"The hotel was a quarter mile from the convention center. Good-sized room. The bedsheets were old, and it looked like a mattress cover was being used as a blanket. The hallway carpet was dirty. The employees were mostly very nice, but the front desk clerk blew off our concerns. The breakfast area wasn't well-designed, and there was nowhere to stack dirty plates. One morning there was no cutlery or butter. Parking was entirely inadequate; we had to park across the street.2016-08-02"
"The room was spacious and quiet, but it hadn't been cleaned and there were no towels. I called the front desk and got keys for another room. The clerk was kind and apologetic, but the housekeeper wasn't happy with me. The 2nd room was cleaner, but the sofa was worn. We stayed in town a few extra days, but moved to another hotel.2015-09-04"
Beware of non-refundable reservations that could cost you a lot of money if you change or cancel them. +Non-refundable reservations are a gamble that will usually save you less than $10. If you make a $90 non-refundable reservation instead of a $100 refundable booking, you are betting $90 to win $10. Would you do that in Las Vegas? -
Don't assume you can cancel a non-refundable reservation without penalty if you notify the hotel weeks or even months in advance. +Often you cannot – because some hotels' profit strategy is to get paid more than once for the same room for the same night. -
Always read cancellation policies carefully before you make a reservation. + When is the latest date and time you can cancel without penalty? - More >
When you make a reservation, you will receive a confirmation email. Take a copy with you to the hotel.
The earlier in the afternoon you check into a hotel, the more likely you will get a room or suite that matches your preferences.
