Ronald's Blog

Literature

community@ihg.com — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:29:13 GMT

We, this week received our copy of Intercontinental life. It compares well with the better in flight Airline magazines there is a lot of detail on Intercontinental Hotels in a particular region. In this, the spring 2010 edition the area selected is mainly Central Europe. There are many Hotels in what might have been called the old Austro Hungarian empire area such as Vienna, Budapest, Bucharest, Kiev, and Berchtesgaden. There are the details of each property but very importantly the all elusive phone number, email and web page detail.

Thinking about other IHG publications we have the Ambassador and Royal Ambassador annual Booklet with all the terms and conditions but importantly the benefits. Looking at the Priority club application brochure the benefits are not as well laid out as in the Hotel Directories.

Now on the Subject of directories I would ask for some more information. The maps are useless scale is unpredictable and often the transport details such as Airport info not good. Is there not an International Directory?

The individual Hotel brochure is usually very good and informative and the Intercontinental ones are excellent. I wonder if IHG ever do research into what guests or travellers actually would like to see in brochures.

In some Intercontinental hotels there are fantastic house magazines such as the Carlton in Cannes. That has great magazines.

Club Lounges are a great source of brochures etc and local information.

In rooms most hotels have a copy of The Bible and the Koran. Are there others I am not aware of?

What if?

community@ihg.com — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 17:45:29 GMT

The Room is not available at check in.

When arriving late and tired at a hotel reception and being given a blank look asking you if you are sure you have a reservation is something that can cause a rise in blood pressure along with many other problems.

So firstly make sure that you have a copy of your reservation such as this:-

Confirmation # 672****			Status: CONFIRMED
Dates	Location	Travel Profile	Originally Made By
Arrive: Sat 1 May 2010 Depart: Sun 2 May 2010	PORTSMOUTH Holiday Inn PEMBROKE ROAD PORTSMOUTH, PO1 2TA ENGLAND Tel: +44-0871-9429065 Hotel Details \| Local Map \| Meeting Info	Chadwick (Leisure

All the information to help the reservation clerk is there. It’s Possible that as in one of my colleagues cases he had the wrong Holiday Inn and was directed on his way as well as the clerk phoning on to advise the correct one he was on his way.

But what if you do not have your reservation or your PC card, You may remember your PC number and pass word. You could get them to log on and view your “current reservation” Should you find that you do have a reservation and disaster strikes that they have, very rarely, let your room you have options. They could bounce another guest or get you another room in a comparable hotel nearby I would expect if with out transport a hotel supplied taxi and some extras.

What if there is No car park space at the hotel. Well I would ask for advice from the front desk. But firstly I do review the parking options in the hotel web site before booking. I will include a request for parking in my advance Email and seek advice if the seems a possible difficulty. Failing that I would double park in the car park and leave details as to where I am at the front desk. One competitor Hotel runs this system very well in a tight carpark having a bell boy keep an eye on the double parked areas to help out as required. Should this be overnight then you may be required to leave your key with reception. The German quality cars have a special key that only allows the front drivers door and ignition to work

If you are too late/ early for restaurant which is often a problem but room service is the first option for the evening. Breakfast is more of a problem and as the window for delivery of room service Breakfast is quite wide enough in most cases the best way of dealing with this is to ask at reception for a precise time making sure it is noted.

After departure you find that there are No points / nights have been awarded so fill in the points discrepancy online form found now in “customer care”

REPORT A POINT DISCREPANCY

To help us research your request, please enter the following information.
(Note: Stays are posted 5 to 7 days after your checkout date.)

Find after departure bill overcharged. We found a charge on a two week leisure stay that was for the Mini bar that should not have been as we are Royal Ambassador so Emailed to hotel by return we received an apology as well as an on line refund.

You want to bring excellent service to attention of Managers. The Best Way it to Email the Hotel Direct and post on this site and for those who so wish on trip advisor as well.

I have found that most hotel issues are resolved by keeping cool polite and Calm but firm and offering solutions too the hotel.

Home From Home

community@ihg.com — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:15:22 GMT

As now exclusively a total traveller with multiple nights in the same the hotel for holidays we find that we do like the Hotel room to be home from home. Mostly this relates to how we prefer things in the room. For example if I lay out my toiletries and shaving kit in the bathroom then that’s how I want it to be. Yes the chamber maid (person) has to clean and tidy up but I put things how I want them not to have them rearranged in a manner suiting the hotel staff. Like wise sometimes a piece of small furniture such as a chair is inconvenient for me so I move it a few feet to say get a better view from the window only to find it put back in the original position both on the morning room service and evening one as well.

Other things that make to hotel room friendlier are of course tea and coffee making items. Surprisingly not all Intercontinental Hotels supply these items. We will always bring our own fresh milk as we cannot abide the pre packaged little creamers or cartons. A trip to the local shop can remedy this easily.

On Long stays in a hotel consistent staff are great as they recognise your needs and preferences. It is always nice to be shown to your favourite table in the breakfast room or restaurant. Even better if the waiter knows your food preferences and gets chef to do of menu food for you.

Probably the most important thing to make it home from home is the arrival; being recognised by the door man as well as reception.

On the green front on stays of multiple nights why are some things like towels that may not even have been used changed?

Now the business traveller can well assimilate to the George Clooney recent film “up in the air”

Booking based on what’s nearby.

community@ihg.com — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 18:34:04 GMT

Coming back to the theme of leisure breaks and getting the most out of them by using all the tools on the web is the subject to my today’s blog.

If we are going to a new beach destination I always check the “what’s nearby” tab on the tool bar on the hotels front page on the web.

We like to know what we can do other than sit by either the pool of sea drinking in both the local culture views and drink.

This is a good example for the Crowne Plaza near to Naples:-

Crowne Plaza Hotel STABIAE-SORRENTO COAST

· Pompei Roman Ruin (12 KM / 7.46 MI )

· Sorrento (12 KM / 7.46 MI )

· Positano (30 KM / 18.64 MI )

· Vesuvius Volcano (15 KM / 9.32 MI )

· Island of Capri - by boat (30 KM / 18.64 MI )

· Amalfi Drive (30 KM / 18.64 MI )

· Naples city centre (35 KM / 21.75 MI )

· Ravello (40 KM / 24.86 MI )

· Island of Ischia - by boat (50 KM / 31.07 MI )

· Herculaneum Archaelogical Site (20 KM / 12.43 MI )

· Caserta Royal Palace (50 KM / 31.07 MI

Then looking under "Amenities" we see there are other opportunities for relaxing:-

Access to Wellness services like Turkish Bath, Sauna, Hydrojet Pool, Fitness Room with Technogym facilities, and Tea Corner, at a charge. Access not allowed under 18 years old, and after check out.

We always check out the "Transportation" tab, in this instance in the last lines we see an added bonus:-

Complimentary Local Area Shuttle Radius 4.0 KM

We find that the additional research on the IHG hotels web can greatly increase the enjoyment of a stay.

Booking based on Location

community@ihg.com — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:15:01 GMT

As we can not put a post code or Zip code into the search engine on our hotel groups web sites or as far I can see any other of the major groups I and I expect most of you try to be inventive. For example when we book a London Break we enter just London and select the lowest miles option. If there are deals on offer then we select “brand” and see what comes up in the brand that has the offer. As we know London, and most of the UK well this is not a problem and we are able to fine tune to suite our current needs.

But what if it is a strange place or unknown destination; I try the Location button and see how far the hotel is from the airport, or train station and if there are options for connection offered by the hotel. We use this if there are any reports of dodgy taxis at the Airport.

To get a better idea of the location I go to the satellite view; but I find Google earth has a better view. Interestingly we found the description on one Crowne Plaza’s Web site contrary to the view given as to the airport, not being some 15 miles top the West but 6 to the East. So far they have been unable to confirm or deny the correct location of the Airport.

Simple things like the number of beach chairs and sunshades can be seen on Google Earth and how busy the roads near to the hotel may be. We find the hotels photo library combined with Google earth gives a good impression of the Hotels outside facilities and location.

I used this function when I stayed away for business as Google earth gave a good guide to both the Parking arrangements and route to my appointment location. Of course the photo is only a snapshot a a given time but if the is Shadow from the sun you may be able to estimate the time the photos was taken,

As I have stressed before I do email the hotel with questions and chase if answers are not forthcoming.

Comparison mode

community@ihg.com — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 16:43:18 GMT

There are occasions when it is necessary to visit non IHG hotels, for example family reunions, group reunions and business requirements. We visit the local Marriot as it has a convenient leisure club for us to use. As such the membership card allows discounts in the restaurants and bars. There are towns where IHG does not have hotels that are appropriate to our needs such as Bournemouth in the UK, a very pleasant seaside resort town. We often go to the Bournemouth Marriot for the day using their facilities such as lounge, car park and wash rooms.

When this happens I notice that I go, subconsciously into comparison mode.

Difficult as most Marriott’s seem to fall into a category slightly above the Crowne plaza but well below the Intercontinental Brands.

At the Bournemouth Marriott there are those staff who recognise us and show a genuine welcome, but those who do not tend to ignore us in the public places. Most IHG hotels staff do show some awareness of our presence. In our local Marriott, where we use the leisure facilities twice a week or so, the leisure team, as expected show a warm welcome as we as an efficient one. This is rather better than the leisure clubs we have visited at Holiday Inns where on occasions I have felt like we were intruding on the reception staffs time and their own leisure time; like magazine reading. In one I mentioned that there was rubbish poolside and was greeted with a look of annoyance; nothing was done about it that I was aware of.

When I visit the smaller Hotels locally for celebrations etc. the Restaurants are the facility that comes into mind for comparison. What is the service like? Well none really compare for service to all three of the restaurants in the new intercontinental hotel in Mauritius.

I Have little experience of Hiltons although I just this week met a friend for coffee at the Swindon Hilton. I felt that the place was cold, no carpeting or even rugs on the floors of the public places. No meet and greet people. A good point was as I was waiting I was offered a newspaper to read. The service in the lounge was reasonable quick. We did find that the televisions a little obtrusive but I have seen these in most hotel lounges and bars but in the IHG there does seem to be a lower volume on them.

It sometimes feels that I should have a clipboard and pen in non IHG establisments.

The gentle art of negotiation for a better deal.

community@ihg.com — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:15:27 GMT

Recently I received the annual renewal notice for our house and contents insurance and I calculated that it had risen by about 10%. Whilst appreciating that the insurance industry in the UK has not had an excellent year to above average flooding and bad weather claims my house is not in a flood plane and the ere has been precautionary works against storm damage.

I felt that this was an unreasonable increase and there for phoned them and ask for an explanation. I was delighted to be asked to re affirm my original proposal details and was advised that the new annual premium would remain at the previuos year’s rate.

I also just recently received my annual additional travel insurance renewal that had risen by 53%. A phone call reduced this to 25% which was due to moving into a more risky age group. However a phone call did get a better rate.

In both cases I ask for the persons name and was politeness personified. I of course was gushing in my thanks.

This got me thinking; should we be bolder in following The Countesses stance and ask for better terms at the hotels we visit. Now I know the business traveller may have top limits on daily expenditure but you may get a better room or location by negotiating with the hotel.

Perhaps a chat to the GM of your favourite hotel giving your budget restraints will do the business. From the Hotels point of view guests who revisit are good business. After all there rate rise may put it out of your budget.

Last year we negotiated a better deal at one of IHG’s Better ICs for value for money on the extras. Just one Email to a known Manager was all that was required.

I have now determined the benefits that I Would like for one of our Holidays .

When things do not go according to plan.

community@ihg.com — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 16:56:32 GMT

We spent two nights at the London Intercontinental, Park Lane earlier this week, with one night a reward night and one a Advance payment night. Being a Royal Ambassador (RA) I had the paid night as the first night to establish the upgrade. We were checked in and took advantage of the special rate, that was nor so special, for a RA was it discounted from the new daily rate of £90 down to £60 although earlier in the week it had been offered at £40.

Things were then not as they should be, there was no VIP welcome from the reception desk, not even a point in the directions of the lifts, although we remembered from previously. We found the room and although we were upgraded in accordance with the RA status we were given a room similar to those we had had in years gone by as an Ambassador.

The bowl of fruit consisted of three apples, this does not compare to other Intercontinentals where the fruit offering is usually a large selection of fruit. Two previuos times we were upgraded to suites.

There was no welcome from either the GM or DM. We searched for a note pad and pen or pencil but the room did not have any. A request for room service was ignored.

All this we were happy to live with but on checking out we settled our account to find that the charge for the Club was excluding VAT a UK tax at 17.5% which was not mentioned on any correspondence written or verbal.

My Amex account was then charged an extra £124 with no explanation. Fortunately the Hotel account had the phone number so on calling I was informed that it was an adjustment as they had miscalculated the car parking charge. To right they had it was an over charge. We had asked if there was any thing else to pay as we checked out re the car parking and it was confirmed we did not.

As the person I was speaking to appeared to be proficient I listed my other complaints as above and kept my cool. I was rewarded by having the corrected car park charge cancelled as well.

On the positive front the club is well managed and spacious. The staffs are welcoming, friendly and efficient. The breakfast choice is very good. The downside is at £90 plus VAT is expensive in my opinion and even the discounted RA rate is still not a good deal.

Lessons leant; well always keep an eye on your creditor charge card statements, preferably on line. Check that the rate quoted is gross and not excluding taxes.

Marshal your facts before phoning your complaint.

Yes and Advanced Purchase rate appears to be a qualifying rate.

Travelling in adverse conditions.

community@ihg.com — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 09:51:07 GMT

Europe is facing it coldest winter for twenty years and a winter storm forecast for the weekend and early next week

The first thing we should do is consider if our journey is really necessary or can thing be done from home? Is that social visit or entertainment visit essential?

Should these things be unavoidable then some precautions should be taken. Fully charge your mobile phone (s) and have a reserve with you.

Have essential phone numbers written as well as programmed in. Have IHG’ number as well as the hotel you may be staying at to hand. I would carry the hotel guide book as well to identify a nearby hotel should my journey prove impossible to continue.

Have a blanket or similar type of warm cover in the car.

Make sure that you have good personal weather protection, gloves, hat, waterproof foot wear and a scarf.

Have a hot drink in the car as well as some high calorie food such as chocolate.

Check the cars anti freeze and screen wash has high levels of screen wash.

Have a screen scrapper.

Have a torch (BMWs always have one in the locker.)

Check the tyre pressures.

Clean of the front and rear lights.

Carry a shovel.

Plan your route using main highways as much as possible as they may well be better cleared and should the worst happen have better recovery teams.

A good web site in the UK:-

http://www.highways.gov.uk/traffic/traffic.aspx

http://www.theaa.com/traffic-news/index.jsp

For rail travellers:-

http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/8447817.stm eurostar update

For the main Airports:-

http://www.baa.com/

And select your airport

http://www.gatwickairport.com/

This is now separate.

Remember you may have right of way on a treated road but those entering from an untreated road may not get away as quickly as they had expected so be wary of them. There has been a suggestion that your insurance company may be less sympathetic in the event of a collision should you have not considered this.

Allow extra time about 50% as well as remembering that airport security is taking more time due to the heightened state of risk.

So travel safely;- better be late than not at all.

How to travel with the minimum of fuss in these difficult times.

community@ihg.com — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 11:22:34 GMT

In Many airports world wide but those having flights direct to many European countries and those of North America are experiencing increased security. The Hand luggage allowance has been reduced again to one item.

Travelling from UK to USA the rules are amended. I would expect this to be the case for flights from other airlines and countries. (As per the British Airways web site) to:-

	The United States government has revised its security arrangements for all customers travelling into the US. Only one item of hand luggage is allowed for all passengers travelling to the US from Heathrow, Gatwick or London City. This applies to passengers whose journey originates in London, as well as those who are transferring flights. They are advised to check-in as normal. Passengers travelling to destinations outside the United States or from the United States are not affected. Please check ba.com for further updates during the day.

	More information
	What if I have wrapped presents in my hand luggage? Passengers travelling to the United States will be required to unwrap any items if they have chosen not to check them in. This is not applicable to passengers travelling from the United States. I was going to take more than one piece of hand baggage - can I check in the extra bags? If you are travelling to the United States, yes, at no extra charge. The extra bags you check in must conform to your size and weight limits for hand baggage. For passengers travelling from the United States, standard hand baggage allowances apply. Customers are advised to check the status of their flight before they leave for the airport.

Also look at:- http://www.heathrowairport.com/

We must consider now carefully what we choose to take in hand luggage and well as hold luggage.

Choose carefully weather a belt with metal is required. Slips on shoes are quicker to remove and replace at check in.

Are fluids really required in hand luggage?

Remove all coins, phones, pens, and wallets Etc from trousers (pants) before Xray Scanners. I put all these type of things in a side pocket on my hand luggage before the security checks.

If you have medications have a copy of the prescription.

Allow about an hour extra for increased security.

Check your travel insurance to see if cover is applicable to missed check in to your hotel. Consider flex rates that can be cancelled on the day of departure up to mostly 4.00pm of the day of arrival.

Be patient its for your own good.

A verry happy Seasonal Greeting.

community@ihg.com — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 10:03:49 GMT

As we move towards the festive season and celebrate it in a way of our choosing as well as the close of 2009 we look back on our forum and find the interest we have had.

We seem to come from mainly countries whose language is an English derivative so generally we understand each other even if at the second attempt. We have the information to help us get more points, ensure we get our due upgrade, know what to look out for to get a more enhanced stay. We have leant of the benefits to both us and the hotel of using Email to advise of our level and special requirements. We have had the humour from our contributors often in a way that clarifies different word usage in our different countries. We have leant about different menus and foods from our locations as well as some English Rhyming slang.

So in 2010 let us continue with the great work we are all doing but also for now enjoy in whatever way the festivities, plan our personal goals for next year with a good plan to achieve them with the knowledge of the benefits that achieving them will bring us and our loved ones.

Have a great Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New year

Abbreviations on this forum

community@ihg.com — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 10:27:48 GMT

On this Forum we use a number of abbreviations and phrases that we may not be fully conversant with. I will list some I use and others may wish to comment with others.

IHG this is Intercontinental Hotel Group PLC website :-

http://www.ihgplc.com/

This is the company that holds the name4s and brands to the hotels we frequently stay at.

PC Priority Club The loyalty scheme we belong to

PCC Priority club connect the forum we contribute to.

IC Intercontinental Hotel

CP Crowne Plaza Hotel

HI Holiday Inn Hotel

HIX Holiday Inn Express

RA Royal Ambassador Status

http://community.priorityclub.com/people/ronaldchadwick/blog/2009/06/09/so-just- what-is-royal-ambassador-status

Amb. Ambassador status

Initial enrolment $150.00 annual renewal $100.00

An annual Complimentary Weekend Night Certificate shall be awarded. Each Complimentary Weekend Night Certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of issue and is redeemable in conjunction with a minimum two-night weekend stay at any InterContinental Hotels & Resorts property hotel

Plus 5000 bonus points enough for a points break night.

GM General Manager of the hotel

DM The most senior manager on duty in that hotel at that time.

The benefits of a New resort Hotel.

community@ihg.com — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 17:59:45 GMT

I was looking at the new hotels site:-

http://newhotels.priorityclub.com/

And I noticed a new Intercontinental Hotel that seemed to have had a soft opening earlier in the year. I researched it and found that it was a beach location on the beautiful Island of Mauritius. The Rates for Best flex were very good so I booked for just over two week’s starting late November. I did have reservations as trip advisor had mixed reviews, some seemed rather ridiculous. My mind was put at rest by a reassuring Email from the guests relations manager at the Hotel who answered promptly all my questions. The Next thing, not so easy, was to get flights. We had our American Express British Airways two for one Miles voucher but availability was tight so a bit of date juggling was done.

We duly arrived and the Car, sent by the hotel was there to meet us and a nice touch, two bottles of cold water to see us through the journey to the hotel. The Driver was a good guide and pointed out a number of interesting features.

On arriving we were met by two of the Guest Relations team and instant check in was done. As we were quite early they offered breakfast while our luggage was taken to the room. Our room had been upgraded to a corner Jacuzzi suite on the high floor; this gave a spectacular view over the Indian Ocean and the beach from the balcony. The Room had, as I said, a Jacuzzi but this was on a separate large terrace with two loungers (fresh towels as required) and a nice decked floor; Again a magnificent view.

Although the hotel had only officially been opened last month the extensive gardens looked mature and extremely well cared for. The Hotel frontage to the sea is about 700yds or 600 plus metres. All laid out so well that it seemed more like a stroll in a tropical park.

As we were taken to the room the housekeeping supervisor introduced himself and asked if we had any special requests and what times would be convenient to service the room both morning and evening. I must give a word about the bathroom, twin basins, a large walk-in shower, and a very large bath. The toiletries were a top brand.

During the first day we were met by the Resort Manager, the Guest Relations Manager, The Food and Beverages manager who ask about any food special choices that we would like. We asked about a good supply of bottled water in the room and we had a substantial quantity each day. We were also able to meet The Executive head chef who was in control of all the various kitchens. Both my Wife and I had a photo taken and from then on practically all the hotel staff addressed us by name.

We used for dinner three of the four main restaurants, From the hotels own site:-

Noble House

Location: In Hotel - On the beach
Serves: Dinner
Noble House is our Asian Fusion restaurant serving Asian food and Tepenyaki in a modern and elegant atmosphere. Our chef offers creative presentations made with authentic Asian ingredients and spices. Try the Chinese Noodles, Roasted Duck or Grilled Prime steak served with Asian mushrooms and balsamic teriyaki sauce. The bar features an extensive wine list as well as a selection of Asian beer and special Asian-style cocktails.

Segala

Location: In Hotel - On the beach
Serves: Lunch | Dinner
Segala offers the best Mediterranean cuisine and the freshest seafood from the region from its stylish perch near the beach. Background music complements a lunch of lobster or king prawns. The bar offers a wide variety of wine, non-alcoholic cocktails and classic cocktails.

Veda

Location: In Hotel - Garden
Serves: Dinner
Veda is our contemporary Indian restaurant serving traditional Indian ingredients in modern dishes. The fusion dishes are sure to please as much as the view of the garden. Complement your meal with a selection of special Indian-style or traditional cocktails.

In all of these the food was always excellent and we did not find them expensive. We were extremely impressed by the quality of the table service which is on a par with the finest fine dinning establishments. Most evenings we had the chef come to the table as the menu was presented and offer to cook the food to any special requests we may have had.

The hotel had a number of activities that we could take part in one particularly enjoyable was the honey tasting. One of the senior chefs gave a lecture on honey, it history, health benefits etc and produced a number of very different honeys for sampling as well as crêpes to try them with.

There is a large water sports club, again complimentary with the kayaks, glass bottom boat, snorkelling, sailing etc with guidance.

As with all new establishments there are still things to be done and it is great that suggestions are acted on. The beach is being extended by way of the lagoon, subject to government approval.

There is a weekly Managers cocktail party and all mangers seem to attend. This is where met the General Manager who seems a workaholic. It is great to see him about the hotel most days and available to guests. The head concierge arranged two tours by private car for us which enabled us to see a large part of the island. During our stay the Africa and Middle East Director was in the hotel and it was interesting to hear his vision for IHG hotels in his area.

Overall what impressed us was the can do attitude of every one of the hotel staff as well as them being knowledgeable about their hotel. We are hoping for a return visit in due course and we would highly recommend this hotel for a relaxing holiday in “paradise”#

I shall in due course post a number of pictures to the photo galleries.

Dealing with noisey guests at night

community@ihg.com — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 05:48:46 GMT

There are some fellow guests who seem oblivious to the needs of others and do various things that do not allow for the peace and tranquility that we may crave. It is how we deal with this that I would like to discuss.If you book a room in the hotel and you have the impression that the hotel is fairly full then it could be that a conference is being held. It is fairly certain that a number of the conference delegates will have big egos and some have a larger than reasonable appetite for drink. Both of these situations lead to late night loud conversations in the corridors and over enthusiastic closing of doors. I would ask the front desk to speak to the conference organizers to remind delegates that other guests are staying and that they, the delegates, are representing the good name of their organization and that the other guests have more peaceful needs. With the company I was with this was mentioned at the close of the days business and at the end of the evening meal. Those who transgressed were bought to book and on one occasion one was sent home early in disgrace.We are staying in a Resort Intercontinental and there was a large conference, the delegates were exceptional aware of other guests and they were exceptionaly discreet. They should be complimented Well done! The company Is LG the electronics company.

So what to do about the next room guest who has the TV or Radio on loud at night, you could call room to room and ask politly if they could lower the volume, I believe this usulaly works. Then there are those who entertain in there room with a number of excited and loud voices. This is totaly unaceptable and a call to the front desk is needed; Unless you want to join the party that is. Should this fail then I would ask for a room change with assistance to at least the same level or better and some type of compensation, free breakfast extra points or similar.

It is unfortunate that young children's hours do not always suit your so unless it is persistent crying or screaming the disruption should only be for a short time. Should it be persistent the again have a room change. Hotels could help in this by putting families with young children on end rooms reducing the number of adjacent rooms.

Make sure that your account is correct.

community@ihg.com — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:06:44 GMT

Where the facility is available I always look at the account on the TV menu under guest services. If there are any discrepancies I mention it at the desk as I see them. Again the service of slipping the account under the room door prior to departure is a fine opportunity to check all is in order. There are often added, correctly but unexpectedly things like city tax or service tax etc, which can be an annoyance when submitting expenses. Sometimes the free newspaper gets charged for. All these things can be a hindrance at check out.

If a different rate is charged to the one you booked and it is higher make sure you have a copy of your reservation to show. A Crowne Plaza reduced my account by £50 ($90) on my producing the copy reservation of the Email.

Free films for ambassadors are often automatically charged and should, by an experienced desk clerk , be removed but often they are not. So a keen eye is needed.

Mini bar a Royal Ambassador free benefit again by the auto system charged to your room so these need to be removed. Also just opening the mini bar door and firmly closing it can set the auto register of to charge your room and that applies to all guests whatever status.

Free voucher for drink or other freebees charged not always applying the appropriate credit Rate change; keep copy of reservation form with prices shown

Car park. If Barrier up when arriving then closed when leaving. So then asking for payment in access of what might be due Note the time you enter is something that may help in this event.

The advice is keep an eye on the bill so that amendments are in hand before you need to leave, often when time is scarce. It is our right to be charged correctly so asking for explanations from strength is our prerogative, as well as the hotel to expect fair and prompt payment. Should you discover an inaccuracy after departing email the hotel and have a credit issued against your credit card. It works we have done it.

	* Required Information
* Your Priority Club Number:
* Your Member Level:
* Your Name:	As It Appears On This Priority Club Account
* Your Phone Number:
* Your Email Address:
* Your Region:
* Type of Discrepancy:

Missing Stay Information:
Additional Comments: