Traditionally, hotels were largely dependent on cards and paperwork at the front desk to keep in touch with old and current customers. They were largely at the mercy of the desires of vacationers to arrive, and on their own efforts and staff to be ready for potential surges or long droughts of occupancy. Luckily, such inconvenience and old-fashioned methods are long since past, thanks to advances in information technology.
The first area in which information technology became important was in regards to billing. Old-fashioned paper-based book-keeping was time consuming and inefficient, and was not able to quickly tell a hotel owner what the situation of their hotel was. Luckily, advances in modern record keeping allow for a hotel owner to keep track of what they have on hand, how much of it they have, and how much it costs. Accounting is complicated, but advanced accounting software, especially that tailored to the unique needs of the hospitality industry, helps to enable hotel owners to make smart decisions. Services and products that are no longer used can be quickly cut off to save money, while those who show demand can be increased in quantity or modified so as to reduce the heavy usage.
Most hotels are familiar with booking rooms and reservations over the phone, but information technology has expanded well beyond that. Hotels can now work with various online travel companies and booking services to have their rooms booked online, with no need to employ expensive staff. This also allows a hotel to advertise their open rooms and special deals directly to persons who would be most likely to purchase them, instead of wasting lots of money advertising in an unfocused manner. High quality information technology thus allows for better arrangement and management of bookings in order to allow a hotel to better maximize occupancy, and to know in advance when large groups or lean times are approaching. This allows a hotel manager to make plans regarding temporary staff, good times to renovate or expand, or other concerns, because he/she can determine the state of their hotel currently and for the next few months with only a few clicks on the computer.
The advances in information technology extend well beyond booking, however. The internet is essential for vacationers who wish to contact those back home, and for those traveling on business to get in touch with the office. Therefore, wireless internet has become a very common and very useful service for hotels to provide. Many business minded persons even require that a hotel offer internet services so that they can keep working while on the road. Luckily, such services are easy to provide, as all that is required is a wireless router and various devices to ensure the entire hotel is filled with the network. Modern advances in wireless internet also allow for the wireless internet provided for hotel visitors to be used to network the hotel itself. Security cameras, door locks, and other devices essential to hotel security and safety can be wired into the network, so that staff are alerted whenever a door is propped open, a fire alarm goes off or suspicious activity occurs. Though the hotel guests are wholly unaware of it, this sort of added safety and security keeps them safe, and in the event of a problem they will most certainly appreciate the benefits of such a system.
As advanced as it is, information technology in the hospitality industry is still going forward. Intelligent booking systems enable rapid and efficient guest feedback, along with the ability to predict who is likely to use the hotel again and inform them via e-mail or text messages when good deals arrive. Hotels with room service or other guest services can offer their menus online, allowing for quick updates, high-quality photos, and other ways to allow guests to see and order services before they even arrive. There are also advances in terms of payroll and inventory which make information technology a valuable asset for saving money and maximizing profits. The unique nature of the hospitality industry makes it a great place for new and emerging information technology, and forward-thinking hotel owners and managers are always looking for smart equipment and software to invest in.
Ways to Get a Free Hotel Upgrades in Texas.
There is no secret formula for getting a guaranteed hotel upgrade. Why settle for a single when you can have the penthouse suite! Here is a list of tips for getting your hotel free room upgrade which are sure fire ways of landing the best possible room at no extra charge.
Tip #1: Ask Three Times. Make your reservation by phone and ask the operator for a free upgrade. A few days before arrival call to confirm the room, this makes the operator look at your reservation and has the ability to make a change. Now on arrival ask yet again.
Tip #2. Look the part. On arrival make sure you do not look like you’ve just come out of the dump, looking sharp gives the reception clerk reason to give you a free upgrade.
Tip #3. Be Nice. Each interaction you have with an employee at the hotel should be pleasant, go out of your way to be nice to them, if you don’t get a free hotel room upgrade you’ll sure to get good service.
Tip #4. Invite reason for a special occasion. When you call and go to reception be sure to talk about your special occasion, anniversary wedding or otherwise. Don’t say it’s your birthday unless your birthday is really close or just past because they have your details on file.
Tip #5. Play the sympathy card. Explain that your anniversary you wanted to be special and get a good room but couldn’t afford to get it, by doing this the person at reception feels sorry for you and might just upgrade your hotel room for free.
Tip #6. Don’t go when it’s busy. On busy nights chances are the rooms are full and you can’t get an upgrade because there is no room to upgrade you in.
Tip #7. Only stay one night. By only staying one night the hotel doesn’t have to worry about you tying up the room for so long, the hotel wants one night guests for upgrade because when and if the traveller wants to extend chances are they won’t change rooms and they’ll want the expensive room.
Tip #8 Be Loyal. On your first night join the hotels loyalty program, by being a frequent guest you get discounts and free upgrades for your loyalty.
Tip #9 Suck up to the hotel manager. The person with the most power to get you a free room is the hotel manager, find the hotel manager and make sure you tell him how fantastic your stay is and how much you love this hotel and that he is doing a fantastic job keeping the hotel up like this. You never know he might just put a note on your file and next time you get a free hotel upgrade.
Tip #10 Write them a letter. After your stay at the hotel come home and write the hotel a letter, thanking them for their service and the room. It’s not un-common that people receive and email back with coupons discounts and hotel room upgrades.
Tip #11 Be persistent. If you keep trying out tips 1-9 you will get a free hotel upgrade. Texans are really nice people and if you show your gratitude they are sure to pay you back.
So how do you get something for free when other people are paying good money for? By following these tips your sure to get a good upgrade. If you’re looking for a hotel room in Texas where it’s possible to get a free hotel room upgrade check the Hotels in Texas site for more information on hotels that give free upgrades.
Located on the Eastern slopes of Mt Kenya, Meru has hotels that can be classified as town hotels and luxury lodges. In Meru National park accommodation is offered by luxury lodges, budget bandas and campsites. The town is catered for by town hotels in the categories of mid range and budget properties. Luxury lodges in the park like Leopard Rock, Elsa’s Kopje and offbeat will cost on average 800-1000 dollars per night on full board basis for double room, while mid range hotels in Meru town will cost on average Ksh 2500 per night.
Luxury properties in Meru include, Signature Hotel, Mwangaza White House Hotel and Gatimene Palm Springs. Located near Nakumatt, the Ornate signature Hotel has set up new standards for luxury hotels not only in Meru but the whole of Mt Kenya region. Neighboring Simba Wells Restaurant is the Mwangaza White House Hotel. From the hotel Balcony one enjoys Panoramic views of Nyambene Hills. The luxury Senator Suite at Mwangaza complete with a sauna machine and a treadmill goes for about Ksh 7000 per night. Single rooms will cost about Ksh 4000 per night for bed and Breakfast.
In a class of its own is the Gatimene Palm Springs. Located along the Meru Maua Road at Kaaga the hotel Luxury suites going for between Ksh 8000 to Ksh 10000 per night on BB. The hotels has a well tended garden where guests can relax and enjoy their meals. NOTE: Some of the hotel owners are very sensitive when it comes to photography. Do not ask me why.
Mid range properties in Meru town include, Meru Slopes Hotel (from KES 4000 per night), Nevada Palace Hotel, West Wind Hotel, County Hotel, The Blue towers, The white star, Hotel Royal prince, Safari Hotel, Hotel incredible and Hotel three steers. Budget properties in town are Brown rock, Ntugi lodge, Pig and Whistle, Hotel Milimani, Stansted hotel and Jaslee Guest House.
Slightly outside of town you will find, The Spa, Thiiri Centre, Camp David and
Rocky inn. Only Thiiri centre offers mid range accommodation.
Though budget in nature, Thiiri Centre is the only property in Meru with a swimming pool (Other swimming pools are to be found at Freds Academy and Meru Golf Club). Thiiri also has an expansive garden ideal for weddings and other outdoor meetings. It also has conference room, cyber cafe. Being a cultural centre at Thiiri is an ideal place to visit if you want to learn about culture. Music lessons are conducted daily.
The Nevada is among the new property in Meru Town. It is located at Makutano. It has well appointed rooms -Singles or Doubles going for between Ksh 1800 and Ksh 3500 for BB. The hotel also has conference facilities and secure parking.
Also new is the Meru West Wind Hotel. Located along the Meru Mau Road. It has exceptionally clean double single or twin rooms, private parking, conference facilities and secure parking. Conference is free to residing guests. Rooms go for about Ksh 2000-Ksh 4000 on BB
The Meru County.
Located in the town centre along Meru Nanyuki/Isiolo road opp district headquarters. Hotel has conference facilities, restaurant, bar, Nyama choma ranch. Room Rates on BB are Single Ksh 1500; Double Ksh 2500; Delux single Ksh 2000 ; Delux double Ksh 3000; Studio Suite Single Ksh 2500; Double Ksh 3500 ;Junior suite Single Ksh 3500; Double ksh 4000
Executive Suite Ksh 5000
Blue Towers hotel
Located at Makutano on Meru Mau Junction. Rooms with Tv, private bath with showers or bathtub. Suites have two bed rooms and writing table. Hotel has conference facilities, fitness centre, car park. No beer served.
Room Rates BB-Single Ksh 1500; Doubel ksh 2000; Delux Double occupancy 2300; Suite Double occupancy 2800
White Star hotel
Along Meru Mau Road. Hotel has conference facilities, conference room, restaurant. No beer served. Hotel rooms have private bath with showers, satellite tv. Room Rates BB-Single Ksh 1500; Doubel ksh 2000; Delux Double occupancy 2300
Three Steers Hotel
Located at Makutano. Hotel has conference facilities, restaurant, bar. Rooms are well appointed, individually built with private showers.
Room Rate BB (Approximately)-Single Ksh 1600, Double Ksh 2000
Inside Meru National park, one can get accommodation at the luxury game lodges of Leopard Rock, Elsa’s Kopje and Offbeat Camp. These will cost you USD 500 per night on full board double. Budget accommodation is provide by Kws bandas at Kina, Murera and bwatherongi. Bandas cost ksh 3500 and you need to organize your own meals. Murera bandas, located on the banks of Murera river have swimming pool and a campsite.
Europe is the home to marvelous castles, scenic spots and numerous well-known tourist attractions and travelers can find congenial and Discount Hotels to make their vacation in Europe a pleasurable experience. If you are looking for some historic or haunted hotels, you will get them in all countries of Europe to enjoy every moment in their holiday destination.
In England, there are a number of old haunted lodging that can bring a chilling sensation and drive an adventure-seeker into extreme ecstasy. You can select from numerous castles of 12th-century to manor houses of 18th-century each telling the tale of haunted history. If you really want a haunted retreat select from the list of famous haunted hotels in England and avail Cheap Hotel Booking from their online websites.
Ackergill Tower is a castle haunted by Green Lady and built in the 15th-century and located near the Scottish seashore. If you are in a business trip to England and organizing an exclusive event, you will be able to book the entire establishment. You can tantalize your taste buds with their local delicacies that range from seafood to all forms of red meat. For Cheap Hotels Booking, check for person packages that is offered from time to time.
Ballygally Castle Hotel is haunted by Lady Isabella Shaw, the spouse of Lord James Shaw. It was built near the Irish coast in 1625 about 20 miles away from Belfast offering more than 44 bedrooms and have 3 executive suites.
In Germany, Hotel Burg Eisenstein is a famous haunted hotel haunted by the headless dead spirit of a highway robber, Dietrich von Hoeffels. This robber was killed with his nine sons by owner of the castle, Rudolf von Habsburg. You will enjoy all forms of modern amenities at affordable price.
In Italy, the Villa Agostini della Seta of Corliano located in San Giuliano Terme in Pisa is haunted by Teresa della Seta Bocca Gaetani, a very mischievous ghost. If you are an adventure-seeker and wish to drive yourself in extreme ecstasy book your room here and hear the giggles of the ghost and listen to the sound of sudden moving objects and feel a chill sensation run down your spine when you see the ghost run down the passages of this villa.
If you are seeking a haunted hotel in Romania, Decebal Hotel is an ideal choice. You will be thrilled to catch the sight of woman dressed in white gown guarding the antique treasure supposedly located near the Baile Herculane spa in the hotel. For Cheap Hotel Booking, you can check for promotional packages that are offered to their customers from time to time in their website.
This article lays down an account of 3 popular tourist destinations in India in Haridwar, Udaipur and Coimbatore. Information is provided on the major attractions and travel deals which ensure hassle-free booking of Haridwar hotels, Udaipur hotels and Coimbatore hotels.
Haridwar is a massively popular spiritual destination which is flocked by travelers and salvation-seekers from all over the planet. Right from the devout Hindu pilgrims to the wise sages to foreigners, you can bump into all kinds of people here. The town known for its pious Ganga ghats and the religious temples is situated in the heart of Uttarakhand in northern India. The town appears to be crowded because of the surge of humanity from various pockets of the country. However, there are enough rooms in Haridwar hotels to accommodate this rabble of visitors.
Haridwars biggest attraction is the ghat of Har Ki Pauri. This place is sprinkled with holiness and will make you feel as if you are standing in the abode of God. The sunrise witnesses the morning bath taken by hundreds on the Ganga. It is believed that a dip in the holy waters of the Ganga can wash away all the sins committed in your lifetime. The sunset, on the other hand, witnesses the visually stimulating ritual of Ganga aarti and floating of earthen lamps on the river.
Another must-visit place in the town is the Mansa Devi Temple. The temple is located atop a hill and one can also access it via ropeway. It is believed that this is a wish-granting temple. You can make a wish before the Goddess Mansa who will fulfill it in due course of time.
Haridwar hotels come in various forms (from deluxe ones to the budget ones) to help you settle down comfortably. Some recommended names include Hotel Classic Residency, Sagar Ganga Resort and Hotel Arjun.
Another great Indian destination is Udaipur, the land of lakes, palaces & forts in the state of Rajasthan. It was once ruled by the royal rulers of the north and now serves as one of the most regal, luxurious and romantic destinations on the globe. Udaipur hotels spell class and sophistication. This is the city which draws not just commoners but also celebs because of its historical legacy, nostalgic charms and haveli-turned-hotels.
Amongst the chief attractions of the town, Lake Pichola, City Palace, Monsoon Palace, Jag Mandir Palace and Saheliyon ki Bari are noteworthy. This is one city which will truly blur the gap between the past and the present, as you are flown into the old bygone world of Rajputs.
Udaipur can be visited anytime during the year though the autumn-spring season is preferable. The luxurious Udaipur hotels include names like Taj Lake Palace, Devigarh Resort and Udai Villas.
If you want to wade into a smaller town which is beautifully landscaped and has its unique culture, then head to the city of Coimbatore in the state of Tamil Nadu in south India. It has a number of sightseeing attractions including temples, hills, lakes and parks. Prominent ones include Black Thunder, Koniamman Temple, Maruthamalai Murugan Temple, Nilgiri Hills and Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary.
Coimbatore hotels come in a wide range to suit your budget. CAG Pride hotel (mid-range), Park Plaza (luxury) and Legends Inn (budget) are some notable Coimbatore hotels where you can drop in.