| The following are some tips that might be helpful in | | | | out what rental companies are available and what is |
| making your choice of hotels. | | | | their cost, as well as what kind of parking facilities |
| 1. Hotel Ratings: | | | | does the hotel offer? |
| The initial step in choosing a hotel is to make a list of | | | | 5. Hotel Rates |
| hotels that are in the area you plan to visit. Then find | | | | By now you've probably narrowed down you choices |
| out about each one. There are several ways to do | | | | to a couple of hotels. However, for those of you who |
| this. One method is to simply ask someone who's | | | | are on a budget, which is most of us, probably the |
| been there. Another way is to do an online search for | | | | most important consideration is the price of the hotel. |
| guest ratings. While on line, you can also read reviews | | | | Making a finally decision on which hotel to choose, |
| by former guest. In addition you could call the Tourist | | | | becomes a balancing act between amenities and cost. |
| Bureau or Chamber of Commerce in the city you plan | | | | If they are all too expensive for you budget, you then |
| to visit. They can provide very helpful information, as | | | | have at least two choices. One, you can revise your |
| well as giving recommendations of good hotels and | | | | list. You might ask yourself, "Do I really need this or that |
| good prices. | | | | particular amenity." Just because a hotel doesn't have |
| 2. Facilities: | | | | valet parking, for example, doesn't mean that it is not a |
| Once you have narrowed down your choice of hotels | | | | warm and comfortable place to stay. |
| to something manageable, the next thing to consider is | | | | On the other hand, maybe you can still have the facility |
| what kind of facilities they have. Some considerations | | | | of your choice, by checking into the availability of |
| might be good concierge services, shuttle services, | | | | discounts. Members of certain car clubs get discounts. |
| good laundry services, indoor or outdoor swimming | | | | Sometimes Military people or veterans can get |
| pool, Internet connections, on site restaurants, gym | | | | discounts, as well as senior citizens. Also, sometimes |
| facilities and whatever else might persuade you one | | | | credit card companies offer discount rates for |
| way or another. To determine if the hotel has the | | | | cardholders to certain hotels or you may be able to |
| facilities that meet your needs, again you can again go | | | | get hotel discounts through frequent flyer points. In |
| online, or just simply call some of the hotels on your list | | | | addition, there are hotel coupon books, in which you |
| and ask them about the type of amenities they have. | | | | can get discount coupons for certain hotels or hotel |
| 3. Location: | | | | chains. However, probably the best way to get a |
| Now that you have narrowed down your choice of | | | | discount is to travel during off-season or non-peak |
| hotels even more based on facilities, the next step is | | | | days, such as weekdays. |
| to decide upon a location in the area that you plan to | | | | 6. Booking |
| visit. Some of the factors to consider are access to | | | | It is always a good idea to book you flight and hotel in |
| amenities, such as restaurants, shopping areas, laundry | | | | advance. Sometimes you are required to book as |
| facilities and proximity to attractions you plan to visit. In | | | | much as 60 days ahead of time. If you are going to |
| addition, if you don't have access to a car, it would be | | | | use a Travel service, they can tell you how far in |
| a good idea to choose a hotel that is in walking | | | | advance you need to book, but usually by booking in |
| distance from some of the amenities as noted above. | | | | advance you will be able to get a better room rate, |
| It would also be worth your while to do a background | | | | than if you wait until the last minute. If you're going to |
| check of the area, because you would definitely want | | | | stay at a chain hotel, you can often get a better rate |
| to stay clear of rough neighborhoods. | | | | by booking in advance online. This may also be |
| 4. Transportation and Parking | | | | possible with some non-chains. Just Google them and |
| You need to find out if the hotel has shuttle services to | | | | see what they have to offer. |
| and from the airport, or to and from other locations of | | | | The bottom line is, if you take the time to do your |
| interest. If they don't have this service, find out how | | | | research, you will be able to find a great hotel at a |
| much you can except to pay for public transportation. | | | | reasonable price that still offers the services you need. |
| If you're going to rent a car upon your arrival, check | | | | |