Fast Five Travel Tips: How to get more from your hotel

Most vacations include a hotel stay or some sort of rental. Ask any hospitality employee, there are better rooms, perks, and services you may or may not be aware of. Here are 5 tips to improve your odds of seeing the best possible stay.

1. Smile and be patient when you check in. You, and every other traveller is tired and cranky after a long day. How would you like to be the clerk on the receiving end of this every single hour of every shift? So, smile, be patient and engage them in conversation like you would a friend.

2. Identify your priority. Choose one thing you would appreciate in a room, and mention it. Don't ask for the world. Want to be close to the pool? The lounge or the shuttle stop? Be realistic though. If you Hotwired a room, don't expect the Regal Suite without a serious upgrade charge.

3. Ask.  Just because they note a resort fee, doesn't mean it's mandatory. Ask if it can be waived or reduced. If you don't use the tennis court and daily newspaper you might not have to pay for it.

4. Loyalty club. Clubs are free to join. It's a way for the hotel to track your stays. The more you stay, the more important you become to them.

5. Money talks. Don't forget to tip your servers, your valet and even the front desk. Flash the cash when you walk in to enjoy a better stay. Don't save it for your exit. Gratuities are a form of appreciation and respect. The hospitality industry is hard work for generally little pay. Your gratuities make a difference.

Fishing for a great hotel deal

So, if you're planning a trip, it's best to do it at least 6 weeks in advance. Between 6-8 weeks out is when you will find your best flight prices.

In getting a hotel deal, I think it's great to go fishing. Fishing? Visit the web sites and test the waters. For example, if you are thinking about a Disney vacation, visit their web site and sign up to receive their emails. Make a few searches for the dates and resorts you are looking for and then "walk away". Don't visit the web site for a couple days. Typically... an offer.... a sweeter deal will arrive in your e-mail inbox in just a few days.

This happened recently for me, on hotwire.com.  Same has happened with Delta Vacations and Air Canada at other times. The cookies your ip address leaves behind with your search, and your e-mail that you voluntarily give them to contact you with offers is all you need to nab a better bargain.

And while I'm not actually going to Newport Beach, Ca those dates, it is certainly helpful to get a baseline of prices so I CAN budget for it and plan for the future should the stars align.

Then again, they might send an offer so sweet I can't say no.

Fast Five Travel Tips: Choosing a Hotel

Most vacations include a hotel stay. Choosing a hotel can be a big deal, especially if you are vacationing as a family. Each person has their own wants and needs. There's a budget involved, but most important is often the location. Just like in real estate... location, location, location.

1. First step is to determine what your vacation centres on. Are you spending 5 days at Disneyworld? Would staying on-site being a benefit? Or are you going to the beach, Seaworld, Universal Studios, or a museum? If that's the case, perhaps a central location is a better choice?  Is the hotel just a place to sleep, or do you like to lounge, kick back and rest at the resort?

2. Space. How much space do you need? Are two queen sized beds good enough, do you need bunk beds or a kitchen? What do you need to be comfortable? Most hotels have a pool.... but is it a deal-breaker if yours doesn't?

3. Safety. You need to be safe. It's no bargain if it's a scary, scary neighbourhood.

4. Price. Price takes a fair bit of research. Check all the popular sites... travelocity.ca, hotels.com, expedia.ca, hotwire.com. PLUS check the hotel's own website. They just might have the best price, or perhaps a package that suits your needs. Do you have a AAA card, or military discount? If yes, skip the discount sites and try the hotel itself first.

5. Research! Before you commit, check Tripadvisor.com  The good people of trip advisor offer a wealth of hands on experience, tips and honest reviews. Not everyone will have your tastes or priorities, however, I tend to agree and trust what the majority says.