Jim's Travel Tips » Hotels

Smoke Free Hotels

Jim — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 17:18:52 +0000

While many of the big name hotel chains have gone smoke free, frequent business travelers can’t always stay in these chains and, internationally, are hard to find. Here is a web site to help you find those smoke free hotels. TIP: go to http://www.smoke-freehotels.com/

Free Wi-Fi

Jim — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 19:11:26 +0000

In my travels I find that the smaller airports have free wi-fi while the larger ones charge a fee. Here is a website to help you locate the ones with free wi-fi. TIP: go to http://www.wififreespot.com/airport.html I also find that the less expensive hotels have free wi-fi while the premium brands charge for internet access – go to http://www.wififreespot.com/hotels.html You can also locate the latest restaurants, gas stations, and stores that offer free wi-fi by going to http://www.wififreespot.com/companies.html

Hotel Alarm Clocks

Jim — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 02:39:31 +0000

Hotel alarm clocks can be a source of traveler frustration. I have seen tips about checking the alarm setting so you don’t get rudely woken up at 5:00AM. There is also the AM vs. PM issue on some clocks that needs to be checked. One tip I do not usually see is probably the most important and probably most overlooked. TIP: Check to see that the time is set exactly the way you want it and are used to – 10 minutes off in the wrong direction and you could just miss that airport shuttle bus.

Staying Near the Airport

Jim — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 21:13:43 +0000

In a previous travel tip I explained how staying near the airport can save you money on your rental car and provide you with extra sleep. TIP: I have found this web site to be a good resource for airport stays: airporthotelguide.com. If you have a favorite hotel brand, check their site as well. I have found that the above web site may not always provide 100% of the options but it is a good place to start.

Getting Good Sleep in Hotels

Jim — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 03:25:31 +0000

I have always had trouble getting a good night sleep in a hotel away from home, by myself. I relayed this fact once to a gentleman in the seat next to me on an airline flight and he offered a suggestion. I have used this suggestion for many years and feel it definitely helps in getting a better night sleep. TIP: In a zip lock plastic bag fold up a small wash cloth which has been sprayed with your spouse’s usual perfume or aftershave. Seal it up and open it up later when you retire for the night on the side of the bed that your spouse usually sleeps on. This provides your brain with a subliminal message that things are “normal”. Try it and sleep better. Don’t forget to seal it back into the bag in the morning or the maid will surely dispose of it.