You are following The Golden Rules of Saving Money While Traveling and shopping for prices online and then calling the specific hotel branches you are interested in staying at. You are a savvy traveler who will be saving money, but don’t forget these 6 questions you should be asking your hotel to save even more cash along with time and stress.
Are any renovations taking place?
At any given time, some kind of renovation, construction or work is being done to a hotel. It is very rare for a hotel to shut down completely. Instead, work is done floor by floor. Most places schedule work to be done off season, but for those of us who like to travel when prices are lower and attractions are less crowded, this can be a vacation ruining issue. When you call to get a price, make sure you ask if any work is being done that could disrupt your relaxation. If there is, decide whether or not the risk of noise and mess is something you can live with and then ask for an even deeper discount. Ask this question again when checking in making sure your room location is as far away from the work as possible.
Where is the location of the room?
If you are near the elevator or banquet rooms, be prepared for noise. Inebriated wedding guests or garbage trucks emptying the trash from the party at 4 A.M. is never pleasant. Ask what is near the room and, if it concerns you, politely ask if there is another room that might be a better option.
Will the pool be heated and open during my stay?
If you have ever seen the deflated smiles of children seeing an empty pool upon arriving to your hotel. It’s the highlight of the trip for most kids. Even if you don’t have offspring, ask for another discount or perk since you’ll be getting once less amenity.
What is the daily holding fee placed against my card at check in?
Hotels know you are going to loot the free shampoo and be tempted to steal a towel, but the establishment wants to protect itself in case your trip goes into ‘Hangover’ territory and you wake up with a tiger in the bathtub and 2 feet of standing water covering the floor. Once the swipe your card at check in, hotels put a hold on your card. It typically hovers in the $200 range, but some hotels charge a holding fee daily. For a ten day trip at $200 a day – that is a $2,000 charge in fees that could take up to 10 days to remove.
Did you get all my loyalty member information?
Most agents will ask you about your membership status, but then forget about inputting later. To make sure you get discounts and credits for your stay, double check.
Does the room have connecting door?
It may not bother some, but the fact that only a few inches of wood separates you from a neighbor might be a concern for some. Noise can flood in easily. On the other side of the coin, if you are traveling with friends or family and want a room that has this option, make sure you ask for “connecting rooms.” There is a difference between “connecting” and “adjoining” rooms. Connecting rooms will have the door; adjoining rooms do not have the doors, but are right next to each other.
The best and, arguably, the most important tip you should take away from any and all advice in making travel arrangements is to ALWAYS be polite and keep your tone in check. Remember manners and being kind is the best way to score discounts and upgrades.