Hotels may be something you need at some point in your life. It’s unfortunate, but too many people learn too late that the room they booked is a bad one because they didn’t know what to look for. Luckily, you have come to the right place. This article provides you with the knowledge you need for a good hotel stay.

Online Review

Before you choose a hotel and make reservations, check online review sites, such as TripAdvisor. Online review websites will allow you to see previous guests’ experiences at the hotels you are considering. What people say about a hotel can help you figure out where you should be staying.

Find great hotel room prices by checking out travel websites like Orbitz and Expedia. If you are in a hotel loyalty program, put your information in. Don’t neglect to check for other discounts in which you may qualify, including AAA and AARP.

Check the organizations that you’re a member of. Some of these organizations will offer you discounts on hotel prices. You may save ten percent or more. If you are planning to stay a few nights, this can really add up. This can also net you a free hotel night.

Many factors come into play as you choose a hotel. Price is important but a shabby, dirty hotel room is no bargain at any price. A gym, pool, free breakfast, free wireless Internet, free local calls, and all kinds of other things may be important. Choose an establishment that offers the amenities you desire.

Always see if you can find deals online when you’re thinking of getting a hotel room. Lots of times, when you book a room, they don’t tell you about online discounts. You will have to learn how to find these great discounts yourself. There are many travel websites that offer discounts.

Know when you are able to check in and get your room. If you don’t know when you can check in, you may find your room is not ready when you arrive at your hotel. If you’re going to come to the hotel before you should be checking in, call them first to see if there’s anything they can do for you.

Not every hotel allows pets. Be sure to ask even if the website says it’s ok to bring a pet. Get the term “pet-friendly” defined, as well. The hotel may not allow large dogs or certain types of pets.

Are you a member of the AAA? If so, find out about membership discounts at hotels. It might be surprising to learn that some auto club memberships include hotel discounts. There are discounts at hotels around the country of 5 percent or more. It’s a way to save money that can add up fast.

You may wish to consider a “green” vacation if the environment is one of your concerns. These are much more common today than they were in the past. Some hotels are certified to be green. Some older inns just select one or more of several eco-friendly strategies to show environmental awareness. Ask your travel agent to help you identify environmentally friendly hotels.

Be sure to avoid hotel transfer fees by asking about them in advance. Hidden transfer costs can really make a room not worth it. Asking these things before anything happens will allow you to save more.

To get the most out of your hotel stays, particularly if you travel a great deal for business, join a membership program such as that offered by Choice Hotels or Marriott. You will build up points with that hotel for added benefits. It works a lot like frequent flier miles do for airlines.

Sign up for AAA if you wish to get better hotel arrangements while you travel. You’ll get discounts on hotel rooms, easier car rentals and more benefits. They even throw in free car seats at most locations if you’re a parent.

Avoid making long distance calls from the hotel room phone. Use the Internet, instead. The hotel may even offer Skype calls via Wi-Fi. You can stay in touch with work or family without the high cost of a call from the phone in your room.

Check with the hotel to make sure the pools are ready to go if you are traveling with children. There aren’t many things that are as frustrating as going to your hotel with kids that really want to swim only to see that it has been closed.

If you smoke, learn the smoking policy of the hotel where you are staying. There are sometimes rooms designated for people who smoke. So be sure to request one of these rooms. If they find you have smoked in a non-smoking area, they may charge you a fine.

You should know that you generally aren’t going to be able to do an early check-in at a hotel. Make sure you plan around your check-in time, or you will be forced to sit in a lobby to wait for your room. It is usually necessary for hotels to service your room prior to allowing you to check in. If you arrive earlier than your check-in time, you can always ask the front desk and see if they can let you in.

If you require extra amenities like a roll away bed, you want to mention this while making your reservation. Such items usually have a limited amount of such extras. Additionally, there may be an extra fee for these items. Discuss your needs at the time of booking.

In conclusion, we often have to stay at hotels. Without proper research, you may end up in a hotel you are not so pleased with. Follow the advice presented here to get the best value in a hotel room.