Telephone
Charges
Check what the phone charges are at each hotel you stay in.
Many hotels charge as much as $1.50 (or more) for local phone calls.
Long distance rates can be unconscionably high. Even 800 numbers (such
as the one you probably use for your calling card) can come with a high
price tag. Before you make a call, check the rates. They should be posted
somewhere in the room. If you don't see them, call the front desk and
ask.
Room
Service
Room
service is expensive. At the last hotel I stayed in, an "American
Breakfast" (two eggs, bacon, toast, coffee and juice) cost upwards
of $30. Avoid ordering it if possible. Walk down to the hotel restaurant
to order, or better yet, walk down the street.
When you
do order room service, pay close attention to the fees tacked on to
the bill. Many hotels charge a "delivery charge" of several
dollars added to the already steep prices. Plus, most room service bills
automatically add a 15 percent gratuity. Overlooking this can cause
you to overtip, so beware.
Internet
Access
Many hotels are adding high-speed Internet access to their
amenities. This is a great service if you are doing a lot of work online
while on the road. Be aware that there is usually a charge for this
service (generally $10 per day). For a quick email check, you may want
to use your modem and dial-in. With a local access phone number (talk
to your ISP), you will only pay the hotel's fees for a local phone call.
Honor
Bar
If you have late-night food cravings, plan ahead and pack accordingly.
Otherwise, that 3 a.m. Snickers bar may cost you five bucks. The honor
bar tempts you by stocking tasty snacks, alcohol and other luxuries
right in your room for convenience, but you are definitely paying for
it.
If you
don't prepare, you may not have a choice but to pay the premium. Last
time I was sick, I had to shell out $11 for two Pepto-Bismals and a
couple of Advils. To avoid that situation, pack an emergency kit with
first-aid supplies, common medications and perhaps a sewing kit for
loose buttons.
Bellman
I hate to be unsympathetic to the situation of others, but
I have to say, in the case of some hotels, the bellman situation is
getting out of control. On a recent trip to San Francisco, I had a total
of three bellmen help me with my luggage -- one to take it out of the
cab, one to bring it to the bell stand, and one to take it to my room.
That's a lot of tipping. Save yourself the aggravation and buy a "Bellman
Buster" -- a suitcase on wheels -- and wheel it to your room yourself.
