There is not one basic description of what hotel accommodations are offered as a matter of course. Each hotel and chain has its own standards. Certainly, most people have a general idea of the type of accommodations they are looking for, and the basics are usually similar. Clean hotel rooms are at the top of everyone's list. The floor should be clean and recently vacuumed, and the beds should be freshly made. The restrooms should be clean with freshly wrapped drinking glasses or disposable cups made available. Toilet paper and towels should be in amble supply. If there are no additional pillows or an extra blanket in the closet, a quick phone call, and no extra charge, should remedy the situation. There should be someone operating the desk that can answer any questions you may have, 24 hours a day.
Once you get past the basics, everyone's definition of which accommodations are acceptable and which are not will vary. Even the same person can have different ideas, depending on whether he is traveling with his family, or traveling for business. Because of these differences, it is important to prioritize what is important to you, and decide what you can and cannot live without before making hotel reservations.
What Hotels Offer
Hotel accommodations vary significantly between destinations. What is available in one location may not be available in another. When making hotel reservations, ask the hotel clerk what amenities they offer. If something that you feel strongly about is not included, you can ask to be upgraded, or if it is possible for the amenity to be included at no charge. If it is a slow time of year, or the hotel has many vacancies, they are more likely to honor your request.
Hotels offer accommodations that help keep them competitive in the area where they are located. Even chain hotels, with locations around the world, will have different accommodations based on their location. In areas that have a wide variety of hotels to choose from, each hotel will offer more and different accommodations in an effort to stand out and draw business. In areas with fewer hotels, the accommodations may not be as comprehensive, and some amenities may not be available at all.
Money Saving Options
Choosing a hotel with excellent accommodations is an easy way to save money. Even if the initial cost of the room is a little more, when you consider the cost of accommodations, that you will use, it is easy to come out ahead financially. The key part of this conversation is that the accommodations must be ones that you will use. If you do not plan on working at all during your time at the hotel, paying a little extra for a hotel that offers free Wi-Fi is not necessary. If you are traveling on business, and know that you will not have any free time, a hotel with a fitness center is not necessary.
However, if you are traveling with your family, a free continental breakfast can save you 25 or more dollars every day. An indoor swimming pool can provide hours of free entertainment in the evening, which prevents you from leaving the hotel to go bowling or to the movies.
What to Ask
When booking a hotel room, ask open-ended questions, such as what is included in the room. You may be surprised at the answer that you get. Perhaps you thought you would have to pay more for two double beds in a room so that you, your spouse and your young child all have a place to sleep. By simply asking, you may learn that many hotels will provide a portable cot for the hotel room, and deliver it at no charge.
Often, many of the amenities are not widely used. Free maps, free newspapers, in room coffee and hair dryers all make a room feel more like home without costing you a dime. The only way to know if something is offered is to ask. Often, even if something is not a typical part of the hotel accommodation package, the clerk will be able to work with you to provide you with the services that you are looking for. This makes it much easier to get the accommodations you need to be comfortable in your room.
Negotiate for a Better Deal
If there are accommodations that are important to you, but are not available, ask if there is a way that they can be included. For instance, many hotels that do not have on sight fitness centers will provide a pass so that you can work out a neighboring gym. These types of arrangements are relatively common, but are often not advertised. The only way to find out is to tell the hotel clerk what you are looking for and see what they have available.
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