There will be situations in your life when a hotel room is required. Because they lack the right information, some people make a bad decision about where to stay. Luckily, you are in the right place. Use these tips to ensure a comfortable stay at a great hotel.

Do some research on travel websites before you book any hotel. Websites like TripAdvisor will give you some first-hand accounts of hotel experience from actual customers. What former guests have to say with regards to a hotel being considered can ensure you make an informed decision.

You can find good deals on hotel rooms using online travel sites. Input your loyalty info when you are looking for rates online. You can also get additional discounts from any organization you are apart of, such as the AAA or the AARP.

Many factors come into play as you choose a hotel. Price is always a big factor, but you also need a hotel that’s geographically proximate to your target destinations. Amenities such as complimentary WiFi, free local calls, complimentary breakfast, a gym and pool and a convenient restaurant are also important considerations. Find a hotel room that includes all of the features that you demand. There’s sure to be one out there.

There are tons of online search tools that help customers find satisfactory rates they can’t find elsewhere. These websites can help you quickly find the best value. They display the average rates of hotels so that you can see if the deal you are getting is good. Finally, you can also use these to help you learn what there is to do when you get to your destination.

Search for hotel deals online. Hotels don’t usually advertise their lowest rates, so you may have to ask. It is your responsibility to find any available discounts. Look at websites such as RueLaLaTravel, Jetsetter, and SniqueAway.

Check your hotel room prior to unpacking. Is it without mildew and mold? Do the toilet, sink and shower work properly? Are there enough of the right linens? If you quickly note any problems, let the person at the front desk know so they can help you sort it out or give you a better room.

Hotel Discounts

If you have a AAA membership, look into hotel discounts included. Did you know that this membership entitles you to hotel discounts? You may save 5% or even more on nationwide hotels. The savings can really add up if you’re staying multiple nights.

If you like running and frequently stay in hotel rooms, be sure and pack up a GPS watch, along with your favorite running clothes. Jogging around the city before you start your day will add enjoyment to your vacation. Running down city streets or country roads can give you a fresh view of the place you are visiting.

If you stay at the same hotels all the time, check to see if they have a frequent-stay program. They provide you with points for every stay. You can exchange these points for discounts and freebies at the hotel and its restaurant. You may also be able to use them on local amenities.

The time you book the room will change how much you’ll pay. Availability dictates the prices of hotel rooms. If it’s possible, your room should be booked around a day in advance or more. In this way, you will get good rates. An empty room will earn the hotel no money; so, they generally slash the price.

Distance Calls

Don’t make long distance calls on your hotel phone. Try using the Internet instead to stay in touch. Most hotels offer Wi-Fi, but you will probably need their password and may have to pay a fee to use this service. This is much cheaper than paying for a bunch of long distance calls from your hotel room.

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.

If you want to inspect a hotel room for bed bugs, start with the bathroom. This is where you won’t find them. You can leave your bags there while you investigate the remainder of the room for bedbugs. It is a good place for pets or children to wait for a couple minutes as well.

Smoking Rooms

Ask if your possible hotel reservation is either smoking or non. If you aren’t a smoker, then you want to avoid smoking rooms and maybe even smoking hotels in general, but most hotel chains do have smoking and non-smoking rooms. Although certain hotels that allow smoking will provide guests with non-smoking rooms, smoke will still be in the air. Smokers often don’t care that their room is non-smoking, too. By choosing a hotel that does not allow smoking, you can completely avoid the smell of cigarettes.

Keep in mind that hotel check-ins are usually very strict; therefore, you probably won’t be able to check-in early. Be sure to not to show up early so you don’t have to wait. Hotels need this time to clean and prepare your room. If you do arrive before the normal check-in, you can ask if it’s possible to do so early, but this should not be expected.

Unless it is an emergency, always stay for the total number of nights that you have booked. Some hotels charge a fee for early departure. The room is not marketed by the hotel and you will have to make up that lost revenue. You may end paying for a day you don’t use the room. Therefore, they have to make up for the loss by charging an early departure fee.

After all is said and done, from time to time people need to stay at hotels. If you don’t do some research ahead of time, you could end up staying in a less-than-satisfactory hotel room. Finding the right hotel for you can be simple with the advice in the article above.