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HOTELS & LODGING -
Extra Hotel Charges (continued)
4. Hotel restaurant charges can also be excessive. Refer to the “Dining” Section
for tips on how to lower dining costs when traveling. However, try to avoid room
service if possible. Many hotels charge extra for this service. Also, before tipping
the room service waiter, make sure the hotel has not already added on a 15%-
5. Another way for the hotel to “earn” more from your stay is to include an “honor
bar” in your room. This is generally a refrigerator in your room that is stocked
with food and drinks, often including alcoholic drinks. The prices are usually very
excessive. Avoid using the honor bar by buying your own snacks and drinks from a
regular store and bringing them to your room. You can even use the in-
do not consume any of the products provided by the hotel, there will be no charge. If there is not a refrigerator in your room, either as an honor bar or just for your use, ask the hotel if they can put a small refrigerator in your room. The charge may be reasonable or even free, particularly if you need it to store medicine.
6. The availability of bellmen at hotels can be a real convenience, but you do not have to use them. Tips can get out of control when one bellman takes your luggage out of the car, one takes it to the front desk and another one takes it to your room. If you have suitcases with wheels, or can carry your luggage, it is fine to politely refuse the services of bellman and do it yourself. Also, make sure your hotel does not automatically tack on a “tipping” charge for bellmen.
7. While many hotels have free parking, many do not. Daily parking and valet
charges can add up to a significant amount of money. If you really do not require
valet parking, avoid using it. It probably is not worth the daily charges and/or
tips. And if there is a parking charge at the hotel, see if free or low-
8. Some hotels are even charging for accepting FedEx and UPS packages for guests.
9. All hotels have a check-
10. Many hotels provide several “freebies” to attract your business and make your
stay more pleasant. In fact, sometimes these freebies will cause you to book one
hotel versus another. In any case, the freebies are there for your use, so do not
be shy about using them. Often they include a coffee maker and free coffee in your
room, use of an in-
11. If you run into any problems at the hotel, make sure to tell the front desk, or if they are serious problems, the manager. Most hotels want to please their guests and will try to correct the problem. Many hotels will also give partial or full refunds if your stay is unsatisfactory.
Hotels and motels are not the only accommodations available for travel, and often
alternative accommodations are both nicer and less expensive. This is particularly
true if you are planning a stay of one week or more, or are traveling with a family.
And many of these lodging alternatives have kitchen facilities and leisure facilities
that offer more variety than a hotel, and can save you money on dining and entertainment.
Many of these facilities can be found at the travel web sites, particularly those
that specialize in non-
1. If you are traveling with four or more people in your party, consider renting a hotel suite with more than one bedroom, rather than two separate rooms. Sometimes suites cost less than two or more separate rooms, depending on supply and demand.
2. If you have a large party, or just like more room, renting a townhouse, condo or vacation home can be the most economical way to go, not to mention being more comfortable and flexible than hotel rooms.
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