How to Make a Hotel Reservation

Comfortable and convenient lodgings'whether in a large hotel or a small bed-and-breakfast'will make your trip more pleasant. Here's how to arrange for them without using a travel agent.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Local Guidebooks
• Telephones

1. Buy a travel guide to your destination, especially if you're not familiar with the area. Read up on lodging options and neighborhoods where accommodations are plentiful.

2. Plan your arrival and departure dates. If possible, choose off-season dates when you may be able to save money on lodging.

3. Choose the neighborhood you want to stay in. This generally depends on where you will be doing business or on the recreational or cultural sights you want to see.

4. Find two or three hotels in your price range that appeal to you.

5. Call each hotel. Tell the guest-services operator the dates you will be lodging there and your room requirements, and ask for the room rate. Ask about family packages where kids stay for free or at a substantial discount, and about special deals that give you a discount on surrounding attractions.

6. Find out what other services are included in the room rate. Is a hot breakfast included? Afternoon tea?

7. Tell the operator about any discounts or bonuses that will apply to your room rate. These may include AAA or AARP discounts, corporate deals, frequent-flier miles and other affinity-group concessions. Be sure the adjustment will be reflected in the final room rate.

8. Compare room rates and services and book one of the hotels. Be sure to specify a smoking or nonsmoking room.

9. Reserve the room with your credit card. This will generally hold the room for you no matter what time you arrive.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also request a lodging directory from the convention and visitors center or the chamber of commerce of the area you'll be visiting. Remember, though, that you may get more honest appraisals from an independent guidebook, from friends' recommendations or from various Web sites.
• If you are arriving at a local airport, ask if the hotel provides free transportation from the airport to the hotel.
• Ask about other extras that may be important to you: refrigerator, hair dryer, iron, workout room, on-site restaurant, swimming pool, VCR, movie rental, wheelchair accessibility, pet-friendly accommodations.
• Check the hotel's cancellation policy. These differ from hotel to hotel, but if you cancel without letting the hotel know within the specified time, you may have to pay for a night's lodging.

[mikilucia]

on 5/13/2009 There are useful hotel search engines, such as prontohotel.com, allowing you to find the best hotel for you, giving you all necessary information.

on 11/22/2005 I work for a 3-star hotel. On available dates, I guarantee the Entertainment Card will get you the best rate. Not only is it 50% off the rack, there are no sneaky cancellation policies such as with the Advanced Purchase option or standard Discount Rate. It's much cheaper than AARP and AAA too. Even Club Card Members and Corporate travelers don't usually get such a low rate. I highly recommend paying the 20 bucks or so to get the card/coupon book - I believe price depends on what state you reside in.

on 11/22/2005 Be sure to get a confirmation number. It will really make a difference when they claim they can't find your reservation.

on 11/22/2005 Always call in advance; rates tend to rise as you get closer to the date of arrival.

on 11/22/2005 Always call a travel agent or large affiliation such as AAA. Many agents can negotiate rates with hotels that will be much lower. Always ask for promo rates or packages. And always ask for a special weekend rate that may be lower then regular rates.