According to the U.S. Travel Association, 90 million Americans used the Internet to make travel plans in 2009. Overnight lodgings were one of the top travel products and services booked online.
Internet access has made hotel booking as simple as clicking your mouse and many Americans are taking advantage of this quick option. If you wish to book a hotel, use your computer to make your reservation within five minutes. Although the steps may change slightly depending on the hotel for which you are booking, the process is generally the same.
Access the website of the hotel for which you would like to make your reservation. Select the "Reservations" link on the web page.
Enter the city and state in which you want to book a hotel. Enter the dates you plan to check in and out of the hotel. Select the number for guests and/or number of guest rooms you wish to reserve.
Select the hotel you wish to stay at from the list of hotels that will populate based upon the criteria you entered. This may cause you to have to reenter your reservation information, including the dates of your stay. However, most websites will automatically transfer this information to the next page.
Select your desired room type from the list of available rooms. Typical options include, king or double beds and suites. Additionally, make sure to indicate whether you prefer a smoking or non-smoking room if this option is available. If you do not have a preference, select the "no preference" option.
Also if you have any special needs or requests, such as handicap accessible, make sure to indicate this by selecting the appropriately marked box.
Enter any promotional, coupon or discount codes you have in order to save on your booking. Typical promotional codes include those for AAA membership, military or government employees, travel agents and corporate accounts.
Select the room rate and room type that most suits your travel needs and/or preferences. Make sure to review all of the rates before making your selection as lower rates are sometimes listed in the middle or bottom of the page rather than the top.
Review the booking information you have entered thus far. This information should include your dates of stay, hotel name and location, room type and room rate plus tax, as well as any special requests you have entered. Verify the accuracy of this information before continuing.
Enter your identifying information into the reservation. This includes your full name, address, phone number and email address.
Read the additional information provided on the page including parking information, check in and check out times, hotel rules and restrictions.
Enter your payment information into the correct field. This includes your full credit card number, card type and expiration date. Verify the reservation information one more time before submitting your reservation.
Submit your reservation and record the confirmation number for your records.
