15 hotel tips from airline crews
One would think that airline crewmembers would dread layovers, but many don’t. In fact, it’s just the opposite, the longer some stay in their job, the more they grow to appreciate the amenities of a quality hotel. James Wysong spells out 15 tips to make your experience more pleasant.
Best price guarantees are just about useless
When an airline or a hotel says they have a “Best Price Guarantee” hold onto your wallet. We have detailed the problems with airline “guarantees” and now new research shows that hotels are failing with their “guarantees” as well.
Hotel prices are leveling off for business and leisure travelers
With the increase in airfares, coming airline capacity cuts and high-priced gasoline, it seemed only a matter of time that hotel rates would fall or at least level off to make lodging more affordable for both business and leisure travelers. Over the first half of the year, hotel prices halted their double digit upswing.
Tank-of-gas-away hotels
With the price of gasoline at an all-time high and airfares on the rise, now is the perfect time for travelers to stay closer to home and rediscover their own backyards. Indeed, many vacationers are opting for a “staycation” this year, but rather than staying put, many will find that there are great vacations only a tank-of-gas away.
Hotel deals coming on the heels of higher fuel prices
Hotels are offering more and more bargains in the wake of rapidly rising gasoline prices and airfare increases. As other travel costs rise with the price of fossil fuel, opaque Web sites like Priceline and Hotwire should become more important for travelers looking to save money.
Now you’ll know if you’re getting the worst room in the house
Want to know what a hotel room is like before you even get there? A new site called Tripkick might help.
That’s some cleaning charge
Bart Everson’s bill at an Alabama resort includes a big surprise: a $166 “cleaning fee.” No, Everson didn’t trash the room; in fact, the charge hits his credit card before he even checks in. The fine print in his reservation does mention a cleaning fee, but doesn’t say how much he’ll be charged. Does he still have to pay?
Hotels testing new features
Where can you find a waterproof mattress and wireless electricity? In the X-room, a test guest room at the Courtyard by Marriott in Newark, Del.
Gaylord resort on the rebound
Making headlines for a norovirus breakout and sightings of mice in guestrooms isn’t exactly how you want to open a new resort hotel.
5 travel traps lurking in the fine print
Your cruise ship may not be seaworthy. Your airline isn’t responsible for your checked luggage, and if something’s stolen from your room, good luck getting the hotel to cover your losses. Surprised? Don’t be. It’s all in the fine print. Christopher Elliott takes a look at some travel contracts.