By Sheila A. WILLIAMS
Worldwide, it is estimated that the average person visits 38 websites searching for the best hotel, in the best location, with the best room and of course the best price.
Travelling may start on a search engine, but where it ends depends on a number of factors. The ultimate goal for hoteliers is to make sure this search ends on their website with a direct booking or phone call.
A greater percentage of people would book directly with the hotel if they could be sure that they were getting the best deals or not. Hoteliers have to prove their direct site is the best and tips provided below would help you do just that.
Compare rates
Call it strange; but, it is sometimes possible to book a nicer hotel cheaper than its competitor’s rates by giving them a call. So while booking online is very convenient, a call to the hotel informing of a competitive rate by a better competitor might just be the key to getting lower rates than any web-based reservation.
Check reviews
Every hotel claims to be clean and comfortable, but reviews from previous guests are the best way to get a brutally honest opinion.
Check independent hotels
Smaller hotels that aren’t part of a large chain are often open to more negotiation than brand-name hotels. You may be able to haggle your way to better rates.
Call the hotel
If you’re planning to book your stay through a third-party website, give the hotel a call. They usually offer better rates directly, and it’ll be easier to make changes later on. Calling the hotel may take longer to book than web-based transaction, but that’s sometimes how they offer rates. So pick up your phone and give them a call, then compare their rates with what they offer online.
Remember the check-in time
You arrived earlier than expected and want to take a short break at the hotel a few hours before intended check-in time. This may give you a boost for your activities in the next few hours but it also means rushing staff to clean up, possibly compromising the cleanliness of your room. Never show up before the rooms are ready. You don’t want the cleaning staff to be rushed any more than they already are. Check-in time is usually 2pm so it’s good to arrange your journey so you reach the hotel at this hour.
Be friendly
It pays to treat hotel staff with smile and warmth. Friendlier guests are sometimes given perks such as free room upgrades and complimentary hot meals. They’re not your servants to be treated as such. And it’s easy to get back to you – watch out those pillows, bathrobes or bathroom glasses – if you act beyond what’s socially acceptable.
Disable long-distance calling
If you aren’t using it, have it turned off. Employees have been known to make calls from a guest’s room while they’re away. Although it’s easier to trace the call in your bill, you don’t want to be bothered with such nuisance that can cost you 15 minutes or more of your check-out time.
Inspect your room
Rooms aren’t cleaned as thoroughly as you’d probably hope. It’s best to request fresh blankets when checking in to avoid sleeping in someone else’s filth. You don’t want to end up ranting on a travel review website on how bad your experience at that hotel was; just avoid the experience by doing a bit of diligent check.
Check the Mini-Bar
Watch for expired products and broken seals. If the staff didn’t catch it when the last guest left, you might get stuck with the bill. Easy to check, just like the long-distance phone bill, but can be very annoying to be charged for something you didn’t use or consume.
Steer clear of unclean hotel room accessories
Blankets, glasses, and most other parts of a hotel room are only cleaned when visibly dirty. Avoid using non-disposable cups, blankets, and TV remotes. Which brings us to this advice: never interrupt the cleaning routine of your housekeeping staff.
Avoid continental breakfasts
These are never cooked by very skilled chefs, and often come out of a brown paper sack. In general, it’s often better to eat at local restaurants and follow where locals go.
Postpone, and then cancel
If you have to cancel your reservation and don’t want to pay cancellation fees, delay your stay first. This will get you out of the cancellation fee range.
Staying at a hotel is not as pleasing as it sounds. One wonders how your expensive room gets to have this experience. It all boils down to staff that make these hotels function. If you hear workers of a hotel staging a protest on wage, benefits and all, better stay away from that hotel if you can. You don’t want to know how a sullen cleaning lady performs her job when she’s deprived of an honest day’s work.
Writer’s e-mail: eyram.williamsgh@gmail.com
