Sometimes junk mail is actually good. You know those pamphlets you get in the mail sometimes that give you little teasers about books, so you will buy the book? Well, recently one such pamphlet showed up at our house, called “Bottom Line Personal: The World’s Best Inside Information”. It had these really great tips about hotels! So I will share them with you so you are more informed for your next trip!
1) You get the best rate by calling the hotel’s local number and not the 800 number.
Apparently the 800 number links to an off-site call center. When you do call the local number ask for the manager, general manager or director of sales. They have the authority to negotiate rooms.
2) Rooms are more expensive in the morning. The best time of day to make a reservation is after 6 PM – which is when most hotels wipe out all the no-show reservations that were unsecured by a credit card. They offer those rooms at bargain rates.
3) Everything is negotiable. If you think the parking is overpriced, but the lot is half empty, offer less than the daily rate. If you are planning to make a lot of phone calls from your room phone ask for a flat rate for long distance or local calls.
4) Rooms are available even when a hotel has no vacancy. In any large hotels there are always a few “out of order” rooms that have problems such as a stain on the carpet or a missing chair that is out for repairs. If you are desperate, tell the hotel manager that you are willing to take a room with a minor problem.
5) A thief takes one credit card not your entire wallet. Some hotel thieves take just one credit card out of your wallet in your hotel room and leave everything else untouched. This way the victim will not notice the card is gone until it has been maxed-out. Only travel with credit cards you need and check your wallet frequently to see that all is in order.
6) It pays to tip the housekeeper everyday. If you leave a $3-4 tip daily, you will get better service. Housekeepers are the most overworked, underpaid and unappreciated people in the hotel. Tipping and exchanging pleasantries will reduce the chance of your room being burglarized. If the housekeeper knows you and an imposter tries to enter your room while it is being cleaned – they will know it is not you!
7) Your bags are not safe with the bellhop. Even in elite hotels luggage can be stolen right off the luggage carts in the lobby. The hotel assumes no legal responsibility for this. If your bag is going to sit for more than a few minutes ask that it be held in a secure room. Tip: the cheaper and uglier your luggage the less likely it is to be stolen.
8 ) Hotel rooms are infested with germs! Certain items NEVER get cleaned: remote controls, telephone and clock radio, especially. Travel with antibacterial wipes and be sure to clean these items upon arrival. Also bedspreads are often cleaned only every few months, so ask for clean blankets as soon as you arrive!
9) The lost and found is a great resource for cell phone chargers. Cell phone chargers are the number 1 item left behind and most hotels are willing to lend chargers from their lost and found.
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What a cheerful experience!
Rob - June 19, 2007 at 3:11 pm
Hi Jenn,
Site is looking good. I’ve always loved the layout. Here’s another hotel room tip…
When I was in Thailand, my girlfriend and I visited Bangkok for a few days and I wanted us to experience some 5-star luxury. My girlfriend works in a smart hotel in Phuket and knows all the trade secrets.
In the taxi from the airport she called the Lebua Hotel and they quoted her 7000 baht per night (about $200), then she told them that she works in the hotel business and asked for the trade price. We got the room for 3500 baht! She told me that it is a standard practice, like an insider deal. The funny thing is that she didn’t need to peove anything at all. Although I don’t think I would have been able to get away with it if I were the one asking!
hehe.
Take care.
Rob
Jenn - June 19, 2007 at 4:17 pm
Ohhh great tip Rob! Thanks for the compliment!
Nikki - July 19, 2007 at 1:08 pm
Actually, if I could add a few more hints for you (I’m also in the hotel business)…
- If you need to make phone calls, either get a phone card or use your cell phone. Phone charges in most hotels can run at the standard long distance rate + an additional hotel surcharge that can go as high as 200%. And if you’re overseas with a GSM phone, get a SIM card from a local carrier. I promise you, it’s way cheaper than making the call from your room.
- If the hotel you’re going to is a chain/name brand, check for a rewards program. Most of them are free to sign up for, and some (like Wyndham) offer a welcome amenity (like cheese/crackers and wine, etc) in your room. It also gives you priority on possible upgrades and in some cases, free phone calls and Internet usage. And in some cases, it will keep you from being walked to another hotel on a sold-out night.
- Call the hotel directly if you’re looking for a better rate, but don’t be afraid to ask what the occupancy is for the date of your arrival. Sometimes if there are special events in the area, the hotel rates will go up – but if there is nothing going on and there is a possibility you’ll be staying somewhere else, the reservationist will likely drop the rate by as much as 50-70%. It just takes a bit of conversation.
- The travel agent/industry discount is available, but some hotels are starting to ask for proof. Be sure to ask what they require for proof, or they reserve the option to charge full rack rate for the room if you don’t provide proof at check-in. That can be problematic if you’re in a town that is completely sold out.
And finally…
- Do you have a friend or acquaintance that works for a hotel chain? Most of the chains are offering “friends and family” rates for their employees. Those rates can be significantly marked down from regular rates. When I was working for a Wyndham in Tampa, I booked a standard room in Orange County, CA, for a friend of my cousin’s – and she was promptly upgraded to a 3-room suite on her arrival. Those are definitely worth looking into.
Bon voyage.
- Nikki
Jenn - July 19, 2007 at 2:22 pm
WOW! Nikki! Thank you so much for those wonerful additions! Very helpful indeed!