Triangle Trip

As someone who has spent too many nights at hotels and at one hotel for extended periods, I would like to share the following best practices with you:

1.  If you’re going to be at the same hotel for an extended period of time, always make multiple bookings for weeks in the future. For example, you will be at the Marriott for the next two months, make your bookings from Monday to Thursday/Friday for eight weeks straight. 99% of the major hotels do not have early deparature charges, cancellation fees or require deposits for making extended room reservations. Just make sure you call to cancel ahead of time.

2.  In the event that you forgot the cancel, most hotels are very forgiving and apply credit to your next night/stay. If you missed the cancellation window and don’t want the hotel to charge your card, simply call the front desk and tell them your flight was delayed. It works every time.

3.  Always use your client’s rate. Generally the client you are working for or a company near by the hotel has a preferred rate with the hotel chain. Call the chain to find out if there are discounts available for you. For example, you are doing work for Cisco in San Jose and you want to stay at the Hilton on Santa Clara Blvd. Call the Hilton and tell them you would the Cisco rate. Most hotels would honor your rate even though you are not an employee. I am also sure my audience can come up with creative ways at check-in to secure the rate if an employee ID is required 😉

Enjoy your stays at the hotels. Hope everyone’s capitalizing on the SPG & Hyatt bonus promotions.