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    • Travel Center Tip #5

    Watch Out for Hidden Hotel Charges
    If you've ever gasped in dismay upon receiving the printout of your hotel bill, read on.
    Forewarned is forearmed. If you know you're going to use a particular service, ask at check-in what the charges are. (Or better yet, call ahead). You may be able to negotiate lower rates. For example, if you know your office needs to fax you several documents during your stay, or if you'll need their service to send documents.

    Also, the delivery of overnight letters and packages sometimes elicits a fee. Find out that if your packages can be held in the mailroom rather than delivered to your hotel room, the "delivery" fee can be waived.

    Keep in mind that anything delivered to your room will probably result in a tip for the delivery person. While this may not seem like much, over a week long stay it can mount up.
    Major city hotels, especially ones that cater to businesses, are infamous for their miscellaneous charges. Talking to the Manager on Duty when trying to resolve a charge is always better than trying to make arrangements with the front desk staff.
    Scope out the local area if you're going to be staying more than a few days. It might be worthwhile to ask the concierge or bellhop if there's a Kinko's, a parking lot, coffee shop, dry cleaners and/or drugstore nearby.
    Watch out for these fees:
    Phone
    If you're going to hook-up your laptop and use your modem, find out if there's a fee for using the line for longer-than-normal "talk" times. There may be additional charges after a certain length of time on line.
    Be aware that you'll probably be charged an access fee even for toll-free calls. Use a phone other than the one if your room if you want to avoid this charge. If your phonecard gives you the ability to make multiple calls without redialing, use it. This way you'll avoid multiple access fees. In most cases, it's less expensive to use your phonecard than using the hotel's long distance service.
    In Room Fax Machines
    Read the fine print on what you're going to be charged for. You might get hit with a fee just for turning it on.
    Business Offices
    Sure it's great that your hotel offers use of their computers, printers, copiers, etc., but it comes with a price. Call ahead and find out the charges. This will help you decide whether or not to bring your laptop and printer, bring all the copies you need with you, etc.
    Early Check Out
    Many hotels will now charge you if you leave earlier than you'd planned. The fee can range from $25 to an entire night's rate. Read what you're signing about your departure date.
    Parking
    In addition to being expensive to parking in their garage, some hotels charge an access fee anytime you go in and out. Also, be aware that certain hotels don't allow you to get your own car either - and then you're expected to tip, too!
    In-Room Coffee Pot
    Yes, that first bag of coffee is free, but if you ask the maid to bring you more, there may be a charge. If it's not posted, ask. If you know your room has this service, bring your own tea bags, hot chocolate, even cup-a-soup mix for late night refreshments.
    Mini-Bar
    Everyone is aware of how expensive it is to grab even a miniscule bag of pretzels, but sometimes just opening it up to take a look has the maid thinking you took something out of there. Another charge you don't want to hassle with at the end of your stay.
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