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Hotel Tips
Thursday
June 7, 2001
Cramped quarters, peeling paint, a room with no view , we all have our share of hotel horror stories. But how do you get a good deal, a great room, and super service? It may not be as hard as you think.
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First of all, do your homework. “Extra’s” travel detective Peter Greenberg says, “Unless you know the right question to ask, you're not going to get the information you need to make yourself a better traveler."
Greenberg says that aside from a clean safe room, what really matters are things like internet access, kids programs, speedy valet, solid room service, and good water pressure.
So to avoid disaster, there are at least five things you should know when choosing your hotel.
- Don't call those toll free numbers for reservations.
Call the hotel directly. You'll get a better deal and if you book on Sunday afternoons. You'll likely get front-desk clerks desperate to unload vacant rooms.
- Never check in using a credit card with a preset spending limit.
The hotel could max out your card before you even check out! Greenberg says, “What the hotel is really doing is protecting themselves in case you rip off that mini bar of steal a couple of extra towels."
Instead, hand the clerk American Express or another card that has no limit, even if you have no intention of using it to pay the bill.
- If you like good pressure and hot showers, ask for rooms on a floor with a water pump. Make sure you don't get stuck right next to the elevators or construction. Greenberg says, "At any given time there's at least one entire floor closed down for construction or renovation. You don't ask that question you are in the jackhammer suite."
- Have the maid remove the bedspread and give you fresh pillows. You don't want to sleep with someone else’s germs!
Getting where you're going is stressful enough. If you follow our tips, you'll have a clean and quiet place to sleep once you get there.
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