Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Consider the pr os and cons of all-inclusiv e resorts and hotels.
The term “all-inclusive” means different things at different hotels.
Many all-inclusive hotels include thr ee meals daily, sports equip-
ment, spa entr y, and other amenities; others may include most
alcoholic drinks. I n general, y ou'll sav e money going the “ all-
inclusive” way—as long as y ou use the facilities pr ovided. The
downside is that y our choices ar e limited and y ou're stuck eating
and playing in one place for the duration of y our vacation.
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Carefully consider your hotel's meal plan.
If you enjoy eating out
and sampling the local cuisine, it makes sense to choose a
Conti-
nental Plan (CP),
which includes br eakfast only, or a
European
Plan (EP),
which doesn't include any meals and allo ws you maxi-
mum flexibility. If you're more interested in saving money, opt for
a
Modified American Plan (MAP),
which includes breakfast and
one meal, or the
American Plan (AP),
which includes three meals.
If you must choose a MAP, see if y ou can get a fr ee lunch at y our
hotel if you decide to do dinner out.
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Book an efficiency.
A room with a kitchenette allows you to shop
for groceries and cook your own meals. This is a big money sav er,
especially for families on long stays.
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Consider enrolling in hotel chains ' “frequent-stay” programs,
which are upping the ante lately to win the lo yalty of r epeat cus-
tomers. Frequent guests can no w accumulate points or cr edits to
earn free hotel nights, airline miles, in-r oom amenities, mer chan-
dise, tickets to concer ts and ev ents, and discounts on spor ting
facilities. Perks ar e awar ded not only b y many chain hotels and
motels (H ilton HH onors, M arriott R ewards, Wyndham B yRe-
quest, to name a fe w), but also b y individual inns and B&Bs.
Many chain hotels partner with other hotel chains, car rental firms,
airlines, and cr edit card companies to giv e consumers additional
incentive to do repeat business.
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LANDING THE BEST ROOM
Somebody has to get the best r oom in the house. I t might as well be
you. You can star t b y joining the hotel 's fr equent-guest pr ogram,
which may make y ou eligible for upgrades. A hotel-branded cr edit
card usually gives its owner “silver” or “gold” status in frequent-guest
programs for fr ee. Always ask about a corner r oom. They're often
larger and quieter, with more windows and light, and they often cost
the same as standard rooms. When you make your reservation, ask if
the hotel is renovating; if it is, request a room away from the construc-
tion. Ask about nonsmoking rooms and rooms with views. Be sure to
request your choice of twin, queen- or king-size beds. If you're a light
