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HOTELS & LODGING -
Getting The Best Hotel Rates (continued)
They will also call the 800 reservation number to check rates. When they inquire
about rates at the front desk they will have all the information required to get
the best rate. If the front desk quotes the lowest rate, great. If there is a lower
rate quoted over the computer or over the 800-
e. And when traveling down the road, do not forget to check the visitor centers along the road for coupon books for lodging at nearby hotels. The RoomSaver booklet often has some good discount coupons.
4. When booking a hotel room, make sure to use any discounts or coupons that
are available. These can be available from a myriad of sources including, employers,
credit cards, associations, airlines, car rental companies, hotel web sites, travel
clubs, etc. You can also “Google” for coupons at different hotel chains. Senior
discounts are generally available, as are discounts for children and for longer stays.
Hotels near universities may also offer discounts if you are visiting a student.
Make sure you ask the hotel when you book your room or at check-
5. Of course, if you have reward points from one or more hotels, you will want to check if you can use these points for a free room or other upgrades or perks. You may also be able to use rewards points from airlines or rental car companies for hotel rooms, although they may be worth more if used with the company that issued the points. And make sure you join the hotel’s rewards program to accumulate points for future use. Sometimes, just belonging to the rewards program will result in benefits or upgrades during your hotel stay.
6. For those that are more adventurous and can be flexible, you might try “bidding” for a room on Priceline.com or Hotwire.com. While the selection will be somewhat limited, you might just “get lucky” and get a great room for a very low rate.
The quoted rate for the hotel room is just the beginning of the cost of your stay at a hotel. In addition to state and local taxes that apply, there are many other charges that may show up on your hotel bill. Here are the most significant charges and how to keep them within reasonable limits. When you book your stay, or when you check in, make sure you ask about any extra charges. If you do not feel they are reasonable, have them removed up front, rather than waiting until checkout to dispute the charges. Also, ask for a copy of your bill the night before checkout to see what charges have been placed on your bill so you will have plenty of time to dispute unreasonable or mistaken charges.
1. Believe it or not, some hotels, particularly in resort areas, are adding extra fees for “short stays.” If you book the room for too few days this fee might be added onto your hotel charge, over and above the per day fee for the room. While any “short stay” fee should be disclosed when you book the room, people have been surprised at checkout to find this fee added. Be careful, and if you have not agreed to this type of charge up front, do not pay it at checkout.
2. Internet access is a service that most people now look for when booking a
room. Not so long ago, only the more expensive hotels offered this service; with
dial-
3. Hotels are notorious for billing you for excessive telephone charges, even
for local calls. While some hotels have recently established reasonable rates, make
sure you know what the rates are before picking up the phone to call anywhere other
than inside the hotel. One way to avoid this problem is to use your cell phone for
calls, particularly if you are not charged for long distance on your cell phone,
and you have plenty of minutes. However, be careful you understand your cell phone
plan to avoid extra charges when traveling out of your local area. You can also
use a pre-
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