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.

Things You'll Need

• Local Guidebooks
• Telephones

Instructions

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.