Hotel Checklist

Is the front desk staffed 24 hours a day? Does the hotel offer non-smoking rooms? Does the hotel allow pets? What size? What is check in time? Check out time? What is the policy for late check in? What is the hotel's cancellation policy? How much is the room tax? What is the fee for local calls?

Ask if they offer discounts (corporate, AAA, senior) If lower advertised rate, ask for that rate. Shop for internet discounts and web-only rates. Travel agents can often get better deals. Ask for extended stay discount for long trips.

Does the hotel have a restaurant or cafe? Is there a pool or other recreational facilities? Is there a playground or other children's facilities? Is there a phone in the room? Does the room have a private bath? Are there business facilities (fax, internet, copier)?

Make reservations with a credit card in case you have problems. Travel insurance will protect you if trip cancelled. Read travel insurance policies carefully for exclusions. Check your confirmation for errors as soon as you receive it. Give someone your itinerary -- arrival, departure, hotel. Double check your reservations before leaving.

Find out what the neighborhood is like. Research photos on the internet and in travel guides. Stay away from hotels with numbers on the keys. Ask for a room not on the first floor. Make sure there is a deadbolt on all exterior doors. Doors opening into interior hallways are safer. Check the fire escape route upon arrival. Use the hotel safe for valuables. Use the hotel main entrance after dark. Hang the "do not disturb" sign and leave TV on when gone.

Location. Where is the hotel located? Downtown? Near the airport? Near historical sites?Rooms. What types of rooms does the hotel have available? Examples: single, double, smoking/non-smoking.Rates. What are the room rates? Does the hotel offer any special or promotional rates? Examples: advance purchase discounts, weekend specials, rates which include breakfast and/or other amenities, corporate rates.Taxes. What taxes are involved with my hotel stay? Examples: room occupancy tax, state tax, departure taxes, surcharges.Reservations. Can my reservations be guaranteed if held with a credit card?Confirmation. Does the hotel issue a confirmation number? Can I receive a copy of the hotel confirmation in writing?Basic information. What are the hotel's address and phone/fax numbers?Parking. What types of parking facilities does the hotel offer and what are the costs involved?Amenities. What special features does the hotel offer? Examples: restaurants, pools, on-site recreation.Accessibility. Is the hotel accessible for the disabled?What are the hotel's check-in and check-out times?

Hotel Checklist

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