Secrets Hotels Don't Want You To Know

If you're searching for fewer restrictions, a stress-free process, and convenience, you should consider joining a hotel rewards program. Loyal members to a hotel franchise will be rewarded with extra perks.

There is a lot to consider when planning your hotel stay, the obvious being location, price and amenities. But how do you know you're getting the best rate? There are many things to take into consideration. What time of the day and what day of the week are you booking your room? Hotels are not likely to share that they increase their rates over the weekend because their demand for rooms is higher or that you will pay more for your room in the morning.

Similar to airline seats and flights, if hotel rooms are not sold and used they will be wasted. Make your hotel reservation after 6 p.m. for cheaper rates and deals on rooms.

The average hotel room is filthier than a typical home, school, or even a plane, according to a study. The cleaning staff has a quick turnaround for rooms and rarely do they disinfect random items like your ice bucket, phone and light switches.

Bed bug infestation has become more common in hotel rooms. Make sure you check your bed before you sleep in it, or better yet, as soon as you arrive. Bed bugs hide in crevices of the mattresses, headboards, box spring and you may even find them on your luggage rack.

Hotels have a way of charging you hidden fees. An extra $3 to use the safe in your room, a $20 a night resort fee and charging you for what looks like "complimentary" water and snacks are just a few ways they get in your pockets. Other fees include cancellation, grounds keeping and internet. Make sure you read your bill closely to avoid paying any hidden hotel fees.

There may be a celebrity staying in your hotel but you will never know about it – at least for the duration of their stay. Celebrities looking to escape the bright lights, fans and paparazzi will usually pay hotel management to keep their whereabouts a secret.

It's frightening to think, the one place you are supposed to feel safe traveling, may just be the most dangerous. Robbery and assault are common crimes. According to The Seattle Times, "the nature of the crimes is changing, police officials say. More and more guests are being physically threatened in or near their rooms, or worse, attacked, raped or killed."

Believe it or not, one of the dirtiest items in your hotel room is the remote control. The cleaning staff has a quick turnaround for rooms and rarely do they disinfect such a random item. Scary fact: Your remote may have the same amount of bacteria as your toilet seat.

Whether you are in the room or out, always leave the "do not disturb" sign on your door. It's more likely your room will be broken into when no one is there, so send off the impression someone is in it at all times. It is said that the amount of break-ins in hotel rooms are increasing. Always take precaution, be prepared, and don't trust anyone easily.

If you found a better rate somewhere else, try asking for a price match. Many hotels will accommodate you by matching the price of a room stay at a comparable, competing hotel.