Learn Some Hotel Secrets You May Not Know About

Your hotel can really make a difference in the type of vacation that you have. You have to know what's important to search for and what really isn't important when you're looking for the best hotel. That's why these tips have been prepared to help you find the right hotel for your trip.

After you check prices for hotels online, call the hotel's direct number. Sometimes you can get a better price when you reserve directly through the hotel rather than through the company's website or toll-free number. In addition, you can make any special requests during this call, such as requesting a quiet room or a crib.

To avoid having to iron your shirts when you unpack everything in your hotel room, pack your polo and dress shirts more carefully. Use a hanging bag, and stack your dress shirts together. Then, starting with the shirt in back, bring the arms around, stacking the arms and wrapping them around keeps your shirts in place.

Verify the check-in time at the hotel. Some people end up waiting for their room to be available because they forget to check this critical detail. Call the front desk to find out if it is alright for you to arrive before check-in.

If you want to save some serious money on your hotel reservations, get the price bundled with something else. This is typically done through an online travel site. When bundled with airfare, hotel room rates drop dramatically, sometimes by over half the list rates that are publicly advertised elsewhere on the Internet.

If you're training for a marathon and have a weeklong business trip planned, there's no reason to let your running slip. Look online for local running groups in the city where you are going to stay, and join them for their social runs. If there aren't many groups, look for local running stores, as they also offer social jogs.

Get a membership to AAA to make booking hotel arrangements a breeze when you travel. The AAA membership fee is well worth the discounts offered by many chains, and renting a car will also be easier. At some locations they even offer free car seats.

Talk to a travel agent about potential hotel deals. You may think you'll be paying more by going through a travel agent, but more often than not the opposite is true. Travel agents typically have access to unpublished deals not only for the hotel, but also for airfare and vacation activities.

To avoid spending $2 or $3 each time you want a soda at a hotel, throw a six- or twelve-pack into the car when you head out on the road. For almost as much money as that one soda, you can have a dozen of them chilling on ice in the room, or in the mini-fridge.

Don't limit your hotel bed bug inspection to the bed. Bed bugs can be up to fifteen feet away. So, check any chairs and other furniture around the room. Also look in drawers and closet spaces before unpacking your clothes and risking them. As always, flag someone on the staff down if you find anything.

If you plan to use the telephone provided in your hotel room, know what to expect as far as charges. Some hotels offer free local calls, but others charge for each call. In addition to any long distance charges, the hotel usually adds an extra fee. Use your cell phone to make calls from your hotel room when possible.

To keep from having a hassle with logging into the hotel's Internet connection, ask at the front desk when you check in about any required passwords. This way, you can get up and running right when you get to the room, instead of having to hunt through the guest guidebook and call the front desk about a password.

If you are worried about your hygiene, you might want to not use the hotel's bedspread. The bedspread isn't washed often, while the sheets are. This can make it full of bacteria, germs, and other unknown elements. Just take that blanket off the bed.

To get the most out of a hotel room on a business trip, look online at the various choices to see which places offer a free happy hour. At the end of a long day of meetings, having a free margarita or beer at your hotel before getting ready for dinner can be quite pleasant.

Look around for hotels that are having grand openings. These grand openings often have big savings on hotel rooms. In fact, the savings can be very significant - 20% and often more. It's a great way to get a top notch hotel stay and then pass on the word to others about the stay!

Just doing a little bit of homework before booking a hotel room can help you to save on hotel expenses and pick a great place. You must know what to ask about and look for when booking a hotel room. Keep these tricks and tips in mind and a great hotel is going to be in your future.