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^HINTS FROM HELOISE]
Dear Heloise: With summer on its way and the Covid pandemic slowly becoming less of a worry, more people are planning vacations. Having worked in the hospitality industry for a number of years, I have a few hints to help travelers have a happy, enjoyable stay at a hotel/motel.
First, if your room is not to your liking, please remain calm and ask to speak to the manager. Hotels want to keep you as a customer and will usually do their best to accommodate your requests, within reason. If the room is not what you had expected, ask for an upgrade. If the hotel is full and your room has been given away, ask if they can arrange for you to stay at another place. Before you leave to return home, be sure you have everything packed. We frequently find shoes under a bed, clothing hanging on the back of the bathroom door, shampoo and conditioner in the shower.
We hope you enjoy your stay and return home satisfied with the service and accommodations. -- Patricia L., Orlando, Florida
Patricia, to this I would add, if you make reservations ahead of time, be sure to ask for a confirmation number, along with the phone number, name and address of the hotel. -- Heloise
SEND A GREAT HINT TO: Heloise
P.O. Box 795001
San Antonio, TX 78279-5001 Fax: 1-210-HELOISE Email: Heloise@heloise.com LOST LUGGAGE
Dear Heloise: Lost luggage is a part of air travel, but there are ways to reduce the chances of having your bags lost while flying. Be sure to remove all old tags on your suitcases and carry-on items. Make sure the correct tag is on your luggage. Put an identification tag on all of your bags. Some people laminate a business card, punch a small hole in the corner and attach it with a colorful ribbon so it’s easy to spot. Get to baggage claim as soon as you get off the plane. Warning: Thieves target expensive luggage. Try to pare down the items in your luggage, because excess weight is very expensive. -- John F., Honolulu, Hawaii