Before Your Trip.

Hotels Descammed

Hotels have many little tricks up their sleeves to meet their numbers. So slick advertising and "special-rates" are usually a sure-fire way of bringing in business. Here's when a little bit of research may help save you a significant amount of dough (and heartache).

• False Advertising: Always be aware of "ocean-view" or "short blocks away from" statements. Ask questions before making your reservation. Do you get a full window of scenic ocean, or a glimpse of it between the next hotel block and some trees. And how "short" is a "short block".
• Pseudo Hotels: Many may claim to be a hotel - but few really are. Its not unusual to get to your final destination and find out that the "hotel" you reserved is in a dodgy part of town, and looks more like a run-down apartment complex. Check travel websites and forums before reserving that steal of a deal.
• Hidden Fees: Anything from facility charges to resort fees can appear on your final bill. Ask your reservationist and also read any "Terms and Conditions" that are laid out by your hotel. If its not listed in it, you may be able to remove it from your final bill.
• Hotel Minibars: This isn't really a hotel scam since we know they overcharge but we do it anyway - it just depends on how lazy you are, and whether or not its worth putting clothes on and walking the block or two to the closest liquor store for snacks. The minibar is solely at your discretion - just check the price list before you head for the M&M's
• Phone Charges: Similar to the minibar - avoid it when you can. Especially since almost everyone has a cell phone. For international calls - consider using Skype, a free internet phone service.
• Wireless Internet Access: Some hotels do offer free wireless, but some hotels may charge anywhere between $10 to $30 a day for service. Check out JWire to search for local hotspots nearby.