Hotels, Motels and Other Lodging Options

The quality of your travel experience depends largely on how well your hotel or other lodging arrangement meets your needs. If you need absolute quiet, a room whose only fresh air source is an open window onto a busy street can ruin your stay. Browsing the crowded markets of an exotic destination is no fun when you're exhausted from sleepless nights.

Your Lodging Options

Booking a hotel seems simple, but you should be aware of your many options before you sign up for that rock-bottom special. The price may be only one of the factors that's rock-bottom!

Foreign destinations, in particular, are full of lodging surprises. You may be amazed at how tiny your hotel room can be, or how narrow the beds. The deluxe hotel might have graceful columns and chandeliers but tacky rooms with bare light bulbs and antique plumbing. Your best bet might be booking a room in a well-known international hotel chain.

Alternately, consider a countryside bed-and-breakfast. While you might give up room service and a TV in your room, you'll most certainly sample the local culture and cuisine.

Whether your idea of a good housing deal is a sleeping bag on the floor of a youth hostel or a luxury suite in an Austrian castle, an advance call to your host or concierge can clear up many of your questions.

Picking Your Room

While online services allow you to pick options such as non-smoking rooms or foldaway beds, you might be surprised to find out that they don't guarantee these services. Check with the hotel to find out if prepayment can guarantee you that king-size bed so you don't spend your honeymoon nights on a bed the size of an army cot.

Consider other factors as well. Rooms on the first floor are great if you're traveling with kids, pets and a carload of luggage. Poolside rooms sound great, but they can be noisy. You might be more comfortable in a suite with a kitchenette when traveling with your family. Alternately, you might be able to book adjoining rooms with a connecting door.

Request rooms on upper floors if you're staying in the heart of a busy city. The traffic is loudest on lower floors. Find out whether your room is adjacent to the elevator or ice machine.

Before you pack, call the hotel to find out if they have irons, hair dryers and other items you can leave behind. If you're going overseas, find out exactly what adapters you'll need to operate your laptop and your cell phone charger.

Making Reservations

When you make your reservation, ask the hotel whether they'll be entertaining large groups or conventions during your stay. That could affect the quality of your service or your overall visit.

Ask about upgrades or special deals. You could wind up with a suite for the price of a regular room. And ask if any additional charges or fees might apply.

Verify what time you can check in and check out. If you'll be late on arrival, be sure to let the hotel know so there's no question about holding your room.

Remember, accommodations are a big part of your travel experience. Make your reservations in advance to find the best place on the best possible terms.