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Monday, April 30. 2007
The last thing I ever want in a hotel stay is when the bill gets handed to me and suddenly some unexpected charges come up. It happened a few times before, but as soon as I realized that I need to learn a few tricks when making a hotel reservation, these abominable incidences stopped. I actually made some friends at Hilton Garden Inn in Tulsa, and they gave special discounts. At Marriott, I get a few nice deals for my Miles advantage credit card.
Sunday, April 29. 2007
Hotel reservation shouldn't be a pain in the neck. I remember one time we were dining at a small bistro in Chicago area, when someone from another called the waiter because there was a bug on his pancake. Apparently, all he wanted to do was get the pancake replaced, but he screamed all the way as though he was capable of burning the bistro. When the "smoke" cleared and the pancake has been replaced, my friend told me that it's best we don't show such attitude to our hotel agent.
Saturday, April 28. 2007
 When making hotel reservations, it pays to know the people around. If you aren't the gregarious type, simple politeness will do. Some hotels offer packages but only the agents know that. So, if your agent likes you, you're going to save a wad of bills. She can also give you comparison rates on which hotels would offer the most excellent deals without the surcharges. Usually, if you're making reservations on off-season, your hotel agent can pinpoint you to the hotels with the biggest discounts.
Sunday, April 1. 2007
Those who are making hotel or resort reservations always choose the best reservation offer that meets their standards or accommodation needs. One's room reservation should always have certain parameters in order to have a fulfilling and more enjoyable stay. The following guidelines are some of the most important room features to consider when making a hotel or resort reservation.
When traveling with kids, it is best to inquire first if the hotel or resort has childproof rooms. When one has an elderly companion, ask the resort or hotel if their rooms are designed to assist such guest's conditions. Bed sizes and availability of adjoining rooms, as well as the bed arrangements are also frequently asked by bed conscious travelers. Also, the bathroom should be considered and checked, so as to determine if the said room amenity suits one's style and preference. The kitchen should also be part of one's room inquiry because there are some hotels or resorts that have different kitchen features. If a spacious kitchen is preferred, it is best to get all the details with regard to the kitchen amenity.
On the other hand, guests who are in a business travel should see to it that the room reservation contains all the necessary room features, such as a fast Internet service, phones, as well as conference areas. Hence, planning and inquiring for a hotel or resort reservation is very important since it will surely contribute to a more relaxing and comfortable stay.
Saturday, March 31. 2007
If you have a business endeavor in Chicago, and you need to stay in a hotel, do not anticipate an easy reservation because Chicago is one of US's most convention cities. Do not rely on Chicago's more than 20,000 hotel and motel rooms, since it is not that easy to find last minute hotel or motel accommodations. With such, here are a few tips to find the perfect hotel accommodation that fits your style and lodging preference.
If you want a high-tech or luxurious hotel reservation, then the Peninsula Hotel may suit your style. It has an excellent spa, a rooftop pool with an spectacular skyline views, and more than 300 guest suites. All rooms are modern, yet comfortable and relaxing. It also has facilities for meeting spaces and has a fast Internet connection. On the other hand, if you prefer to stay in a chic accommodation, I suggest you check in at Amalfi Hotel Chicago, wherein it offers a relaxing environment fit for your leisure and business affairs. The said place is sleek and sophisticated, with rooms that will surely attend to your business needs. However, the said hotel does not have a restaurant or pool facilities, but it does have in-house stacks of baked goods and coffee. Now, when you want to stay in a place where you will feel like you're still back home, try the Hotel Knickerbocker, that both offers a convenient and comfortable stay. The hotel underwent major renovations that resulted to traditional stripped and floral decor, marble showers, and canopy beds -- a definite home-like environment, indeed.
Now that you know some of the best hotel destinations in Chicago which offers different hotel accommodations that fit guests' needs, you won't have any more trouble choosing which hotel you would like to check in.
Friday, March 23. 2007
With the hectic demands of work and other time consuming matters, there are moments when you forget to make a reservation for you and your sweetheart's dream vacation. At times like this, you might like to consider booking your hotel reservations online.
Today, the Internet poses wide selection of hotel deals that are perfect for work, family, honeymoon, and even for self-fulfillment vacations. However, one needs to make sound and wise decisions in selecting which online sites to consider when booking for reservations. Before making any online hotel deal, conduct quick yet thorough research for the hotel deal that you really prefer. Never be pressured from the wide selections of hotel deals that look inviting. Your choice of preferred reservation is what you should concentrate on finding. Start comparing prices starting from plane fares, car rental, etc. to hotel reservations. If both of you are budget-conscious individuals, look for a not so expensive vacation deal that suites your budget. In such way, you not only save money, but both of you will also have the grandest vacation out of your chosen vacation deal.
Furthermore, also be cautious of online hotel reservations that contain hidden costs in their hotel reservation deals. Remember that there are, indeed, sites as such, so better be aware and smart enough to determine those kinds of hoax hotel reservation online sites.
Monday, March 19. 2007
There are varied ways by which one can save money in traveling. If you are tight with cash and you feel like you definitely deserve a time off from your usual and boring daily routine, you may find the following guides helpful to solve your dilemma.
First thing you should consider is to acquire the deals of your specific important travel arrangements. Try to picture out the best deal that you really want will result to a more enjoyable and relaxing travel. The next step is to become a travel opportunist. Of course, this may not be applicable to some who are very strict with travel budget. However, individuals who are able to travel most or who always go to a lot of new destinations, are considered as travel opportunists. But when you are good in searching for less expensive travel deals, then you do not have to be extremely rich to be called as an opportunist. On the other hand, being patient in finding less expensive plane fares is also a good trick in saving a few bucks from your travel. Still, you must consider your safety and comfortability in booking for a plane flight.
Finally with regard to accommodations, you must first determine if your travel is a long or short stay. If it is a long vacation, you might consider renting a small yet tidy apartment in your desired location, instead of booking into expensive Hotels or motels.
Thursday, March 15. 2007
Your are currently in the process of planning your once in a lifetime wedding event. When you are done with the church wedding, reception, etc. preliminaries, you and your would-be wife are now probably planning for that special honeymoon vacation both of you truly deserved. However, if your budget suddenly tightens on the honeymoon part of your planning, don't worry. All you need is a romantic yet not so costly hotel suite for you and your partner. How to save for a hotel suite while still having the grandest time with your spouse, here's how.
First, it is important to plan your hotel reservations during an off-peak period, wherein the rates of a hotel in a particular location are low compared to peaked-rates. You can determine if the rates are on the off-peaked offerings by checking on the hotel rate information first. Now, you can also use your credit card to earn frequent flier miles reservations. Ask your bank regarding the hotel promotions and deals that they offer by the time of your vacation. Moreover, remember that the Internet is also a great source of affordable hotel accommodations in various vacation destinations. Browse through the net and see if there is a particular hotel deal that suits your vacation style and budget.
Monday, March 12. 2007
 In this age of hotel wake up calls, a travel alarm clock is a kinder and gentler way to be awakened than the excessively loud hotel room telephones. I have my own travel clock, which I bought when I went on a trip to Sydney several years ago. Travel clocks come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, making them very handy and stylish at the same time. It can offer a method of you keeping your time when traveling rather than relying on the hotel services which are on local time for the area in which you are traveling. Traveling, especially a business trip, can be quite a lonely experience, and travel clocks, candles, photographs of friends and family can go a long way toward making you feel at home no matter how far away you are. My travel clock has a picture of me with my entire family when we all went skiing. I consider that vacation as one of my most memorable. It is best to choose a clock that has an alarm that will wake you in the morning without being overpowering and obnoxious. Whether alone on official business or vacationing with your family, good travel clocks will have a huge impact on the way you wake in the mornings and your overall enjoyment of your trip.
Monday, February 19. 2007
 A few years back, I made the mistake of not confirming my hotel reservations before I left for a certain vacation trip. That proved to be a big blunder on my part. Upon arriving at the hotel, where I was supposed to stay, I had to wait a couple of hours before I could get a room. I would have looked for another hotel to stay at, but all the other hotels were also packed; being the busy season that it was at the time. Therefore, I advise you to make sure that your hotel reservations are finalized before boarding the plane. Here are a couple of things that you can do to ensure that you have a pleasant stay in your hotel.
First is to ask a lot of questions from the hotel's representative. Ask them about specific accommodations that you would like from their hotel. You are lucky if they can give you everything that you are looking for. Next, you may want to ask about additional promos that they may have. In this way, you have something to look forward to from the hotel's service. Lastly, you have to meticulously plan the dates that you would like to visit. Be sure to check the price range of the hotel or you might realize that you can't afford it until it's too late.
Sunday, February 4. 2007
There's something about a luxury hotel room that will make your honeymoon become sweeter. In an exclusive hotel room, both of you will whisper sweet nothings while you are far away from the rest of the world. You feel that you and your partner alone are existed in this world. And the romance will tickle your hearts.
But wait, before you continue your imagination, you have to reserve a hotel suite or room for that romantic honeymoon occasion. Since you are occupied with other wedding tasks, you can ask a travel agent to help you reserve a room. Reservation through an agent has advantages. You can save time and effort to shop for the best hotel for you and for your budget. It is the expertise of the agent, and you can rely on his service.
But, when choosing your travel agent, be sure that he is a "reliable" agent from a "reliable" company. You can ask a friend for referral. Also, ensure that all information in the room package, specifically the prices, inclusions, and conditions are VERY clear to you.
Friday, January 5. 2007
 Congratulations! You're finally married. Your nuptial is over, and now you are preparing for a sweet honeymoon. Where do you plan to spend your honeymoon vacation?
Choosing a location and hotel accommodation is an important thing to do if you are planning to have an out-of-the-country honeymoon. Searching on the internet will let you find the best place to visit. If you plan to go to a beautiful European city, you have to check first the weather condition, the culture, the lifestyle, of course hotel accommodations of the city. You can make an online arrangement for your room reservations. But, you should inquire about the hotel reservation policy, transportation from the city airport, and other travel documents that you have to bring with you.
When doing an online reservation, check the profile of the hotel. Remember, you will use your credit card for your online transaction, so it's better to be secured. Also, see if there are pictures of their rooms posted on their site. You can have a glance of the room that you would like to be reserved for you. Check the amenities of the hotel, too.
Thursday, December 21. 2006
 Staying in a hotel during your honeymoon period is a very exciting experience. You will both feel that you are in a very private place and secured from destructions. Your partner will definitely feel the coziness of hotel because of facilities and amenities available in the area.
For a more hassle-free honeymoon period, you should do your hotel room reservation before hand. Hotel reservation task is very easy as ordering your favorite pizza. However, you should search for a good and safe hotel. Internet provides almost all best hotels in the world. If you don't know where the best is, you better look in the telephone directory, or search in the Google or Yahoo search engines for hotel lists.
Of course, you have to know the security, accommodation prize and location of the hotel. Things like this should always bear in mind. It is because your honeymoon days should be trouble-free experience.
You can ask your friends for hotels. Both of you can personally visit your chosen hotels and check the packages. Remember, it is not just an ordinary occasion you are preparing for. It is your most romantic days that you must both enjoy.
Thursday, December 14. 2006
 Making simple hotel reservations can be as easy as counting 1-2-3. But, there can also be possible problems that could come along the way. When making reservations, of course you need to know the basic information about the hotel. You just have to do some internet browsing and you'll see all the information. Through the house phone, you can do your reservation transactions. So, what are the things that you should be reminded of as safety reservation precautions? You should remember that staying in hotels can sometimes be dangerous. So, you have to be really careful and alert.
The first thing is to look at the hotel neighborhood. Is it safe around the area? You can just search on it through the internet. You also have to make it a point to stay away from hotels that have numbers on their keys. Your room number is your own business. You should ask for a room that is not located on the first floor. You also have to make sure that there are enough deadbolts on your hotel door. You have to know where the fire escape is; it's best that your room is near the fire escape. To avoid losing your valuables, you should store them in your hotel room vault. Lastly, you should hang the "do not disturb" sign when you leave and turn the television on. This would make the people think that you're still inside your room. Thus, unnecessary break-ins would not happen to you.
Monday, November 20. 2006
 Before you go off on your holiday trip, you better be sure about your hotel reservations. Now, if you think you can just get what's available then, you're not really grasping the whole idea of getting good reservations. To be able to get good reservations, you must be patient and organized. Of course, there are always available suites here and there even at the spur of the moment, but wouldn't it be nice if you have already prepared for everything beforehand?
The first thing to consider when making reservations is to browse. Browse the internet for your top choices. That way you'd know everything about all the hotels, without going through the hassle of making endless phone calls. After you've seen the price rates of all your top hotel picks, it's time to make those phone calls. At least you have already selected your hotels. You wouldn't have to call all the hotels in your list. Through your phone call is when you'll probably meet an agent that would guide you, and provide you with your much needed hotel information. It's your right to ask for special rates since you're a customer. Of course you may be given the price rate of the hotel room, but there are still hidden rates. Do not assume that the rates given to you is final. You have got to have that money savings ready for extra costs. And when it's all settled and taken care of, you should never forget to deal nicely with the hotel people. Everything relies on good communication and an organized time management.
Friday, November 10. 2006
 On a tight travel budget? Don't know where you want to go? Don't even know where you CAN go? Then, by all means go to the nearest Internet cafe and click on that mouse to HostelWorld.com.
HostelWorld can get you a room anywhere in the world and anytime you choose to go there. For example, you want to go to Italy and stay near the famous Trevi fountain. Of course, there are no guarantees. Once, I decided to go to Belarus for no reason at all. Minsk was the capital city, so I clicked on Minsk. But, lo and behold, no room for me.
But, finding no room is very rare indeed. Perhaps all Belarusian hotels are under renovation at that time, or some Summit or other is in town. But, try any other city besides Minsk and HostelWorld will get you the right information on just when and where you wanted a room in, with your budget considerations included.
Thursday, October 26. 2006
 Budget is not limited to the price of airfare. In fact, accommodations are becoming a major consideration in traveling abroad. Resorts and popular tourist destinations are fast getting into the value added bandwagon. Even in remote destinations provide appropriate lodgings for the occasional Hollywood star. The reason for this is simple: more tourists also means higher maintenance cost and, more importantly, higher risk of damage to the natural or cultural attractions; less tourist with a higher spending ratio will minimize the risk of damage and maintenance spending will go down. A tourist spot which caters strictly for the rich will most likely avoid having to spend on public transportation and waste disposal.
According to PricewaterhouseCoopers, hotel rates have increased four dollars from an average of $86.00 last year to $90.50 this year. This despite the higher cost of airfare. With the increased rates, guests also expect more and better service, which might include a flat screen TV, exercise equipment and special ways of checking out.
Sunday, September 24. 2006
You've been planning your dream vacation for months. Everything seems perfect. The only thing you need now is to have a hotel room where you can stay during your vacation. How do you make a hotel reservation?
Today, the easiest and most practical way of making a hotel reservation is by doing it online where you will be presented with many different hotel options. After making your selection, access the hotel's reservation page on its website and fill up the online form to complete your reservation where you will be asked to give out your personal information and will also give you options for payment and other conditions of your reservation. If you have inquiries regarding the reservation, look for the customer service number on the website and just call them directly to clarify your reservation.
Friday, September 15. 2006
 Finding the right balance between economy and comfort is the ultimate goal of the hotel staying traveler. A good hotel at a good price seems hard to find, so many travelers are often forced to stay in dingy motel rooms full of roaches and cleaned out who-knows-when.
But with the advent of the Internet, the ability to choose and know where to stay when traveling has been greatly improved. Now those who plan their trips can now get reservations from hotels they feel can give them a good deal. The many hotel reservation websites, or even the hotel web pages themselves can offer online specials wherein a traveler can avail of great discounts by simply reserving online!
Of course, as a frugal traveler, one should always be on the lookout for better deals, and that's why it's recommended that when online, it's best to compare the prices against others of the same type, and come up with a decision that will please both your weary body and your budget.
Friday, September 8. 2006
As much as we would want or pretend to, we don't live in a perfect world. Even in the best of hotels, there is always the likelihood of a crime waiting to happen, with or without the knowledge of the hotel staff. That's why it's always a good idea to keep yourself aware of any potential danger, wherever you are.
Always keep your hotel room door closed and locked securely at all times. Turn the deadbolt and latch the door chain while you're inside.
Don't open the door without first verifying who's outside if you're not expecting an employee to come up, verify it first with the front desk and look through the peephole just to make sure.
Use the safe in the rooms (if provided) to keep and store your valuables. If the room does not have one, then check with the front desk if they can help you secure your valuables.
Also, before you check in with your credit card (particularly if it's a Visa), make sure that it complies with Visa's CISP or Cardholder Information Security Program to make sure that any transaction you do with the hotel is correct and secure.
Thursday, July 20. 2006
This is another lighthouse accommodation, and this time it's located in the famous White Cliffs of Dover at St Margaret's-at-Cliffe. Built in 1843, the South Foreland Lighthouse overlooks one of the busiest shipping routes in the world.
The accommodations consist of one cottage, with two bedrooms, 1 single and 1 double. The cottege has a kitchen, bathroom and lobby/living room. Rates are charged on a per week basis and on the amount of electricity and water you use for your stay. The South Foreland Lighthouse is open all throughout the year, but rates vary according to season, so book your stay at a reasonable date and you won't go wrong.
Friday, June 23. 2006
That hotel bill got you beat? Are you paying too high a price when you check in? Or are you just surprised when you get your bill, and it goes way over budget, and you don't know why?
Maybe you've fallen victim to the secret charges of hotels. These secret charges are those that suddenly creep up on you, forcing you to spend, sometimes unwittingly. Or perhaps you know what they are, you just didn't think it would cost so much. What are these tourist and traveler traps?
A simple phone call can cost you an arm and a leg in a hotel. Even those calls you make with your credit card can end up billed to your room bill. It's best to know what these rates are before you pick up that phone.
The mini-bar will cost you mega-bucks. A simple candy bar will cost more than twice the price at a 7-11. Bring your own snacks from here on in.
Tipping. Although it may be an accepted practice, it can get ridiculous at times, with three or more bellmen to carry one simple suitcase. Get luggage with wheels to beat these bellmen.
The internet is not free, at least in your hotel room. The rate for internet use will be considerably higher than normal in a hotel. Bring your own modem and call your ISP for a local number you can use so that you only pay for a local call.
And a large "contributor" to your hotel bill is room service. The gratuity tax and other such "taxes" really pad out your bill. Just get out to grab a bite to eat.
Avoid these five at all costs (pun intended), and you won't go overbudget the next time you travel.
Thursday, June 22. 2006
When some people travel, they may often be forced to leave pets behind, much to their (and their pet's) dismay. All too often, the stress and worrying about a beloved pet will drain out all the fun of traveling.
Now, more and more people are bringing their pets with them as they travel. And now more and more hotels are becoming pet-friendly, allowing pets within the premises when in the past such an action would be unthinkable.
If you do decide to take your pet with you to your hotel room, it's best to remember a few tips before you bring Fido along.
Call ahead, even if you know a hotel as already being pet-friendly. This way, you can clarify and prepare the staff about the needs of your pet and yourself. Take this opportunity too, to ask about other places of interest for your pet.
Remember to bring your pet's favorite toys along. This will keep him or her happy and less anxious about a new location. If your pet is taking medication, remember to also bring a couple of bottles along and have the number of your vet handy.
Have your pet wear some sort of ID that identifies your pet, its owner and the hotel where you're staying. While nobody wants to lose a pet, it's better to be safe than sorry.
Remember to look after and clean up after your pet. We don't want anyone else getting the "gift" your cat left in the hallway now, do we?
Saturday, June 17. 2006
An all-inclusive vacation is, like the name implies, a vacation that everything (food, transportation, accommodation and entertainment) is included in the price you pay for it. Doesn't it sound convenient? Most honeymooners and couples opt to go on an all-inclusive vacation, but remember that families and singles, too, are not unheard of in an all-inclusive vacation as well.
An all-inclusive vacation is often a trip to a resort, and will often only include the basics like food, rooms, on-site facilities use and entertainment. More often than not, if you want to go explore, it will cost you extra.
Also, most of these types of vacations will be in the warm Caribbean or some other island locale. This may be a factor for those of you who would want to get a taste of local flavor.
Understand that all-inclusives will often cater to families more than couples, so if you're going to book one, make sure what type of crowd you're going to hang out with.
An all-inclusive vacation is an excellent way for those on a budget to get away from it all. But those who want a more adventurous vacation might want to check out the scene first.
Thursday, June 8. 2006
Checking into a hotel should be a pleasureable experience, especially if you have reserved in advance. But in this unsure world, it's always better to be safe than sorry. Remember that it's not always a safe world out there, and even in the best of hotels, crime can happen.
As they say, prevention is better than recovery, so keep in mind that while a hotel may be secure, the neighborhood might not be. Always know and research the place beforehand, and the internet is an excellent source of information on just about anything. Use it.
In the interest of security, numbered door keys are best avoided. If you can't then a good deadbolt on the doors should be checked and secured. If you bring valuables, use the hotel safe. If you must leave, hang the "do not disturb sign" and leave the tv on to discourage trouble. But crime isn't the only danger here. Always check and look for the location of the nearest fire escape, just to be safe.
Thes measures might be a tad inconvenient for you folks out there, but it's a heck of a lot better than being robbed, isn't it?
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Hotel Room Comments
Fri, 13.10.2006 15:35
The grand and luxurious hotel reservation at the peninsula of Sinai are well-acclaimed for their contemporary hotel [...]
Fri, 13.10.2006 08:22
Part of my traveling escapades would be dining in various dining establishments in a particular area. For instance in [...]
Sun, 08.10.2006 16:08
When Ernesto "Che" Guevarra was twenty-three years old he decided to go on a trip with his friend, Alberto Granado to [...]
Sat, 07.10.2006 13:02
There are agents who take advantage of you and think you're some kind of a jetsetter.
Sat, 07.10.2006 12:54
I got privilege because of my government employee status. Yes, it's true you gotta be nice to your agent, she can save [...]
Thu, 28.09.2006 19:11
Actually, the hotels do not depend on their lobby WiFi connection. They have two separate WiFi networks , one for the [...]
Sun, 24.09.2006 16:56
We plan to go there this month. Good thing, I don't have to worry about our hotel.
Sun, 24.09.2006 16:56
I have seen the hotel and it's great. You will love your stay there.
Fri, 22.09.2006 13:30
Me and my wife always go to different resorts. It's one of relaxing and staying away from the noise of the city.
Fri, 22.09.2006 13:30
My dad always makes sure that our family spend time together. We usually do it in the dining table while eating [...]
Wed, 20.09.2006 15:38
I went there together with my husband last year and we we're very amazed. The place was so great and the Zorgvliet wines [...]
Wed, 20.09.2006 15:38
I haven't been to that hotel yet because I seldom visit Africa. But with the way you described it, I'm convinced.
Sat, 16.09.2006 14:49
If you're looking for a Mediterranean-inspired hotel, then this is the place to go.
Sat, 16.09.2006 14:49
I like the foods in that hotel. Definitely, there is no "stuffy" cooking there. It's very fresh.
Fri, 15.09.2006 15:15
While drinking a beer after our dinner, my daughter approached me and asked about Paris Hilton and her sister Nicky. I [...]