Financial Considerations
Whether you have an expense account with a limited amount or are on a budget, finding a hotel within an affordable price range is vital. There are several ways to do this and these include:
Hotel coupon books. These free guides can be found in many places, including travel centers, convenience stores, airports, supermarkets, restaurants, and attractions. One of the most popular hotel coupon books is called "Travel Buddy." Look inside for clip and save coupons to major hotels. Savings are less than standard rate but carry some restrictions. Most hotels won’t accept discount coupons during holidays or special events or with near full occupancy. Be sure and understand any limitations before you book a room or check in. Some coupons are for walk-ins only; others allow travelers to call ahead to make a reservation at the lower rate.
Go online to save. Many online travel booking sites exist that offer consumers lower cost lodging. Some of these include Expedia, Travelocity, and PriceLine. Book through one of these sites and save.
If you prefer a chain hotel, go to the main website and book. In order to compete with online travel services, many hotel chains have lower rates online for those who make an advance reservation. Compare rates and save.
Join a travel group. The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the best known of these but there are others. Such groups offer members savings beyond those offered to the general public.
Consider making a trip during off-season or on days that are not peak. In resort areas, weekday rates are sometimes less expensive than weekends. Las Vegas and other popular gambling destinations often offer lower rates on Mondays and Tuesdays than later in the week.
Visit the website of an independent hotel to check rates and book a room.
Choosing The Right Hotel
After establishing the price range wished to spend on lodging, the traveler needs to narrow hotel choices. This is your opportunity to get the amenities that you want or to have the level of lodging preferred. Hotels run the gamut from very basic economy style rooms to luxurious suites. Know what you want and research a little before you book.
Consult travel guides, tour books, or brochures to ensure that the hotel you choose offers what you want. Whether it’s an indoor swimming pool, onsite restaurant, in house laundry, Internet connections, or a gym, make sure the hotel you consider has what you need.
Visit the website of the individual hotel if one exists. Look at photographs and read text about the guest services on site. Remember that photos of a property are designed to provide the best view.
Read reviews. Epinions.com provides a collection of candid reviews of many hotels. So do Expedia and Travelocity. Read reviews of the hotel you plan to stay in and find out now if others have been satisfied. Such reviews offer the opportunity to hear firsthand about issues such as dirty rooms, pest infestations, or shoddy services.
Call the Tourist Bureau or Chamber of Commerce in the city where you’ll be staying and ask them to recommend a good hotel. In most cases, locals will be honest and point you toward one of the better hotels.
Learn to compare prices and to research a property before you make reservations. Save yourself the hassle of an unpleasant hotel stay by doing your homework first.
by Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy
