the linens and carpet. Some hotels have an extra fee for pets, and the charge is not much in some places. In fact, the extra charge for pets might not even cover the costs of cleaning; therefore, you should make sure you know all this ahead of time.

If you need an extra bed or crib, make sure you discuss this when making your reservation. Many hotels do not have the items, and the ones that do may have a limited quantity. There can be extra charges for these items, as well. Talk about your needs when you reserve a spot so you don’t get surprised with something you won’t like.

Be prepared with a knowledge of your rights if a hotel ever tries to “walk” you. You might find that a room you booked isn’t available when you arrive because they overbooked. When this happens, the hotel directs you to another property, “walking” you. Getting there early can usually prevent this, but if you do get “walked,” make sure your accommodations are not being downgraded in any way.

Do not open the bottled water in your hotel room. You may feel a bit parched shortly after checking in. You might want to open the bottled water they left you. Hotels know this very well, and that bottled water is exponentially more expensive than it should be. The gym in the hotel may have water for free. Better still, pack a few bottles of your own.

After reading the above article, you should be able to get a great hotel deal and enjoy your stay the next time you are traveling. Take the time to do your homework. Look over your choices and make a careful selection.