Use Hotel Phone Smarts

Protect Yourself Against Hotel Telecommunication Charges

By
Relationship Advice Expert April Masini

I'm going on a family vacation in a couple weeks but unfortunately, I still need to get work done while I'm away. I wouldn't mind sitting in the hotel room and getting my work done on the phone, but I'm worried about how much it costs to talk on a hotel phone. I'm also worried about how much Internet access will cost in our hotel. Do you have any advice for how I can get the best deal?

Sincerely,

Hotel Phone Fears

Dear Hotel Phone Fears,

Be concerned -- be very concerned.

For eons, telephone charges at hotels have been a mystery second only to the Bermuda Triangle. Part of the reason is antiquated phone systems in hotels and hotel chains. Another reason is that management of these hotels and hotel chains is not on top of ways to increase technology and cut costs and pass those costs to hotel guests. And lastly, hotels are in business to make money, and money it is they're making every time you pick up a phone or plug in your internet to their high-speed for charge hook ups.

But, there are ways for consumers to protect themselves against hotel telecommunication charges:

1. Be prepared! Ask in advance, in an e-mail, what the charges are for local, long distance and internet calls and hook ups. In addition, ask for a list of any possible incidental charges that you will incur if you stay at the hotel. Get it in writing so that you are clear, and the hotel is clear on what the policies are, and so that you have some written recourse if there is a problem later.

2. Bring your cell phone and use it instead of the hotel landline. BUT before you leave home, check with your cell phone company about your cell phone plan, roaming charges, international charges, and what you will incur using your phone from the hotel in the same city, a different city, on the road and in another country. A call the week before can often save you bucks. The cell phone company has many ways to help you save money. it's a drag on your time, but leaves your wallet lighter.

3. Wireless internet service is often free. If your hotel is on a remote island where food and water is shipped in, chances are there isn't going to be a satellite hookup for wireless service, but if your hotel is in a city, chances are there are free wireless opportunities. If you can't find a good signal in your hotel room, try the lobby.

April Masini -- nicknamed "the new millennium's Dear Abby" by the media, is author of the best-selling books Date Out Of Your League and Think & Date Like A Man, the two (just released) step-by-step dating and relationship manuals, Ideas for a Fun Date and Romantic Date Ideas, and the critically acclaimed dating and relationship online magazine www.AskApril.com.

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