Secrets that Hotels Don't Want You to Know

Good tips from Bottom Line Secrets.

1. You get the best rate by calling the hotel's local number, not the 800 number.  The manager on duty, the general manager and the director of sales have authority to negotiate rates.

2. Rooms are more expensive in the morning. Best time to call is right after 6 pm when all no-shows unsecured by credit card are wiped out. In NYC and San Francisco, the deadline is 4 pm.

3. Everything is negotiable. Even parking.

4. Rooms are available even when a hotel has no vacancies.  Tell the manager you are willing to take an 'out of order' room.

5. A thief takes only one credit card, not your entire wallet.  Check if you've left it unattended and take only the cards you need when you travel.

6. It pays to tip the housekeeper every day.  $2 or $3 matters a lot to the most under-appreciated people in the hotel.

7. Your bags aren't safe with the bellhop.  Make sure that they are kept in a secure room if you plan to leave your bags for several hours.

8. Hotel rooms are infested with germs.  Worst spots - TV remote control, telephone and clock radio.  Do travel with anti-bacterial wipes so you can clean them off.

9. The lost and found is a great resource for cell phone users.  Forgot your recharging cord?  Most hotels are willing to lend you one from their lost and found.