RULES TO FOLLOW WHEN BOOKING A HOTEL ROOM.
Rule #1: Talk to a hotel employee:
Many of you have seen those web site price guarantees that claim that you can't find a lower price than you can find on a hotel chain's own web site. They're not really guarantees because I can almost always find a lower price than quoted on the hotel's web site (unless You are looking for a room during a large event).
Rule #2: For a better rate, negotiate!
Remember that everything in a hotel is negotiable. But you need to do it before you check in. Ask the hotel if they will bundle your phone and internet charges.
Rule #3: Get a full price quote:
Remember to get (or at least to call) the hotel to quote you all the charges prior to making the reservation — the excise taxes, the occupancy taxes — you won't get a discount on the taxes, but at least you can budget properly and know the real rate you're paying.
Surprising fees and surcharges:
- Mini-bar restocking charges
- In-room safe surcharges
- Automatic gratuities/surcharges
- Resort amenities fees
- Energy surcharges
- Baggage holding fees
- Cancellation fees
- Early departure/arrival charges
- Internet surcharges
- Telephone call surcharges
- Increased fax charges
- Handling charges for overnight packages