In a previous blog I shared a tip I learned from travel expert Peter Greenberg (the Today show’s travel editor). It had to do with staying healthy at hotels. Greenberg suggests rinsing the bathroom glasses in hot water for at least three minutes in case a housekeeper was short on time and didn’t replace the ones left from the last guest.
The tip itself is handy, though it does make you wonder about the types of living conditions travelers expose themselves to during hotel stays. Not that you need to arm yourself with gloves and a face mask to ward off germs, but it doesn’t hurt to clean the hotel’s TV remote control and phone handset with a sanitizing wipe before using them. I would also suggest using the wipes on surfaces such as hotel doorknobs and light switches. If you are really afraid of picking up germs you should avoid using the hotel’s bedspread and think twice about walking on hotel floors with your bare feet.
PRESERVING YOUR BACK
In other hotel news, Hilton Garden Inn just announced it is helping guests preserve their backs by introducing a new “Garden Sleep System.” Basically, it’s a bed that offers “pressure-free” support and can be made soft or firm via controls. (They’re similar to “Sleep Number” beds at Radisson Hotels & Resorts, but they work differently.) Currently, the hotel chain is in the process of installing the special beds in all of its guest rooms; though the company says don’t expect that job to be complete until 2009. If you want to sleep on one of the luxury beds during your next stay you’ll need to request it when you make your reservation.
PRESERVING YOUR WALLET
With the holidays fast approaching many of us may be spending a few nights on a foreign bed as we travel to visit family and friends. If you are looking for a way to save some cash on your holiday road trip consider the following tips:
Looking for an upgrade on your hotel room? Instead of trying to haggle with the person behind the counter, try sweet-talking the bellhop. In most cases he or she can pull a few strings with pals at the front desk to change or upgrade your room.
Don’t settle for the rates you see on third-party websites. Rather, to ensure you are getting the best rate visit the hotel’s site or negotiate with the property’s manager. Don’t use the 800 number; call the hotel directly.
If you are looking for a really affordable hotel room book your stay with an inexpensive chain that allows last-minute cancellations. Then right before you are due to arrive in your destination city call a more expensive hotel you’d prefer to stay in and try to get a last-minute lower rate. If you are able to secure the lower rate you can cancel your reservation at the first hotel without incurring a fee.
Related Articles:
Travel Tips–Hotel’s Unwanted Guests
Traveling with Children: Finding the Best Hotel Room
Hotels Making Life Easier on “Little People”