If you plan to take a trip, there are many things that have to be done before you step foot out your door. Between planning, packing and preparing, you have a lot to do. On top of that, you must reserve a hotel room. For some advice on finding the right hotel, read on.

Prior to booking a hotel, refer to TripAdvisor and similar online travel review sites. This lets you know what others’ experiences have been like. Find out what actual customers say about the hotel and it can help you avoid a costly mistake.

Online travel websites can offer you a great deal on hotels with lots of choices, all on the same website. If you are a member of the hotel’s loyalty program, don’t forget to add that information as you check rates. Also, as an added bonus, you may get discounts from other companies such as AAA or AARP.

If you have a safe in your closet, then you should use it to keep your valuables safe while you are outside of the room. Putting these items in the safe ensures that you can go out and have fun, not worrying about what you’ve left in the room.

You want to look at a number of different things when booking a hotel stay. You must consider price of course, and you might want to be close to a specific location within the city you’re staying. What about free breakfast, local calls, wifi or swimming pool? Try to find a hotel that offers as many of your desired amenities as possible.

Don’t make assumptions about pet policies of hotels. Even if a web listing says a hotel is pet friendly, call the hotel to verify. Be certain you understand all rules pertaining to pets. Some hotels only allow certain types, sizes and breeds.

If you would like to treat your partner to a massage, be sure to make the appointment far in advance. Frequently, the best massage people will be booked by name. This means that if you book early, you’ll have a better experience.

If you are a member of AAA, ask about a hotel discount. You may not have known that, but it’s true. You can save 5 percent or more motels and hotels in the US. It’s a savings that really adds up over the nights.

If you are an avid jogger, a GPS watch is a great investment so you can always find your way back to your hotel. Also, don’t forget your exercise clothes! When you wake up in the morning, throw on your gear and head out for a morning jog. It’ll let you explore the city in a new way.

Do you travel on a periodic basis and use the same hotel chain? If so, check out the loyalty programs provided by that hotel. A loyalty program offers many benefits. There are many rewards given when you accumulate loyalty points such as free stays, free upgrades and later than usual check out times.

If there’s a hotel chain you stay at often, check out their membership programs for frequent guests. You should be able to earn points every time you are visiting one of the hotels. Over time, these points can really add up, allowing you to enjoy numerous upgrades, spa visits, restaurant discounts, and even free nights at the hotel.

Green Hotels

If you are concerned about the environment, you may want to take a “green” vacation. It is fortunate for you that there are quite a lot of green hotels available. Many new hotels are certified as green hotels. Eco-friendly strategies are also now commonly adopted by many older hotels. A good travel agent can help you find hotels that are environmentally friendly.

The cost of your hotel will vary depending on when you make your reservation. Rooms prices are based on their availability. When possible, you can often get a good price if you book a room at the very last minute. Doing so will ensure you get the best possible price on a hotel room. Hotels don’t like to have vacancies so they often provide better prices.

Find out about hotel transfer costs prior to booking a room to avoid hefty fees. Especially in situations where the price of the room represents a major deal, the hidden cost of the transfer can often make the difference. You save the most money when you ask about this beforehand.

Sign up for AAA if you wish to get better hotel arrangements while you travel. Not only will AAA members receive discounts for a lot of hotel chains that make it worth getting into, you may also find rental cars more easily than those without the membership. They even throw in free car seats at most locations if you’re a parent.

Check with the hotel to make sure the pools are ready to go if you are traveling with children. Nothing is quite as frustrating as arriving at a hotel with children clamoring to jump in the pool only to find that it is closed.

Learn about the smoking policies if you smoke. Most hotels have designated smoking rooms. If this is what you’re looking for, inquire about these rooms. If you don’t, you can be hit with some major penalties for lighting up in a non-smoker’s room.

Be aware of the pet policy of the hotel. When you are scared of animals or allergic, you won’t want to stay at pet-friendly hotels. These hotels could have weird odors because of smells getting into the linens and the floor. You may get charged extra for having a pet, but a lot of places don’t charge all that much. Depending on what the hotel is like, you might have to pay an extra cleaning fee.

A successful trip relies on staying at a nice hotel. Whether your trip is business or pleasure, your choice of hotel accommodations can make or break it. Keep these tips in mind when booking a hotel room.