Savvy Traveler Tips: Hotels
- Airlines
- |
- Hotels
- |
- Car rentals
- |
- Travel help
Avoiding Hotel Hassles· Always check the hotel’s Web site. Prior to confirming your reservation with a third party service such as Expedia or Travelocity, always check the hotel company’s Web site since many hotel companies now guarantee that the best room rates will be on their proprietary Web site. If you do find a lower rate, you may be eligible for a reduced rate or even a free night.
· Look for special holiday offers. The hotel’s Web site will most likely have special packages that include cost-saving amenities, such as complimentary breakfast or admission to local events. · Book early and be flexible. Even though traveling to most domestic urban and suburban destinations can yield steep discounts during the holidays, this time is peak season for most resort destinations. Because of this, the more flexible your travel dates are, the more likely you are to be able to save. For example, moving your travel dates by only two days could result in hundreds of dollars in savings. |
|
· Ask questions. Be sure to inquire about benefits of joining the hotel’s frequent membership program and enroll prior to your arrival. This may entitle you to extra ‘perks’ during your stay such as room upgrades, welcome snacks and free phone calls.
· Make sure the property fits your needs. When traveling with the family, consider all-suite or extended stay hotels, even if you are only visiting for a day or two. Many of these hotels offer separate living areas and multiple bedrooms, making varying schedules more manageable. Another important element that extended stay hotels offer families is full-size kitchens or kitchenettes with refrigerators, perfect for storing juice, milk and snacks.
· Call ahead. When making your reservation, be sure to indicate if you need a rollaway cot or crib. Most hotels have a limited number of these items, so it’s best to reserve them in advance of your stay. Be sure to ask if there is an additional charge, and if the charge is per night or a one-time fee.
· Follow up. If you booked your reservation online or through a central reservation office (800 number), always follow up with a phone call directly to the hotel.
· Research your hotel’s amenities. The hotel’s Web site most likely has a list of what the property offers, such as an onsite restaurant, 24-room-service or a pool. Some hotels even offer complimentary airport shuttle service and transfers to nearby attractions, which can save you money. If traveling with kids, find out if the hotel offers a kid-friendly menu or free activity programs.
· Anticipate surprises. When traveling with older children, explain the concept of Pay-Per-View movies and the mini-bar to help avoid any surprises on your final bill. Or when checking-in, leave the mini-bar key at the front desk to avoid temptation all together.
· Know your options. Traveling with younger children and need to save space in your suitcase? Research services that allow you to ship bulky supplies – like diapers and formula – directly to your hotel. The supplies will be waiting for you when you check-in.
*Tips courtesy of Wyndham International Hotels and Resorts.
· Make sure the property fits your needs. When traveling with the family, consider all-suite or extended stay hotels, even if you are only visiting for a day or two. Many of these hotels offer separate living areas and multiple bedrooms, making varying schedules more manageable. Another important element that extended stay hotels offer families is full-size kitchens or kitchenettes with refrigerators, perfect for storing juice, milk and snacks.
· Call ahead. When making your reservation, be sure to indicate if you need a rollaway cot or crib. Most hotels have a limited number of these items, so it’s best to reserve them in advance of your stay. Be sure to ask if there is an additional charge, and if the charge is per night or a one-time fee.
· Follow up. If you booked your reservation online or through a central reservation office (800 number), always follow up with a phone call directly to the hotel.
· Research your hotel’s amenities. The hotel’s Web site most likely has a list of what the property offers, such as an onsite restaurant, 24-room-service or a pool. Some hotels even offer complimentary airport shuttle service and transfers to nearby attractions, which can save you money. If traveling with kids, find out if the hotel offers a kid-friendly menu or free activity programs.
· Anticipate surprises. When traveling with older children, explain the concept of Pay-Per-View movies and the mini-bar to help avoid any surprises on your final bill. Or when checking-in, leave the mini-bar key at the front desk to avoid temptation all together.
· Know your options. Traveling with younger children and need to save space in your suitcase? Research services that allow you to ship bulky supplies – like diapers and formula – directly to your hotel. The supplies will be waiting for you when you check-in.
*Tips courtesy of Wyndham International Hotels and Resorts.
Search travel destinations
Search:
Browse:
LIVE FLIGHT STATUS & DELAYS