Traveling Boy: Terry Cassel: Don't Get Trapped in a Tourist Hotel

Terry Cassel: Don't Get Trapped in a Tourist Hotel

Do Your Homework:
Don't Get Trapped
In a Tourist Hotel
Story by Terry Cassel
Illustrations by Raoul Pascual

y way of traveling usually involves finding a bus bench where I can throw my sleeping bag. Most of you, however, prefer a nice hotel.

In every big city there are three kinds of hotels:

Business hotels
Tourist hotels
Quality hotels

Business hotels are efficient and sometimes luxurious, but they tend to treat their customers impersonally. The Ritz-Carlton in New York's Battery Park is a good example. Fine furnishings. Everything you need. But there are so many concierges that you rarely see the same one twice. So, ofcourse, they never remember your name.

hotel guests and goats caricature

Tourist hotels are horrible. They are usually tacky and crowded and populated by loud, self-absorbed people who move about in packs that resemble herds of angry goats. There are, indeed, luxury tourist hotels. But they are horrible for different reasons. They charge way too much for everything, and they are populated by pretentious people who look at you as though you were something stirring in a trash can.

Like business and tourist hotels, quality hotels come in all price ranges. What defines them are exceptional ambiance and service. And, of course, the absence of guests who remind you of goats. Examples of quality hotels include the Ritz-Carlton in Madrid and the Crillon in Paris.

guest and attendants at pricey hotel caricature

On the occasions when I’m traveling with house money, I like to stay in quality hotels. But I often end up in a luxury business hotel, which is fine so long as I'm on business. Sometimes I make the mistake of booking myself into an expensive tourist hotel. That leaves me feeling like I've been fleeced by a Las Vegas hooker.

When booking hotels, it pays to do some Internet research. It doesn't take long to find out everything you need to know about a hotel, including room sizes and configurations, amenities, charges, and what previous customers say about it.

The Fasano Hotel is considered the best hotel in Rio. And in many respects it is. The lobby is nice, the rooms are beautiful, the bed linens and towels are extra fine, and the service is topnotch.

But during a recent five-day stay, a friend of mine reported he was disappointed to discover that it is, in essence, a tourist hotel.

Here is what happened.

After a pleasant business dinner at a very nice restaurant, he returned to the hotel. He was not yet ready for bed, so he stopped by the lobby bar for a quick drink. He pointed to a bottle that he thought he recognized and said, "I want that - the Macallan."

The bartender poured him a drink from the bottle he'd pointed to (which, as it turns out, was not your ordinary Macallan Scotch Whiskey. It was a rare vintage Macallan). When he got the check, it was $550.

In his most insane moments, he tells me, he has never ordered a drink that cost more than $80. (I’m thinking I’ve never paid more than $8, but that’s another story.) Anyhow, although my friend likes to think of himself as reasonably knowledgeable about fine Scotch Whiskey, he had no idea that even the finest could go for $550 a glass. (And this one, he assures me, was nowhere near the finest. Although he admits his judgment may have been clouded by a fit of pique.)

When he told the bartender "There must be some mistake," she assured him it was he who was mistaken. She showed him the bar menu to prove it.

"Why didn't you tell me it costs that much?" he asked.

"We are not allowed to," she admitted. "Management says it would embarrass the customers."

"Well, that's nice," he thought. "Management didn't want to embarrass me. How do they think I feel now that I've discovered a gulp of that stuff just cost me more than the super-priced suite I'm staying in?"

Don’t fall into the traps of touristy hotels. Do your research. Some of these suggestions are from other friends who fell into different traps than my friend, and I, have fallen into.

Here is a short list of what not to do:

Don't assume that because a hotel has a famous name you are going to be given great service at a reasonable price. Before booking, shop for value.
Never pay the official room rate. There are at least a half-dozen discounted prices for every room at any time.
Never eat at hotel restaurants -- especially at fancy hotels. They are rarely all that good, and are invariably twice as expensive as the better restaurant across the street or around the corner.
Never have your clothes cleaned at a hotel. The cost of laundering a T-shirt, for example, is almost always more than what you paid for it in the first place.
Don't let it slide if all you can see from your "ocean view" room is a sliver between two buildings when you lean over the balcony. Demand to get what you're paying for.
Never raid the mini bar. Not only are the prices outrageous, but now many hotels are charging restocking fees.
Don't let yourself be rushed at checkout. Examine your bill for resort fees, pay-per-view movies, and room service. Many times other guests (or staff members) accidentally charge things to the wrong room.

Terry's Feedback

Great article, Terry Cassel. Balanced and articulate. We have until Nov 4 to sift through the glitz and image-making and make a serious choice baaed on the candidates' intelligence, character, experience, and stances on major issues such as the economy, foreign policy, and energy independence. The election will soon be upon us. Let's hope that, between now and then, the debate turns serious.

- Norman, Madison, WI

* * * *

Thank you, Norman, and well said.

Let's also hope the campaigns will show some respect to the voters and stop
the incessant dishonest attacks. This time around, let's not allow the hate
speech and fear-mongering dominate the agenda. Americans are growing weary
of being treated like fools.

- Terry

Terry,

Thanks bro, for another illuminating piece. You never cease to surprise me. Especially appreciated the link to Sarah Palin addressing the Wasalia Assembly of God. May everyone I forward it to watch it beginning to end and draw the same conclusions!

Your Boitano Sister, Citizen of the World

* * * *

Hello Sister,

Thanks for your "worldly" support. I, too, believe there are definite conclusions most folks will draw upon viewing that video.

- Terry

Hi Terry,

Nice article and refreshing to read such an unbiased view of what could be a visit back to happier and less complicated times of the 1940's and 50's. Back to the cold war period and back alley abortions. At least I'll have less difficulty shooting wolves and moose from a helicopter. My only concern is that when she's making important decisions that will effect the planet, will she know if the little voice inside her head telling her to go to war with Russia, will be God's or just another voice in her head.

Steve, Topanga, CA

Nice article, gives the appearance of impartiality. The fact of the matter is that those who don't think a governor is ready to be vice president, would prefer to elect a community organizer for the higher office of president, whom few can articulate what his accomplishments, if any, really are. I am biased, since Gov Palin and I share a similar alma mater and Christian faith. And I was born in Anchorage, too. What most aren't saying who are opposed to her, is they just don't want a Christian or gun-rights advocate, or pro-life person in office, so they say things like "she has no international foreign
policy experience" when I don't recall the same group complaining about that lack of experience when governor Clinton ran for president. Or governor Reagan for that matter.But we shall see what we shall see. There are obviously different world views animating each party, and I respect that they are sincerely held by both. (I just hope my side wins) :)

Chris, Boise, Idaho

* * * *

Thanks, Chris.

You make a good point about the issue of experience, especially in a vice presidential nominee. Voters will define experience in different ways.

I recall the foreign policy inexperience of Govs Carter, Reagan, Clinton and Bush, Jr. all being debated prior to their elections. But the issue is arguably less relevant for a vice presidential nominee.

Al Gore and Dick Cheney, each with extensive government and foreign policy experience, became powerful and influential vice presidents, ready to step in as president at a moment's notice. There's no reason Gov. Palin must follow that mold. Spiro Agnew and Dan Quayle were nominated, by Richard Nixon and George H. W. Bush respectively, simply to shore up a political base. This is a legitimate role. That's all some presidents expect their vice president to do.

Terry

Thank you for wonderfully thoughtful words on Gov Palin, beginning with that quote from T.S. Eliot.You are much more generous toward the lady in question than I am; in fact, generosity is not what I feel I need to muster up to make a decision about her worthiness as a candidate. I think she is a cruel joke played first on women; second, on the Democrats; and third,on this too to gullible country. I wish Karl Rove had remained at home in Texas, retired, but the Republicans could never let a mother lode like that go dormant.Bitter am I? --- guess so --- and will be so disappointed if this country doesn't give obama a chance to shine in its own eyes again as well as the eyes of the rest of the world.

P.S. re my comment on your earlier article, realize it wasn't friendly to wish you a trip to Beirut --- guess I was wishing you could visit the "old" Beirut for me!

Brenda, Richland, WA

* * * *

Brenda,

Many folks are unsure about Gov. Palin's readiness for the international stage. This includes quite a few Republicans I speak with as well. It is to be expected, inasmuch as she is virtually unknown outside Alaska and has only begun to be vetted by American voters and the press.

Over the next several weeks, as her handlers allow her to appear more often before the media, we may discover more about her. Meanwhile, the contest between McCain and Obama continues to heat up. Let's hope voters will cut through the lies and personal attacks and concentrate on the serious issues we face.

And, yes, I've never been to Beirut, but I know that at one time it was a safe, vibrant and beautiful cultural center.

Terry

Terry,

Good article. I see what you're saying about the majority of the nation not knowing who she is. Be that as it may, many are turned off by the current candidates whom we DO know. Several of my friends including myself have been disinterested with the campaign. Blame it on the mud slinging and that dirt thrown by the candidates and the media. Palin's surprise entry in the ring has actually revitalized many of us.

So far, depending on who you decide to listen to, her accomplishments in the short term she has been in office is better than that of Obama whose records are good in paper but has lacked substance. She has an approval rating of 80% among her Alaskan constituents which is better than most gevernors. Obama seems to be riding on promises more than accomplishments. Even his colleagues like Sen. Kirk Watson, are at a loss as to what he has really done.

If you are impartial to evangelical Christians, then she is definitely NOT your (wo)man. Here is a clip of her giving glory to God after giving birth to her baby.

At least you know where she stands. Some candidates are more conscious of what people want to hear than what they really believe in.

Here's a link to a blogger with aprehensions similar to yours. Click here.

Peter Paul of South Pasadena, CA

* * * *

Peter,

Thanks for your insights.

The Constitution guides my own biases about the vice presidency. Ultimately, the only stated duty of the vice president, besides being the tie-breaking vote in the Senate, is to step in as president should the president be unable to complete his or her duties as Commander-in-Chief. Any other tasks are assigned by the president as deemed fitting.

It's an issue of governance, yet many presidents choose running mates whom they believe will help them get elected, not help them govern. Of course there are no rules. It's a personal choice.

Selecting a running mate is the first real presidential decision a candidate will make. With Sen. Biden and Gov. Palin as the choices, I believe we have the first clear window into the thought processes, wisdom and judgment of our two candidates for president.

Terry

I liked the article on Palin. It tries to be impartial. Actually, there is much to recommend Palin. For one thing, she has revitalized the Republican party.

My main concern is "CAN SHE BE THE PRESIDENT OF THE U.S.? " Common sense tells me, (God Forbid!) that there is a big possibility that McCain may not be able to last his full term if elected. (Age, health) I do not believe Palin is qualified to be president.

Personally, I like McCain, and wouldn't mind if he gets elected. Between Obama and McCain, the citizens of U.S. have a good choice. Let the people speak. Here's the thing. I admire Biden too, and I believe he can easily step into the shoes of the presidency should something happen to Obama. I can't say the same for Palin. And after all, the main role of the VP is to be a stand-in for the presidency.

Henrietta, a US citizen residing in the Philippines

* * * *

Henrietta,

I appreciate your remarks. And I agree with you. I believe the country has a clear choice, and a good one, between Sens. McCain and Obama. At this point I also believe we have an even clearer choice between Gov. Palin and Sen. Biden.

Terry

Thanks, Terry, for letting me hop on your shoulders (in my imaginary travel, I'm light as a feather) and wander the streets of Istanbul with you. This mode of travel allows me to smell the smells, see the sites, as you describe, but avoid the crushing heat and humidity!

Most of all I enjoyed the wisdom of Mahir - his wonderfully simple declaration of being a Turk first and then a Muslim; his observation that Americans are children in this world. Only children could elect the biggest bully to its highest office and give him the keys to a closet full of horribly dangerous toys. One can only hope we'll grow up before we blow up.

Please travel to Beirut - another city I've always wanted to 'walk.'

Thanks for sharing.

Brenda Hughes
Richland, WA

I'm struck by how kind and civil the people were to you considering how much hostility (justified) that they have toward our government. It's refreshing to know that if Obama or Clinton becomes President he/she may be able to begin to heal these wounds and hopefully undo the Bush/Cheney damage and that because people of all faiths are good people, the damages don't have to be permanent.

p.s.

You make Istanbul sound like a great destination.

Roger Fallihee
Puyallup, WA

I so had to laugh at your conversation with Ali. Trying to be an open minded American abroad and having a political discussion can be a very frustrating experience. Now matter how open minded we can be, or how many points about our own country we willingly admit, it can be so tough getting others to do the same. They do seem to take any topic (such as the Armenian genocide) and just turn it back to us. "But what about all the bad things the US has done?" Yes, but...I already conceeded that. Can we talk about your country now? As I'm heading for uber-anti American Serbia in 3 weeks I'm going to keep your Istanbul experience in mind.

Ben Liu
Seattle, WA

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