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Getting The Best Hotel Rates (continued)
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. There are also some ideas on how to take advantage of some extras that may be free during your hotel stay.
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-
4. Hotel restaurant charges can also be excessive. Refer to the tips under the
“Dining & Attractions” heading in the “Travel” 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-
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-
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