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Charlyn's Hotels / Resorts / Inns Blog

By Charlyn Keating Chisholm, About.com Guide to Hotels / Resorts / Inns since 2002

Guest Hotel Reviews: Disney World

Tuesday August 26, 2008
Readers check in with their reviews of Disney World in Orlando, Florida: More guest hotel reviews | Write your own guest hotel review

What Can You Take From Hotel Rooms?

Friday August 22, 2008
Overstuffed SuitcaseMost hotels want you to feel at home in your room, so they fill it with nice things. They're so nice, you might be tempted to take them home with you. But before you start stuffing your suitcase with goodies, take a minute to learn what's OK and what's off-limits to take home from your hotel room. I'll also fill you in on a way you can buy brand-new versions of anything in your hotel room. Best of all, they'll be delivered to your house - you won't have to stuff them into your suitcase!

Image copyright Getty Images

Charged for the In-Room Safe?

Wednesday August 20, 2008
Jamie writes,
I just checked out from a Best Western in the L.A. area after an extended stay. Upon checkout we were informed that we were being charged for using the safe in the room - over a dollar each day! I have never heard of a charge for the in-room safe. We didn't even use it every day.
That's a new one on me, too. It's so frustrating to stay in a low-cost hotel room, only to be surprised by hidden charges when you check out. If you didn't use the hotel safe at all, or if you used it infrequently, you have a case to have the fee waived, especially if you weren't informed of the fee at check-in. The best time to dispute an unexpected charge like that is while you are checking out, before you leave the hotel. Ask to talk to the manager on duty, and be persistent. It is much harder to get a charge removed or refunded after you have left the property.

Have any of you been charged to use the in-room safe? What's the most unexpected charge you've encountered at a hotel?

Related: Avoiding Hidden Hotel Fees

Latest Guest Hotel Reviews

Monday August 18, 2008
Readers check in with their latest reviews of hotels, good and bad. Actually, this week, they're all bad. Come on, guys, anyone have a good experience in a hotel lately? More guest hotel reviews | Write your own guest hotel review

Checking In: Portugal's First Hilton Golf and Spa Resort

Thursday August 14, 2008
Hilton Vilamour As Cascatas in PortugalTerry Ward checked in recently to the Hilton Vilamour As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa in Portugal. She says, "This is Hilton's first foray into Portugal, and they maxed it out with this totally beautiful spa element. It's a mass-scale sort of place, reminded me of Orlando's offerings even, with tons of pools, themed restaurants and just an overall grand scale."

She recommends upgrading to an apartment-style room, as the standard rooms were lacking in living space. "My one-bedroom digs were super posh - I loved its modern aesthetic, pulled off without any compromise to comfort. Double vanities, a jetted tub and yummy L'Occitane shower products made my bathroom like a personal spa - trust me, I indulged."

Profile of Hilton Vilamour As Cascatas
Pictures of Hilton Vilamour As Cascatas
Portugal Hotel Reviews

Image copyright Terry Ward

Blog Carnival: Amazing Travel Views

Wednesday August 13, 2008
Room with a ViewAbout.com Travel guides go to some amazing places. Whether it's celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Ireland, watching a sunrise at 10,023 feet, observing gray whales in Magdalena Bay, Mexico, exploring colorful St. Petersburg in Russia, taking a swim at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, and -- my favorite discovery -- braving Bomarzo Monster Park in Italy's Lazio region, our Travel guides take you there.

Check out the amazing travel photos, including one from yours truly and a trip to an icy wonderland in Park City, Utah at the Chateaux at Silver Lake.

Latest Guest Hotel Reviews

Wednesday August 13, 2008
Readers check in with their latest reviews of hotels, good and bad: More guest hotel reviews | Write your own guest hotel review

New Hotels in August 2008

Monday August 11, 2008
Looking for a brand new place to stay? These hotels have just opened in the past few weeks, or are set to open this month. Get the full list: New Hotels for 2008

Checking In: Disney's Vero Beach

Friday August 8, 2008
Disney's Vero Beach in Florida, about two hours south of Disney WorldAs fun as vacationing at Walt Disney World is, do you ever return from a trip feeling like you need...a vacation? We always try to schedule a day relaxing at our Disney resort. Even so, the pull of the theme parks is strong, and it's hard to stay away for very long. That's why I was thrilled to discover a place with Disney magic far enough away for a peaceful respite.

Disney's Vero Beach Resort is a two-hour drive from Disney World -- close enough to sleep in, drive down and still be in the pool by lunchtime. Yet it is miles away from the theme park crowds, and better yet, it's right on the beach.

Review of Disney's Vero Beach
Profile of Disney's Vero Beach
Pictures of Disney's Vero Beach
Florida Hotel Reviews

Image copyright © Walt Disney Company

Guest Hotel Reviews: Las Vegas

Thursday August 7, 2008
Readers check in with their reviews of Las Vegas hotels: More guest hotel reviews | Write your own guest hotel review
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