By Devon McCollum
Let’s face it - We’ve all had bad experiences in hotels. You pay quite a bit nowadays to take your family on vacation, and an unpleasant hotel stay can spoil your time away from home.
As a former innkeeper, I have seen families enjoy their hotel stay. I’ve also seen families who had a miserable stay. Of course, it is the focus of the hotel staff to make sure you are completely satisfied with your stay - yet you are among hundreds of other guests who have needs, too. How can you do your part to make sure the lodging establishment of your choice meets your expectations?
1. Tip well
It is true: The better you tip, the better the service. It is customary to tip the bellperson, especially if you have a few large suitcases. Should the bellperson bring you a roll away bed or ice, tipping them will practically guarantee good service. Many guests tip the concierge, as these insiders appreciate tips and will recommend the best local restaurants quicker. No matter what the hotel, housekeepers are among the hardest workers in the industry. It is customary to tip at the end of your stay, yet if they bring you extra towels or toiletries, it is a good gesture to tip them on the spot. They will insure your room stays tidy when you’re sleeping over.
2. Reserve the room
Many guests try to get good last minute deals by dropping in without a reservation or using a coupon book. While you do stand a chance of getting a great deal, you also stand a chance of having to take a substandard room or one you won’t enjoy. This includes the rooms over the pool, the rooms with one queen size bed (without enough room for a roll away bed), and the rooms by the ice machine.
When you reserve the room, make sure your credit card has enough available funds for a pre-authorization. Many lodging establishments pre-authorize credit cards up to four days ahead of your arrival date to make sure the room will be paid for. If your card is denied when the pre-authorization is attempted, some hotels will cancel your room. Also, the pre-authorization can hold funds or an available line of credit for other vacation purchases; do be prepared for this mysterious hold on your card.
3. Plan accordingly
Those who do not reserve a room in advance also encounter sold out rooms. Unless you do your homework on the Internet and make sure nothing is happening in town during your stay, you may find yourself without a room at all. Depending on the event and the city, there may not be a room anywhere near your destination. It really pays to get an Internet deal or book far enough in advance before your arrival.
Many hotels, particularly smaller lodges and bed and breakfasts bump prices up during special events or on holidays. The managers know the rooms will sell at higher prices, and the room rates will be raised accordingly. Any coupons or special rate offers you have probably will not apply during special events. As unfair as it is, this is how innkeepers turn a quick profit.
4. Mind your manners
Getting great service at any lodging establishment is as simple as being nice. It is amazing how many guests are rude or bossy, and the staff never goes out of their way for them. Those who smile, are polite, and treat the staff well will always get better service. Hospitality can go both ways.
5. Make the best of it
There may be circumstances beyond the hotel staff’s control that could throw your stay off. Perhaps there were plumbing problems in the room you reserved, undertrained staff double-booked rooms, or the only room available was in a noisy location. Maybe it is raining during your entire stay. It is important to remember that you are on your vacation and should make the best of it. If you can’t make the best of it, there are probably other hotels you can transfer to after the first night.
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