Great Deals At Discount Hotels

Nowadays hotel market competition is high, giving rise to various special offers and discount hotels. Price-cutting, freebies, and rewards have become the norm in most places.

The best way to get a discount is to go in low season. During the low periods, airlines, hotels, tour operators, and other travel companies are eager to attract paying customers by offering deals.

In Europe, when visitation rates are down in wintertime, hotels and airlines may halve prices. Besides paying less, visitors who come to a tourist spot during the low-season will enjoy less crowding. You'll also get to experience more local color, and you may even find that the residents, who won't be overwhelmed by hordes of tourists, treat you with more courtesy.

However, the number one reason for an area being off-season is weather-related, so it is important to find out what weather conditions are like during these periods. Hot or cold temperatures might be an acceptable drawback, but a serious weather problem might rule out a destination.

Note that each hotel, airline, or travel company individually defines the dates it considers off-season. Use a guidebook for the destination or a "travel guide" website. For example, you can look for discount hotels at traveladvisor.com. It is a free internet resource that lists reputable tour operators and has tourists' reviews of major hotels. On-line booking is a good way to save money. There are plenty of travel websites, enabling online reservation of discount hotels, like choicehotels.com, travelaxe.com, hotels.com, quikbook.com, triprewards.com, newtravelagent.com and others. They will save the time that you generally waste searching the internet for good deals; they will do all the search.

Choicehotels.com offers discount hotels for business travelers, government and military personnel. Mature travelers (over 50) will save 10%, AARP members (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons) will enjoy a 15% discount. There is also travel service partner offers, you can reserve a car at a website and have a 10% off standard daily rates, or you will be offered discounted rates for airport ground transportation. Numerous existing reward programs will help you to earn free nights and flights.

Anyway, the greatest discount opportunity is to book at the last minute. Usually this means leaving booking until a fortnight before your departure. Although you may not be able to get your exact choice of destination, the number of offers available is surprising. Hotel rooms, apartments, flights and packages can all be found at a substantial discount if still unsold 2 weeks prior to departure.

A number of Internet based companies have sprung up to cater for this market. The most famous of these in the UK is lastminute.com. This market is also being tapped by the providers themselves, just look for Bargains or late bookings on their websites. If there exist special offers and discount hotels, why not taking this wonderful chance to economize? Travel websites claim to offer up to 70% discounts, but even a 20% saving is already a very good deal!

About The Author
David Brights writes for http://www.showcheaphotels.info where you can find out more about cheap hotels and other topics.

Luxury Hotel Rooms At Lowest Prices For Top Holiday Destinations

Whether you like to spend your holidays in the snow, sand or seaside, you can find the best hotel deals in the most popular destinations of the world. Below are some of the most popular holiday destinations with links to book luxury hotel rooms at lowest prices.

Amsterdam

A confident mix of old and new, Amsterdam, capital city of The Netherlands, features beautiful 17th- and 18th-century buildings and boasts some world-class museums, most notably the Van Gogh Museum, and the Rijksmuseum, home to some of the world's finest artworks, including those by famous Dutch artist Rembrandt. Nightlife in Amsterdam is as mixed as the city itself, with something for everyone's tastes available. A trip to Amsterdam would not be complete without renting a bicycle (Holland has more bicycles than residents), or cruising down the canals by boat.

http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/Amsterdam.htm

Barcelona

Barcelona is the Mediterranean metropolis of excellence and yet at the same time open to all cultural influences flowing in from beyond the Pyrenees. Its well-ordered and proportioned town grid has given it quarters of unrivalled beauty, such as the Gothic Quarter, Las Ramblas and the modernist Paseo de Gracia.

http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/Barcelona.htm

Brussels

The capital of Belgium, Brussels, is a cosmopolitan city, with liveliness and an appeal that are intimately related to its role as a crossroads for all of Europe. The many aspects of Brussels are expressed in the four quarters of the city. The Lower Town, which extends from Manneken Pis via the Grand Place to the Botanique. The Royal District in the Upper Town occupies the area between the Warande and the Palace of Justice. In the North of the city lies the Heizel with the Atomium and Bruparck. Just outside the city centre visitors will find the Cinquantenaire park and the European District facet.

http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/Brussels.htm

Edinburgh

Scotland's capital Edinburgh, is perhaps the country's most alluring city, it is a fascinating place with many historical and artistic treasures, a fantastic pub scene and scenery as beautiful as the Scottish highlands. Edinburgh Castle is a good place to start your exploration of the Scottish capital. The castle is beautiful, mysterious, romantic and a reminder of the city's bloody past. Edinburgh's Royal Mile is one of the world's most captivating streets.

http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/Edinburgh.htm

London

London, the capital city of England, is energetic, cosmopolitan, hectic, diverse and thrilling. It is the largest city in Europe, and is a mixture of wealth and poverty, of glitz and grime, of imposing buildings and elegant shops, of world-class theatre and incredible nightclubs. Sights not to be missed include the National Gallery, the Tate Gallery, the British Museum, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and Covent Garden.

http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/London.htm

Melbourne

Multicultural Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia behind Sydney. Located on the Yarra River at the mouth of Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne is a city of style, of Victorian architecture, of trams, of fashion, food, theatres, art galleries, and leafy gardens. It is a sport-mad city, which hosts events such as the Australian Tennis Open, the Australian Formula One Grand Prix, and the premier horse race, the race that 'stops a nation,' the Melbourne Cup. The "Great Ocean Road" is a popular drive for tourists and locals alike, acknowledged as one of the world's most spectacular coastal drives, visitors can view the spectacular site of the Twelve Apostles.

http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/Melbourne.htm

Paris

Paris is the economic, artistic, historic, and cultural capital of France. It is also deeply traditional, almost village-like and in parts, a dilapidated metropolis, which houses around 2 million people. The river Seine bisects the city, the Right Bank is home to the grand boulevards and most monumental buildings, many dating from Haussmann's nineteenth-century redevelopment. The Left Bank has a noticeably different feel, it has an atmosphere of Bohemian, dissident, intellectual connotations, and it shows in Paris' best range of bars and restaurants. The Eiffel Tower is Paris' most famous and instantly recognizable landmark. The Champs-Elysees is the city's most well-known boulevard. Elegant and broad, it links Place de la Concorde with the Arc de Triomphe.

http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/Paris.htm

Prague

The capital Prague, largest city of the Czech Republic, and former capital of Czechoslovakia, is located on both banks of the Vltava River. Visitors are drawn to the 'fairy tale' characteristics of Prague, but this is only part of its lively blend of styles. Prague is unquestionably a city best explored on foot, the entire central area has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city centre is like an enormous open-air museum with an interesting mix of architectural innovation including Renaissance, Baroque, Gothic, Romanesque, Cubist and Art Nouveau styles.

http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/Prague.htm

Rome

Rome combines a sense of living history with a bustling, lively capital city. It is endlessly fascinating, utterly compelling and a feast for the eye with fountains, churches, palaces and ancient monuments at every turn. From the awesome splendour of the Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel, the Pantheon, the Trevi fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica oozes romance and excitement.

http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/Rome.htm

Stockholm

Visitors can experience the magic of age-old traditions, historical sites and breathtaking settings in practically every part of this unique country. The most popular tourist destination is the Swedish capital, Stockholm. The grand old city by the water is known for its unique wonders such as the Vasa Ship; its elegance and grandeur, typified by the Royal Palace and surrounds, and its wonderfully preserved Old Town, "Gamla Stan", with 13th-century roots, subterranean vaults, church spires and narrow, cobbled laneways.

http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/Stockholm.htm

Sydney

Many visitors would be surprised to find that Sydney, it's largest city, is not the capital of Australia. Built on the shores of the stunning Port Jackson, Sydney is one of the world's landmark cities, and is also Australia's oldest city. Sydney, the nation's premier metropolis, mixes a flare for groundbreaking architecture, a love of the arts and high-powered commerce. The must-do's on every visitors list include the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Centrepoint Tower, The Rocks, Bondi Beach, Olympic Park Homebush better known as the site of the 2000 Olympic Games, and Darling Harbour.

http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/Sydney.htm

Vienna

Located on a plain bordered by the Wienerwald and the Carpathian foothills, the Austrian capital, Vienna, is a cultural, industrial, commercial, and transportation centre. Vienna owes its spectacular architectural heritage to the Habsburg dynasty that controlled much of Europe for 600 years. Of special interest are the Hofburg, or Imperial Palace, with it's 14th century Augustinian church, Imperial Apartments and Royal Chapel where the Vienna Boy's Choir sing. Many of the world's most important composers including Beethoven, Mozart, Schubert, Strauss and Mahler have lived and performed behind Vienna's Baroque facades.

http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/Vienna.htm

About The Author
Chloe Lim is a photographer and avid traveler. She travels extensively for work and family vacations. She is always on the lookout for bargain travel deals and discount luxury vacations.
This article is courtesy of http://www.hotelclub.net, you may freely reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter provided this courtesy notice and the author name and URL remain intact.
chloelim1@yahoo.com.au

Hotel Tips

Never underestimate the power of a good night's rest, especially while on vacation or a business trip. To ensure the best possible hotel stay with the least amount of worry, follow these helpful guidelines compiled by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). ASTA members are trained professionals who know hotels, the services they provide, and, most importantly, the quality you expect.

THE POWER OF CHOICE

Choosing the right hotel is half the battle. Most Americans will spend hours finding the perfect airline ticket, but only minutes to research a hotel room, often going with the lowest price option.

While price is a universal factor, remember that all hotels want a full house and strive for this goal every night. To get the best deal, book early through a travel agent and try to be flexible with your dates. Hotels that cater to business people surprisingly will have great weekend rates, which they consider "off season."

Travel agents will ask for special package deals loaded with options or discounts for seniors, families or the military that may apply. They also understand your needs and expectations, so they will be able to choose the hotel that's best for you, based on the amenities and services it provides, along with its proximity to the interstate, airport, restaurants and attractions.

RESERVATIONS

While direct online booking is an option, it's still advisable to book through a travel agent. If you choose to contact a hotel directly, travel agents recommend that it may pay to connect in a more conventional way—by phone. Many hotels, both national and independently owned, have toll-free numbers to connect you to reservation specialists. If no such number is available and you must call the hotel directly, be sure to call in the afternoon or night, for the mornings are hectic times while guests checkout.

When making a reservation, confirm the quoted rate and record the confirmation number and the name of the person with whom you spoke. Ask the reservation specialist to repeat him or herself, write down the details, and be clear about the type of room you are getting, if it's smoking or non-smoking, and what are the check-in and checkout times.

Once the room is reserved, document all hotel information and a full itinerary to leave with a friend or neighbor in case of emergencies. If you book your room through a travel agent, make copies of the reservation confirmation they provide you, for it will clearly state the hotel's information and your arrival and departure dates.

Have this confirmation information or a printout of your e-mail reservation available when you check-in. Hotels never intentionally misplace or incorrectly enter reservation information, but it's always a good idea to bring evidence just in case.

LATE ARRIVALS – EVEN NIGHTOWLS NEED TO SLEEP

There's nothing worse than driving all day through syrupy traffic only to arrive at the hotel and discover your reservation is expired and there are no more rooms available. The key to never having this happen is knowing how late is late.

Most hotel chains will hold a normal reservation until 6 p.m. For those arriving later in the night, ask to guarantee the reservation with a credit card number. Even those pulling up after midnight with a guaranteed reservation will find a warm bed waiting. Hotels hold the right to cancel reservations that are not guaranteed. If you are delayed en route, call the hotel and ask to hold your reservation until you arrive.

NO ROOM IN THE INN?

Even though losing an expected room due to over-booking or a misplaced reservation may come as a shock, don't let it get you down. Most hotels will assist in remedying the situation by transferring you to a sister location, an associated hotel nearby.

If the lost reservation was guaranteed, then the burden falls on the hotel to ensure that your new room at the sister location is of equal or greater quality and at no additional cost. The hotel should cover any transportation expenses incurred by paying for a taxi or providing the use of their shuttle service.

If this courtesy is not extended, then ask to speak to a manager or contact your travel agent to act as your advocate.

CUSTOMER SERVICE WITH A SMILE

As a valued consumer, your satisfaction is important. Hotel staffs are thoroughly trained, working around the clock to meet your needs. However, problems may arise, such as uncooperative neighbors, so know the hierarchy of the hotel's customer service for a swift resolution.

A quick call to your travel agent is always a good first step, for they speak the hotel language and understand reasonable reparations for each problem. Through advocacy and advice, travel agents can assuage most situations, pleasing you and the hotel.

Staying within the hotel, the front desk clerk is trained to handle problems without involving the manager, so state your complaint clearly and allow them to arrange a remedy. From forgotten toothbrushes to room relocations, front desk clerks offer the quickest and most direct assistance.

If your complaint falls outside their jurisdiction, politely ask to see the manager. Managers better understand the necessities of customer loyalty and possess the authority to offer guests discounts on current or future stays.

If nothing is resolved with the manager, contact the hotel's customer service department. Be sure to write down the names of the people you spoke with, the dates of your stay and the rates charged to aid the operator in assisting you in the most proficient capacity.

CHECKING IN

The only obstacle during check-in should be the line at the counter. With your reservation made, hotels will want to usher you to your room as quickly as possible, so have your confirmation information ready and verify that the rate charged is the rate originally quoted.

Know the proper check-in time and ask specific questions about the area and the provided services. Request a card with the hotel's name, address and telephone information in case you get lost exploring the city.

FULLY STOCKED – THE THINGS YOU MIGHT NEED

Depending on your needs, ask if the hotel offers or provides the following:

» Laundry service or in-room ironing board and iron
» Hair dryers
» Voltage converters
» In-room coffee makers, refrigerators or kitchenettes
» Morning newspaper service
» Complimentary meals (usually breakfast)
» Access to fax machine, copier or printer
» Mini-bar or refreshments
» Data port
» In-room safe
» Cable television, movies or video games
» Portable cribs or rollaway beds
» Shuttle service to airport or other points of interest
» Recreational facilities
» Telephone access charges
» Adequate parking

Hotels often have a limited number of internet-ready rooms or hair dryers, so ask for specific items during check-in.

SLEEP TIGHT – SIMPLE STEPS FOR A SAFE STAY

Safety is a priority for you and the hotel. From your car to their bed, take a few precautions and don't leave anything to chance.

Park in a well-lit space near the hotel entrance or your room, and be sure to lock all doors and keep valuables in the trunk and out of sight. If given the option, always ask for a room with an interior entrance. At the front desk, ask that the attendant write your room number down so that no one can hear it, and quickly pocket your key if it has the room number printed on it.

Once inside your room, lock your door with the deadbolt and the chain lock, and familiarize yourself with the fire exits posted on the back of the door. Do not open the door for anyone unless you verify the identity of the person either through the peephole or verbally, even if you are expecting a friend or room service.

CHECKING OUT WITH NO SURPRISES

At the end of a hotel stay, checking out should be a pleasant experience as long as there are no surprises like left-behind items or incidental charges. Check the room thoroughly before vacating, including drawers, closets and the bathroom, especially behind the shower curtain and the back of the bathroom door.

Most hotels have established checkout times ranging from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you need additional time, request it in advance, or else you may be charged an additional night.

Review the bill to ensure all charges are accurate, and you received all entitled credits and discount. Get a receipt, and if you pay in cash, make sure it is marked, "Paid in Cash."

TIPS ON TIPPING

Unless your hotel has already accounted for gratuities, tipping various employees is expected, depending on the amount and quality of the service. Here's a general guide:

» Bellhop – $1 to $2 per bag (extra if bags are heavy or cumbersome).
» Coat check – $1 to $2
» Concierge – $2 to $10 depending on the service; 10 percent of the cost for securing hard to find items like tickets to the theatre or sporting events.
» Doorman – $1 to $2 for hailing cab (extra in bad weather).
» Housekeeping – $1 to $2 per night (extra for upscale hotels or if room was particularly messy).
» Room Service – 15 percent or at least $2, unless gratuity is included.
» Valet – $1 to $2 each time you request your car (extra in bad weather).

David Brights writes for http://www.showcheaphotels.info where you can find out more about cheap hotels and other topics.

About The Author
David Brights writes for http://www.showcheaphotels.info where you can find out more about cheap hotels and other topics.

Finding Cheap Hotels

Cheap hotels for your travels can be easy to find if you know where to look. In every town there are cheap hotels that can make the difference between having a vacation or not. Where should you look for these hotels? Accommodation costs are a significant chunk of the total vacation expenditure and by staying in cheap hotels vacationers can afford to experience more of what a holiday destination has to offer.

Start by talking to friends or business associates who have recently travelled to the area. They may have good suggestions for you, especially if you believe that their budget was similar to what you're prepared to spend. They may not have stayed at cheap hotels but they can probably give excellent advice about where you may try. In larger cities they'll almost certainly be able to guide you as to suitable areas in which to find cheap hotels.

It's important to understand that the costs of hotel accommodation can vary by the time of year that you plan to travel, and even by the days of the week that you'll be staying. A winter trip to a popular summer destination will be much cheaper than if you made the same trip during the summer months and vice versa.

Weekend trips can often be more expensive than weekday trips to the same hotel as well. Where possible try to book your vacation trips during the week, and at the very beginning of the season that the area is particularly known for. Depending on what you plan on doing on your trip, you may want to visit the area completely off season to make sure that you get the best rates possible.

If your friends or business colleagues can't help you with details of cheap hotels then you'll need to begin your search for these on your own. The first problem that you'll experience is trying to get the names and contact details of hotels in the area you want to visit. Here your best bet is the Internet. Search any of the Search Engines or Directories using something like - cheap hotels [followed by the area you want to visit]. Once you have contact details for at least 1 hotel in the area make contact with them and request rates for the planned dates of your visit. Even if their rates don't suit you most hotels will be glad to give you details of more suitable accommodation based on your needs and budget.

Some hotels even have Special Offers specifically for Internet bookings. In order to find cheap hotels it's important to plan and book your vacation as early as possible. Even cheap hotels will often increase their rates as they begin to book up. The fewer rooms available in a particular area, the more expensive the available ones are going to be. For that reason, as soon as you know that you are going to want to travel to a particular location, and you know the dates of you travels try to go ahead and find a hotel and make reservations. That way you can ensure that you are getting the best rate possible for your trip.

Cheap hotels are not difficult to locate as long as you're doing your research properly. You should definitely look at all the options available to you so that you can be sure of getting the best accommodation possible for your trip. Remember cheap hotels can provide just as many pleasant memories as expensive ones.

About The Author
Hugh Goble loves travelling but the money never seems to go far enough so he spends his time looking for travel bargains.
hugh@qbitsolutions.net

Choose A Bed And Breakfast Over A Hotel Chain And Enjoy Your Vacation

Traveling for business or vacationing always has one thing in common; you need a place to stay. Unfortunately, many individuals choose large hotel chains which have no personality and do nothing more than provide a place to sleep for their guests. However, when business and vacation travelers choose to stay at a Bed and Breakfast they are able to enjoy their trip even more simply because Bed and Breakfast inns focus on each individual guest. In fact, there are several benefits a Bed and Breakfast has over regular hotels.

Benefit #1 Feel at Home

Most Bed and Breakfast Inns are typically small and have a limited number of rooms to rent out. However, each room has a lot of personality and is generally decorated around a theme and focuses on the comfort of guests. Each room is decorated in an elegant at-home way that is easily enjoyed by guests who want comfortable and beautiful surroundings to enjoy while on their trip. You certainly won't encounter the generic rooms of common hotels. All in all, when you stay at a Bed and Breakfast you will feel at home.

Benefit #2 Great Food

As the name suggests the daily rate of a Bed and Breakfast stay will certainly include the first meal of the day. While a Continental breakfast is frequently included in chain hotel rates the breakfast at a Bed and Breakfast is always of a significantly higher quality. This is because innkeepers take pride in serving well balanced and tasty meals allowing guests to enjoy every aspect of their stay. Although every Bed and Breakfast is different you can generally expect a full breakfast of meat and eggs with fresh baked muffins, fresh squeezed juice and fruit. Usually breakfast is served on fine china with silver cutlery, much higher class than disposable plates and cutlery at low priced hotel chains.

Benefit #3 More Economical

You are probably thinking, "yeah, right!" But the truth is Bed and Breakfast Inns really are more economical when you consider the entire price of the stay. For example, a Bed and Breakfast may charge what seems like expensive nightly fees, but everything is basically included from local phone calls to movies, and concierge services to parking. Just these extras at a hotel can add $100 or more to your daily bill. So, in the overall scheme of things a Bed and Breakfast will probably save you money and you will be more comfortable and relaxed at the same time.

About The Author
Shawn Everett is the owner of The Bed and Breakfast Connector http://www.bbconnector.com/.