| With all the preparations that come with traveling out | | | | 8) Is there a deposit required? If so how much? |
| of town, whether it be for vacation or business, | | | | Just about every hotel requires a credit card number |
| Knowing what to look for when making your hotel | | | | when you are booking it. The difference however is |
| arrangements can make booking the room a whole | | | | that some will actually charge a deposit to the card |
| lot easier. | | | | while others will only verify that the card is valid. The |
| I have put together some general questions that you | | | | deposit is usually charged back after you check out |
| should ask yourself when choosing which hotel best | | | | but for people who are traveling on a limited budget |
| suits your needs. Although everybody has different | | | | this could make a difference. Always find out how |
| needs and wants when it comes to the type of | | | | much your card will be charged for a deposit if at all |
| accommodations, this list should take care of most. | | | | when booking your room so you can plan your |
| 1) How far is the hotel from local attractions? | | | | finances ahead of time. |
| Depending on the reason you are visiting the city or | | | | 9) Is there activities for children such as a playroom, |
| town your in you may want to check out the local | | | | playground, or arcade? |
| attractions and restaurants. When booking your room | | | | Like the pool mentioned earlier, activity centers like |
| it is always good to ask if they are close to the main | | | | playgrounds, arcades or even water parks can make |
| attractions or whatever your interest is. If it is out of | | | | all the difference in the world when traveling with |
| walking distance you will have to either arrange for | | | | children. |
| cabs, public transit or rent a car. Remember that with | | | | 10) Does the hotel offer High speed internet? |
| renting a car comes the possible add expense of | | | | If you already travel with a laptop you know how |
| parking. | | | | important this one can be. Some hotels are not yet |
| 2) Are smoking and Non smoking rooms available? | | | | fully connected to high speed internet and therefore |
| Whether you are a smoker or not you want to | | | | can not offer it at all. Some only have a wireless |
| make sure you end up in a room that fits your | | | | connection in the lobby or other designated area |
| needs. Some hotels are now choosing to not offer | | | | while others still charge for the service in the room if |
| any smoking rooms and the ones that still do will | | | | available. If you like to surf the web than this is an |
| sometimes designate one or two floors to smoking. | | | | important one to check out. |
| 3) What are the check in and check out times? | | | | 11) Does the Hotel offer a breakfast meal? If so, is it |
| Most hotels will have check out times between 10 | | | | Continental? |
| am and 1 pm and check in times can vary. Many | | | | Is there a breakfast included in the price of your |
| hotels will only promise to hold a booked room until a | | | | room or will you have to make arrangements to go |
| specific time of the night and may give it to another | | | | to a restaurant for breakfast. Over the course of |
| customer if you are not there by a certain time. It is | | | | several days this can really add up money wise and is |
| always a good idea to find out if such a policy exists | | | | always good to check out. Some locations may not |
| with the hotel you are choosing and if needed, | | | | have a breakfast but offer coupons to local |
| explain your situation. | | | | establishments for discounts on meals including |
| 4) What is the parking situation? | | | | breakfast. |
| Is there a charge? Hotels all have parking of some | | | | 12) Do the rooms have a fridge or microwave? |
| sort available. In the larger cities, where space is at a | | | | If your looking to save on meals and bring some |
| premium, the parking can be in underground garages | | | | groceries with you make sure that the room has a |
| and may only have a limited number of spaces | | | | way to store that food. You will need to find out if |
| available. It is always a good idea to find out what | | | | there is an extra change for this as well. |
| the rates are for parking. Is there one flat rate for | | | | 13) Is there an iron and ironing board in the room? |
| your stay? Daily rates? If the prices seem a bit high | | | | Again, not necessarily the most important question |
| you may want to look into any public parking close | | | | but if you do travel for business it can always save |
| by that allows overnight parking, in some cases this | | | | time and money if you iron your own shirts and |
| can be cheaper however not as secure or as well | | | | pants. If not, you may want to see if the hotel |
| guarded as a hotels parking usually. | | | | offers dry-cleaning services. |
| 5) Is there room service? | | | | 14) Is there access for the disabled? |
| If your staying overnight you will most likely be | | | | Obviously only needed for those with special needs |
| eating out. Knowing if your hotel has a restaurant and | | | | but some hotels still do not have the amenities for |
| / or has room service can save you loads of time. | | | | the disabled and some that do may still be |
| 6) Is there a pool or gym on site? | | | | inadequate for your needs. It is always a good idea |
| Although it is not the most important issue when | | | | to check if what the hotel has is suitable for what |
| looking for a place to stay but if you are strict with | | | | you need. |
| your workout routines or are traveling with children, a | | | | 15) Are deluxe or family sized rooms available? |
| pool or workout room can make a big difference in | | | | If you are traveling with the family or are looking for |
| the quality of your visit. | | | | the absolute best when it comes to creature |
| 7) Does the hotel offer discounts or loyalty | | | | comforts you may want to ask for family or deluxe |
| programs? | | | | rooms. These usually will have multiple bedrooms, |
| Many credit cards or auto club programs like C.A.A. / | | | | greater views and other amenities that don't normally |
| A.A.A. have made deals with hotel chains around the | | | | come with the average hotel room. Not all hotels |
| world allowing for their members to get a discount | | | | offer this kind of service and when making |
| when booking their rooms. If you are a member of | | | | reservations you may want to confirm that the room |
| any of these clubs it would be a good idea to see if | | | | your are getting is exactly the one you want or |
| they are affiliated with any popular hotel chains in the | | | | need. |
| city you are traveling to. | | | | |