FIRE SAFETY
- A fire evacuation plan is posted on the door of your room. Review it thoroughly. If a plan is not posted, contact the front-desk manager to obtain a copy.
- Check the exits that are nearest your room to ascertain that departure will be unhindered.
- Every alarm or unusual sound should be taken seriously. Act immediately.
- Should the fire be in your room------leave immediately, close your door and contact the front desk or the fire department.
- Do not open your room door if it is hot. Turn off air conditioners and fans, as they will draw smoke into the room. Seal the base of your door with wet sheets or towels to prevent smoke from drawing into your room. If you can see smoke outside, leave your window closed----fire and smoke can enter an open window. If it is clear outside, but there is smoke in room, try opening your window--but be ready to close it should more smoke enter.
- Use only fire escapes or stairwells to exit. Never use an elevator.
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PACKING ADVICE
Seasoned travelers are easy to spot. A single piece of luggage, if any, will be what they check. Valuables are ALWAYS carried with you.
- Solid colors can be mixed & matched and worn more than once. Dark colors will hide stains. Bring garments that do not wrinkle easy.
- Bring no more than two pair of shoes. One for dress (black- flat heel for females) and one casual will usually suffice for even extended stays.
- Do not duplicate items of clothing. If you confine yourself to a single garment each of light, medium & heavy weight outwear, and one long sleeve, one short sleeve and one sleeveless shirt etc., you can create different outfits by layering clothes without over packing.
- Heaviest and bulky items should be placed in the bottom of your suitcase and delicate items on top. Shoes are placed around the perimeter with the soles facing away from the clothing. Undergarments rolled-up and placed into jacket shoulder will not loose their shape.
- If you are driving to a destination and you need to make stop-over’s consider a small bag with everything you need for the night only. Pack this bag last so it will be the first you have access too upon arrival.
- Wrinkled garments hung up in the bathroom will take advantage shower steam to help smooth them out.
- Take advantage of miniature personal care products that the finer hotels offer. After using these products, they are the ideal size for refill on your next trip. Hand creams, conditioners, shampoo, and soaps should be packed separately from clothing, preferably in plastic containers (zip-lock bags). Luggage is tossed about and you don't want your garments to be covered with perfume when you arrive.
- NEVER, EVER pack jewelry, cameras, camcorders or any other valuables in luggage that will be out of your sight or possession, even for the briefest of moments.
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TIPS FOR SAVING......
...at many lodging establishment is usually as simple as asking.
- Senior citizen, frequent flyer, Travel clubs, corporate as well other business discounts are available, but only if you ask for them.
- Hotel-Motel chains usually promote special rates during the off-season. Booking in advance can yield excellent savings also.
- Look for the extra bonus. If complimentary continental breakfast or complimentary cocktail hour is included in the room rate, this can cut your travel costs considerably.
- If you are on the road without reservations, call the front-desk manager---even from across the street in a pay phone, and ask. If occupancy is down you may get a nice deal.
- Call early in the day. Again, if occupancy is down, the front-desk manager may be willing to negotiate or offer special rates.
- Compare rates from several sources, even at the same Hotel-Motel that you wish to stay. The lowest rate is going to come from the front desk manager with a list of unoccupied rooms, not the national reservation number.
- "Low" or "Off" season is always less expensive than peak tourist season.
- Use shuttles if available. Many lodging establishments offer airport transportation. Even if they charge for this service, it will be considerably less than a taxi or rental car. This is especially enticing if you are visiting a complete vacation site such as a resort.
- "Fly-drive" packages are available at many major resorts.
- Entertainment coupon books often offer resort discounts.
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LODGING ALTERNATIVES
Not so long ago the styles of hotels were limited. As the extensive highway systems were developed in the early 1950s, a low-rise stopover with ample parking called a motel was created for public convenience. As millions took to the roads, travel and tourism flourished. Alternative lodging styles are as diversified as the American people are and as the American geography first became a need, then a reality.
All-Suite Hotel
(The most important and the most rapidly growing innovation since the motels according to the American Hotel and Lodging Association) All-suite offers a separate sleeping and living area in addition to limited kitchen facilities. Larger living areas appealed to groups and families as well as other travelers who do not require the full service hotel. All-suites offer the full spectrum of rates from economy thru luxury. Many All-suite hotels offer a complimentary cocktail hour and continental breakfast. top
Bed & Breakfast (B&B) Inns
(A recent phenomena that has become increasingly more popular) B&Bs typically are a private home and operated by a resident owner. Often they have as few as 2 rooms, or as many as 20 rooms. The opportunity to receive personal service, information about the local area and the hospitality of a private home, helps create the unique appeal of the B&Bs. For additional information on B&Bs, contact the American Bed & Breakfast Association at 804-379-2222. top
Country Inns
Cozy overnight accommodations that are usually outside of the central commercial area and offer some of the same charm as Bed and Breakfast Inns. Country Inns however, offer additional facilities such as swimming pools, fitness centers and full scale, on the premises restaurants. For more information on Country Inns, call the Independent Innkeeper Association at 800-344-5244. top
Lodge
Usually two or more stories located in lush vacation settings for hunting & fishing & skiing, etceteras. Food and beverage service are typically located on the premises. top
Hotel
Typically of multi-story construction that will offer on the premises dining room, banquet and meeting facilities, valets, room service, coffee shop and cocktail lounge. top
Motel
One or two stories that will usually have playground or pool. Food service is limited. top
Resorts and Guest Ranches
Geared for extended stays of one week or more. Emphasis on outdoor and recreational facilities; Often they will offer Modified American Plan Meal (breakfast & dinner). For low rates at luxury facilities, consider the off or low season for your vacation. top
For additional information on any lodgings in the US or Canada you may E-mail to TravelNET@aol.com.
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SERVICE ANIMALS
The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) prohibits public U.S. Businesses from discriminating against any person with disabilities. Businesses have mistakenly denied access to disabled persons with service animals. All business MUST permit entry to guests and their service animals, as well as allow service animals to accompany guests to all public areas of a property.
A business is permitted to ask if the animal is a service animal or a pet, and whether the guest has a disability, however they may not inquire as the nature of the disability or the
service provided by the animal. They also may not request nor require proof of a disability or certification that the animal is a service animal. These regulations do not apply in Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean.
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DEPOSIT, REFUND, AND CANCELLATION POLICIES
Many lodging establishments offer a full refund deposit if they are notified at least 48 hours before their normal check-in time. It is recommended that at the time you are providing the deposit you inquire as to the specific requirements of each establishment.
If an establishment requires full or partial payment in advance, and you are unable to make the trip, or have an early departure, a refund may not be given. Speak with the General Manager. If you are reasonable, and have a logical reason for cancellation or early departure, they will work with you.
If you need to cancel a reservation, phone, e-mail, or fax the lodging establishment immediately. Keep a detailed paper trail of the date, cancellation number if there is one, and the name of the person who handled your cancellation.
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WHERE TO STAY: COMPARING LODGING COSTS
The information provided in this Web Site includes the vast majority of Hotel-Motel chains that are currently operating in the US & Canada.
"Economy" or "Limited Service" facilities typically do not offer food or beverages. Some may provide a complimentary continental breakfast, and there is usually a restaurant or coffee shop in the nearby vicinity.
"First-Class" accommodations provide a range of full service to the public along with extra services and conference facilities for the business traveler.
"All Suite Hotels" are just what the name implies; suites will generally include two double beds or a king size bed, a living area with a sofa-sleeper, fully stocked wet bars, and mini-kitchens. For those who must stay for weeks or months, there are "Extended Stay" facilities that provide fully equipped apartments suitable for project managers and transferees.
The majority of the Hotels-Motels listed on this site are subsidiaries of larger corporations. The Marriott chain for example includes Courtyard, Fairfield Inn, JP Marriott and Residence Inns. The Hospitality Franchise Systems consists of Hojo Inns, Ramada Inns, Howard Johnson, Days Inn and Super 8. The Promus Company controls Embassy Suites, Homewood Suites and Hampton Inn. The Choice Hotels chain includes Clarion, Quality Inn, Rodeway Inn, Comfort Inn, Econo Lodge, Sleep Inn and Friendship Inn.
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