For practically everyone, going on vacation is an event that is looked forward to for weeks before it actually happens. However, there are many details that need to be addressed to make it as enjoyable as possible. Accommodations are one such detail. Where you stay can make or break your vacation. Keep reading for tips on finding the best hotels.
To keep your family active and engaged when you are in a hotel far from home, talk to the concierge when you check in to get a list of nearby attractions. At the end of each day, sit down and map out a plan for the next morning. This gives you more vacation time and less time sitting in front of a television waiting to decide what to do.
If you’ve left amenities at home, ask the front desk. Often you won’t need to go out to buy things like toothpaste and toothbrushes. The front desk typically has the staples available to customers at no cost whatsoever. Sure it’s only a few dollars saved, but every dollar counts.
Never book a hotel room before seeking out online deals. The reservation clerk won’t offer these details to you over the phone. This leaves the job of finding discounts entirely up to you. Websites like Orbitz, Travelocity and Hotels.com usually have some great discounts.
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.
If you don’t have your heart set on a certain hotel, try using a website like Hotels.com. These types of sites let you put in bids and then return a list of hotels in your price range. The only drawback is that they may not reveal which hotel you have booked until after you have committed to staying there.
Figure out what comes with your hotel. Find out if the hotel offers better noise control and views on one side. Ask them about nearby public transportation, restaurants, and if they are near any entertainment or business areas. You should also find out the type of neighborhood they’re in and what their environmental policies are.
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!
Call ahead of arrival to see if the pool is open to keep the family happy. Imagine arriving at your destination looking forward to a dip in the pool, only to discover that you can’t use it.
To keep your car safe and secure while you are staying at a hotel, make sure that you either bring your valuables inside or conceal them in the trunk when you park the car. Even if you lock the doors, if valuable items are visible, thieves will often break in and take them, so be proactive and save your treasures.
Now that you have read this article, you are probably ready to take your vacation. Follow the advice you’ve just been given, and choose the right hotel. You will be sure to enjoy your accommodations as much as you do the vacation itself. Go relax now, and have some fun!
