Traveling and Hotels – How to Find the Best Deals
When travelling on business or for pleasure, hotel stays can consume a large portion of your overall travel expenses. Choosing the best hotel for your needs can help save you money and make your trip more enjoyable. Rugged conveniences and necessities typically attract business travelers while leisure traveller’s desire for a perfect view, amenities and costs are of prime concern.
Often times, accommodations in major cities and tourist destinations are more expensive than those in other areas of the country or world. Choosing lodging in the suburbs or even a few miles away from downtown can significantly reduce your overall travel and hotel bill. In addition to room rates, hotels also charge for services such as meals and parking. Taking the time to research your destination and compare lodging options can help you find a deal.
A hotel’s star rating is a key factor in determining its price and quality. Hotels may choose to rate themselves based on subjective criteria or be subject to external ratings and inspections, either by tourism officials or a hotel association. The number of stars may also be influenced by the marketing strategies of hotel chains, for example, a full-service chain might use different branding to enter the economy limited service market without undermining its core brand reputation.
There are a variety of ways to save money on your hotel stay, including booking directly with the hotel. This can prevent the hotels from paying commissions to online booking consolidators, which can be reflected in the price you pay for your room. Additionally, many hotel chains now offer their lowest prices through their own websites.
Bathroom amenities include toiletries (soap, shampoo, shower gel), bathrobes and slippers; non-bathroom amenities include pens, stationery and sewing kits. Some hotels provide only the basic items, while others take great pride in offering a selection of high-end cosmetics bearing an upscale label.
The best way to save on your hotel costs is to book in advance. Most hotels are interested in filling their rooms with guests, so they will offer better deals if you reserve early. This can be a great strategy for finding cheap hotel rates, particularly during popular travel seasons.
Keeping track of your hotel stays can help you earn free hotel stays and other rewards. Joining a hotel loyalty program can be a smart move, especially when you are traveling frequently for work or pleasure. Loyalty points can be exchanged for upgrades, free wifi and other benefits. In addition, if you are staying at the same hotel regularly, it can be worthwhile to consider getting a room membership. The extra perks and savings could offset the cost of the membership fee.