Feb 12: Things About Hotels You Should Know

While driving home a few weeks ago, I caught the tail end of a comment by a radio DJ commenting on a list called “Nine things about hotels you should know.” I offer my apologies to our blog readers that I didn’t catch the original source of this list. However, I did manage to jot down a few of the items as I was driving because I thought it was interesting to hear what someone not in our industry was telling listeners (consumers) about the hotel industry.

One of the list items was that parking fees are negotiable. The DJ suggested that if the hotel is neither full nor located in a major city, that you tell the front desk at check-in that you don’t want to pay the parking fee. He said hoteliers will wave this fee oftentimes. Another list item was on getting the best room rate. It suggested to the listeners that they never call the toll-free 800 telephone number, but to always call the hotel directly to get the best rate. One way to get a room when hotels say they are unavailable is to call back constantly (the direct line) just after 6 pm because that is the time that rooms are cancelled from the hotel’s reservation system. They say to keep calling and you might get lucky. Another bit of advice was regarding when you are in a city and the hotel tells you it’s booked. They advised telling the front desk that you are flexible and don’t mind if the room is under repair, etc. but you will take any room they have. They pointed out that sometimes rooms are set aside for minor reasons which really wouldn’t affect your stay.

The last item I jotted down from the list was regarding cleanliness in hotel rooms. They said to never ever touch the bedspread -- to immediately remove it from the bed (using tissues from the bathroom on your hands) and set it aside. Another item they suggest never using are the water glasses – occasionally not fully washed by the maids, supposedly. They suggested bringing disinfectant wipes for the telephone, remote control, clock buttons, etc.

So what do you think hoteliers? Was this advice to consumers on the money or a little off the mark?