Quikbook.com 

Quikbook.com Featured Article

Hotel Advice and Hotel Tips

Never underestimate the power of a good night's rest, especially while on vacation or a business trip. To ensure the best possible hotel stay with the least amount of worry, follow these helpful hotel tips compiled by the ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents). ASTA members are trained professionals who know hotels, the services they provide, and, most importantly, the quality you expect.

CHOOSING A GOOD HOTEL

Choosing the right hotel is half the battle. Most Americans will spend hours finding the perfect airline ticket, but only minutes to research a hotel room, often going with the lowest price option. While price is a usually the main factor, remember that all hotels want a full house and strive for this goal every night. To get the best deal, book early through a travel agent and try to be flexible with your dates. Hotels that cater to business people surprisingly will have great weekend rates, which they consider "off season."

Travel agents will ask for special package deals loaded with options or discounts for seniors, families or the military that may apply. They also understand your needs and expectations, so they will be able to choose the hotel that's best for you, based on the amenities and services it provides, along with its proximity to the interstate, airport, restaurants and attractions.

MAKING HOTEL RESERVATIONS

While direct online booking is an option, it's advisable to book through a travel agent. If you choose to contact a hotel directly, travel agents recommend that it may pay to connect in a more conventional way - by phone. Many hotels, both national and independently owned, have toll-free numbers to connect you to reservation specialists. If no such number is available and you must call the hotel directly, be sure to call in the afternoon or night, for the mornings are hectic times while guests checkout.

When making a reservation, confirm the quoted rate and record the confirmation number and the name of the person with whom you spoke. Ask the reservation specialist to repeat him or herself, write down the details, and be clear about the type of room you are getting, if it's smoking or non-smoking, and what are the check-in and checkout times.

Once the room is reserved, document all hotel information and a full itinerary to leave with a friend or neighbor in case of emergencies. If you book your room through a travel agent, make copies of the reservation confirmation they provide you, for it will clearly state the hotel's information and your arrival and departure dates.

Have your confirmation information available when you check-in in case of errors.

GUARANTEE RESERVATIONS FOR LATE ARRIVALS

There's nothing worse than driving or traveling all day only to arrive at the hotel and find out that your reservation has expired and that there are no more rooms available. Know how late is late.

Most hotel chains will hold a normal reservation until 6 p.m. Request to guarantee the reservation with a credit card number. Even if you arrive after midnight, with a guaranteed reservation you will find a warm bed waiting. Hotels hold the right to cancel reservations that are not guaranteed. If you are delayed en route, call the hotel and ask to hold your reservation until you arrive.

CHECKING INTO THE HOTEL

The only obstacle during check-in should be the line at the counter. With your reservation made, hotels will want to usher you to your room as quickly as possible, so have your confirmation information ready and verify that the rate charged is the rate originally quoted.

Know the proper check-in time and ask specific questions about the area and the provided services. Request a card with the hotel's name, address and telephone information in case you get lost exploring the city.

FULLY STOCKED - THE THINGS YOU MIGHT NEED

Depending on your needs, ask if the hotel offers or provides the following:

• Laundry service or in-room ironing board and iron
• Hair dryers
• Voltage converters
• In-room coffee makers, refrigerators or kitchenettes
• Morning newspaper service
• Complimentary meals (usually breakfast)
• Access to fax machine, copier or printer
• Mini-bar or refreshments
• Data port
• In-room safe
• Cable television, movies or video games
• Portable cribs or rollaway beds
• Shuttle service to airport or other points of interest
• Recreational facilities
• Telephone access charges
• Adequate parking

Hotels often have a limited number of internet-ready rooms or hair dryers, so ask for specific items during check-in.

HOTEL SAFETY TIPS = SLEEP TIGHT

Safety is a priority for you and the hotel. From your car to their bed, take a few precautions and don't leave anything to chance:

• Park in a well-lit space near the hotel entrance or your room, and be sure to lock all doors and keep valuables in the trunk and out of sight. If given the option, always ask for a room with an interior entrance. At the front desk, ask that the attendant write your room number down so that no one can hear it, and quickly pocket your key if it has the room number printed on it.
• Once inside your room, lock your door with the deadbolt and the chain lock, and familiarize yourself with the fire exits posted on the back of the door. Do not open the door for anyone unless you verify the identity of the person either through the peephole or verbally, even if you are expecting a friend or room service.

CHECKING OUT WITH NO SURPRISES

At the end of a hotel stay, checking out should be a pleasant experience as long as there are no surprises like left-behind items or incidental charges. Check the room thoroughly before vacating, including drawers, closets and the bathroom, especially behind the shower curtain and the back of the bathroom door.

Most hotels have established checkout times ranging from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you need additional time, request it in advance, or else you may be charged an additional night.

Review the bill to ensure all charges are accurate, and you received all entitled credits and discount. Get a receipt, and if you pay in cash, make sure it is marked, "Paid in Cash."

HOTEL TIPPING ETIQUETTE

Unless your hotel has already accounted for gratuities, tipping various employees is expected, depending on the amount and quality of the service. Here's a general guide:

• Bellhop - $1 to $2 per bag (extra if bags are heavy or cumbersome).
• Coat check - $1 to $2
• Concierge - $2 to $10 depending on the service; 10 percent of the cost for securing hard to find items like tickets to the theatre or sporting events.
• Doorman - $1 to $2 for hailing cab (extra in bad weather).
• Housekeeping - $1 to $2 per night (extra for upscale hotels or if room was particularly messy).
• Room Service - 15 percent or at least $2, unless gratuity is included.
• Valet - $1 to $2 each time you request your car (extra in bad weather).

Quikbook.com Source: Hotel Advice and Tips, Travelsense