Week 1 Tips Is the "five-star" hotel you've just booked hiding some dirty secrets? Here are some tips that may save you from an unpleasant stay at your next destination.
Get names: When making reservations, arriving at the hotel, and at check-in, nicely get the name of the people you are dealing with. Keep track of dates, times, and promises made - should anything go wrong, having a personal connection can be extremely helpful.
Check the loo: Public restrooms in the lobby and salt-and-pepper shakers in a hotel's restaurant can be the first indicators of cleanliness and attention to detail. If an establishment is willing to let these things slide, it does not bode well for everything else.
Keep an eye on the staff: Service people should be friendly but not familiar. Overstepping these boundaries can leave hotel guests feeling like they're not dealing with a professional establishment.
Employ the "white glove" test: All reflective surfaces should shine and there shouldn't be a fingerprint in sight.
The guest is always the star: Guests should receive undivided un-rushed attention when interfacing with hotel personnel.
Inspect the bedding: Cheap bed linens feel cheap. When cutting budgets, hotels shouldn't skimp on these make or break items.
No, those plastic tulips won't do: At higher end hotels, there should be no substitute for real flowers, fresh fruit, or wax candles.
Make sure you're getting the best deal: A smart hotel staff will encourage guests to be repeat customers if they clue guests into great deals and present them as a 'best-kept secrets'.
If you see a tray, do not stay: Room service trays shouldn't be left outside of guest rooms...It's bad for the soul.
They should thank you in the morning: Guests should be thanked for their business, there are many hotel chains and if you have chosen to give your money to a specific one, you should be made to feel that they are grateful for your business.
