It is important to know what you are getting into before booking a hotel. If you do it wrong, it can cost you money or create an unneeded headache. So here are some tips to help you get the most out of your hotel stay. Keep reading for some valuable advice.

Be sure to read online review websites prior to booking a hotel. These will give you some information from people that have stayed at that certain hotel. These reviews can aid you in your decision about whether to book the hotel.

To get a meal later at night order yourself some room service. This service comes at a premium, but you can stay comfortable in your room while enjoying you eats.

Check with any membership programs for deals. Some offer big discounts on hotel rooms. A lot of people don’t use these discounts, and you may save 10% or even more. That can save a lot of money, especially if you are staying for multiple nights. This can also net you a free hotel night.

Prior to making a hotel reservation, check for deals online. You might not learn from the person on the phone that you can actually get great discounts over the Internet, instead. That’s why it’s always your duty to search the web for better deals whenever you are booking a hotel room. Check out websites such as Jetsetter, RueLaLaTravel, and SniqueAway.

Make certain you know when your check-in time is. People sometimes forget when they will be let into their rooms, showing up early only to learn that their room isn’t ready yet. Call and ask if you think you’ll be early.

To get a good price when you want a hotel room, get your trips planned quite a few weeks or so in advance. Some hotels have a discount if you book your room a month or more ahead of time. With elite brands, this can translate into savings of up to 50 percent.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking all hotels will accept pets. Call the hotel in advance to ensure the hotel is pet friendly. Find out what their rules on pets are also, as they may not let large pets or certain breeds stay with them.

There are three things to do ahead of time if you want to bring your pet to a hotel with you. First, ensure that the hotel actually allows pets. Be sure to bring some bags with you so you can pick up your pet’s waste. When you make your reservation, request accommodations near the very end of the floor in order to not disturb other guests.

Book massages as early as possible. Often the best masseurs and masseuses at top resorts are booked by name, so if you do your planning early, you can make your experience sublime.

If you belong to the AAA, see what kinds of discounts the hotel offers. Many people are surprised to see hotel discounts included with their auto club membership. You can save five percent or more on certain hotels. This really adds up when you are staying for many nights.

Green Hotels

Try out a green vacation. The great thing is there are plenty of green hotels you can select from. Certain hotels provide green rooms, and in fact, some are even certified as green hotels. Old hotels will change their practices to be more green. Ask around for hotels that are friendly to the environment.

Join a membership program if you travel frequently. You will build up points with that hotel for added benefits. It works a lot like frequent flier miles do for airlines.

Don’t call long distance in your hotel room. Use the Internet, instead. You can access Skype with the Internet connection at your hotel. This saves you a ton of money.

If you are bringing your kids along for the trip, then it’s a good idea to call a hotel in advance and make sure they have working pools. There are few things as frustrating as showing up to a hotel, with your kids chomping at the bit to get in the pool, only to have it closed for repairs.

Find out how the hotel handles pets. If you fear pets or have allergies it may be best to make reservations at hotels that have a strict no pets policy. Hotel floors and linens can glean unpleasant odors from pets. Extra fees are sometimes imposed by hotels for guests who bring pets, but sometimes the fee is not too high. In fact, the extra charge for pets might not even cover the costs of cleaning; therefore, you should make sure you know all this ahead of time.

It is usually not possible to check into your hotel early. Be sure you plan according to this rule unless you desire to sit in the lobby for quite some time. The rooms can’t be readied and cleaned until the prior guests are gone, so this means that check-in time is usually around 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. 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.

If you book a room during a heavy occupancy period, don’t be surprised if you have a mandatory stay of a few days or more. If you do, you may be charged a fee for early departure. Once you have confirmed your reservation, understand that the room is reserved for you, and the hotel loses money if you leave early. This means that they must compensate for that loss with a fee for early departure.

You now know some tips to help you when you’re trying to book the best hotel room. Your best bet is to print this article out and read it again before you book another hotel room. Having this knowledge will help you feel comfortable with the hotel you choose.