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 | BASIC INFORMATION |  |
- Is the front desk staffed 24 hours a day?
- Does the hotel offer non-smoking rooms?
- Does the hotel allow pets? What size?
- What is check in time? Check out time?
- What is the policy for late check in?
- What is the hotel's cancellation policy?
- How much is the room tax?
- What is the fee for local calls?
| FINDING A DEAL | |
- ask if they offer discounts (corporate, AAA, senior, etc.)
- if lower advertised rate, ask for that rate
- shop for internet discounts and web-only rates
- travel agents can often get better deals
- ask for extended stay discount for long trips
| HOTEL AMENITIES | |
- Does the hotel have a restaurant or cafe?
- Is there a pool or other recreational facilities?
- Is there a playground or other children's facilities?
- Is there a phone in the room?
- Does the room have a private bath?
- Are there business facilities (fax, internet, copier, etc.)?
| MAKING RESERVATIONS | |
- make reservations with a credit card in case you have problems
- travel insurance will protect you if trip cancelled
- read travel insurance policies carefully for exclusions
- check your confirmation for errors as soon as you receive it
- give someone your itinerary -- arrival, departure, hotel
- double check your reservations before leaving
| SAFETY TIPS | |
- find out what the neighborhood is like
- research photos on the internet and in travel guides
- stay away from hotels with numbers on the keys
- ask for a room not on the first floor
- make sure there is a deadbolt on all exterior doors
- doors opening into interior hallways are safer
- check the fire escape route upon arrival
- use the hotel safe for valuables
- use the hotel main entrance after dark
- hang the "do not disturb" sign and leave TV on when gone
Ramona Creel is a Professional Organizer and the founder of OnlineOrganizing.com -- offering "a world of organizing solutions!" Visit www.onlineorganizing.com for organizing products, free tips, a speakers bureau, get a referral for a Professional Organizer near you, or get some help starting and running your own organizing business. You may contact Ramona at comments@onlineorganizing.com.
Source:http://www.onlineorganizing.com/ExpertAdviceToolboxTips.asp?tipsheet=40
