Planning a family vacation or a short weekend getaway? Here are a few guidelines from travel experts for getting the best deal for your family.
Ask About Seasonal Rates
When making a reservation at any hotel or resort, ask the dates of the high, low, and shoulder seasons. Smart travelers can save 20%-30% off high-season room rates by traveling during the low season (also called the "off season") or during the shoulder seasons (the times between the high season and the low season).
For example, a room at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort at Gainey Ranch costs $415 a night during the high season (January through April). Arrive between June 1 and September 4 and you get the same room for only $170 per night. Of course, you are also getting much higher desert temperatures, which might not appeal to your family. When you book a room here for a vacation in May (the shoulder season), you'll pay $320 per night (a 25% savings), and your family gets to see the desert in bloom.
To take advantage of seasonal rate changes, you may need to be flexible about when you travel, but sometimes changing your family's travel plans by just one day can make a big difference.
Check For Packages & Discount Rates
When making a reservation, it pays to ask if there are any packages or promotions being offered during the dates of your stay. Packages may include gift certificates for local shops and restaurants, free meals, a free night's lodging, and fun activities, such as golfing, water sports, tennis, and organized kids' programs.
If you are booking two rooms, ask if you can get a discounted rate on the second one. At Camp Hyatt resorts, a room for kids costs 50% less than the first room (depending on availability).
Check hotel websites before calling for a reservation; most hotels post online-only deals.
While you're online, be sure to check out the official website for the state and the city where you want to stay. You may find a state- or city-wide discount is being offered.
Another source of discounts are organizations such as the American Automobile Association and the American Bar Association. Many hotels and resorts offer discounts (typically 10%) to members. Be sure to ask when making your reservation if you can get one of these discounts.
Watch Out For Hidden Fees
Don't use the in-room hotel phone unless you know it's free. Sometimes the surcharge is as much as $2.50 per call. Ask about phone charges when making room reservations or when checking into the hotel. Your best bet is to use your cell phone or to call from the lobby pay phone.
Keep kids out of the minibar. Instead, ask at check-in time if there is a convenience store or a grocery nearby, then stock up on healthful snacks and drinks. You can use the minibar to keep your purchases cold.
If you need to do laundry during your stay, you may not have to use the hotel's costly laundry and dry-cleaning service. Instead, ask at the front desk if there's a washing machine and dryer on site for guests to use. If you're planning a long stay and know you'll need to do laundry, ask about on-site washers and dryers when you make your reservation.
