All Hotel Rooms Are Not Created Equal
We have all become a little savvier about shopping online and getting the best deals. We visit various stores, check out the merchandise and then look for special offers, coupons, or free shipping. It's pretty much a given. But, when it comes to choosing a hotel (which is far more expensive than most online purchases) we're more than likely tuse a recommendation from a friend or a pretty picture.
When you have a choice, choose a name brand hotel like Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, Barcelσ, Wyndham, or others. Competition breeds success in the hotel industry and the only thing that makes one better than another is their service and attention to detail. Smaller boutique hotels are often beautiful and quaint, but unless you know someone who has stayed there, be very cautious. Check out the hotels individual website before choosing a hotel from a service like Hotels.com. These travel services are excellent, but they don't know what you like, until you do.
Once you get to the hotel, Here' are a couple of tips I've learned after many years of traveling. Try one out on your next hotel stay.
When making your reservation, most online forms and most reservation agents will ask if this is a special occasion. Think of one. It goes a long way to making your greeting more enjoyable when you arrive.
Whenever possible, call the hotel directly and ask questions. Even if you can't make a reservation directly, you can get a contact name, learn about the property, and know what you are reserving when you do call their central reservation number.
When you arrive, park your own car. Most hotels offer valet parking for about $20 a day...they forget to tell you that you can park it yourself, free.
Pack a bathing suit; cover up, suntan lotion and a book in either a separate bag or on the top layer of your suitcase. Most check-in times are not until 3:00 in the afternoon, so don't waste a day. Grab your swimsuit and head for the pool. The hotel will store your bags and bring them to your room when it is ready.
All rooms are not created equal. Before registering, ask the front desk agent to show you the room or several rooms from which to choose. Most will be happy to do so. Look at the view; listen for noise, the exposure, check if you are by an ice machine or elevator. Only after you've done this, can you know if you are getting the best value for your buck. And don't be afraid to say that the room or the room location is unsatisfactory. Remember, this is a service industry and especially in a time of poor economic conditions, they want to please you.
Don't be afraid to ask for an upgrade. Some hotels put special rooms aside for "Special Guests". Why shouldn't you be one? Often, if they are not being used, they will "bump you up".
Make a point of asking for the name of the person with whom you register, call them by name, and, if they deserve it, compliment them on their attentiveness. Say "hello" when you see them next, you might just find a special bottle of wine or other token of thanks in your room the next day. Keep the name and call them directly for your next reservation.
Even after you've done all this, my husband never unpacks until he gets the lay of the land. By this I mean, check out how far you are from the pool, restaurants, etc. Nobody wants to spend their vacation walking a mile for a cup of coffee.
If there's a mini-bar or refrigerator in your room, think about stopping at a local grocery and replacing the "expensive" items with a few of your own. You will save tons. A typical glass of orange juice in a hotel is about $4.50, so does your own bottle of 92 ounces!
Use the concierge, but ask questions. Tell him exactly what you like and don't like at a restaurant and ask to see the menu. This eliminates surprises.
The night before you are ready to leave, check every nook and cranny of the room for misplaced items. Look under the beds and in the closets. Unfortunately, most things left behind are never found.
If you aren't catching a plane in the morning, call the front desk and ask for a "Late Checkout" .Most hotels will gladly give you an extra hour or two. If you still need more time, many have special changing rooms for you after you've spent a day at the beach or pool.
If you aren't leaving until later in the day, leave a large plastic bag for wet bathing and other last minute items. Store these items on the outside of your suitcase to avoid chlorine smells and dampness from getting into your other clothes.
Once again, remember that the hotel industry wants your business, but they can't read your mind, so speak up!
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