Hotel and Lodging Tips

Ever check into a hotel and find you’ve paid twice as much as the person in the next room? You should use the web to easily check on the Best Hotel Rates. It's easy.

Just like the airlines, hotels charge different rates based on several factors. For example, when you arrive and depart, number of nights you stay, how far in advance you book and type of room you order will all affect the price.

"Rack Rate" is the established rate for any given room. Usually this is the rate quoted first. You must always follow up with questions, such as "Do you have any specials?" or "Are different dates costing any less?" You'll usually get a much better rate from this one tip alone.

You can also get better rates by using online services that “buy” rooms in bulk and can offer lower rates. Due to their volume of sales, they often get much better prices.

Once you’ve arrived on the hotel you want and have a good idea of what the rate will be, you can also go one step further and contact the hotel directly and ask the following questions:

• Do you have any special rates? • What special packages do you have available? • Will I qualify for a corporate rate? • Is there an AAA or AARP rate?

or sometimes a simple "what is the best you can do?" will get the kind of response that you are looking for.

Hotels often will rent out an empty room for much less because it’s better than letting the room go empty and make nothing on it.

CHECK-IN:

Many people forget to specify their preferences at check-in. If you don’t request certain things you’re looking for in a room, often the hotel will assign one to you that isn’t what you expected. When you check-in, specify king bed or 2 double beds, and whether or not you’ll require a rollaway (at extra cost). Depending on your preferences, ask for one near or far away from the elevator and/or close or far from the ice machine. Often you may request a room high up or one on a lower floor. You may also want to consider the view and ask for the best available. Not many hotels have them anymore, but if possible I always like to ask for a balcony!

LODGING SAFETY:

• Upon arrival, check all locks (including safety latch). If not working, notify management immediately. • Familiarize yourself with fire escape routes. • Take advantage of in-room or hotel desk safes. • Consider leaving the radio or television playing when you leave the room.

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