| I went a convention with my brother at a hotel and | | | | Not only do you save money by not buying an extra |
| we got into a discussion about how some of these | | | | meal every day, but you can also take some fruit to |
| hotels charge you for every little thing. | | | | snack on throughout the day. |
| Programming is a big part of marketing. I feel like | | | | 3. Good Location- Sometimes big conventions host |
| hotels have done an excellent job programming the | | | | their event in these "top quality" hotels and it is |
| general population. | | | | convenient to stay in the same hotel. |
| A lot of folks feel like if they do not stay in a certain | | | | You have to realize that a lot of these hotels cater |
| type of hotel that they are lower quality, but this is | | | | to companies because they have corporate accounts |
| not true. | | | | and they can charge them for any and everything. |
| I have some specific hotel chains in mind based on | | | | If your company is not paying for your hotel room it |
| my own experiences. | | | | might be wise to get a less expensive hotel within |
| Hotels like the Westin and the Hyatt charge you for | | | | walking distance. |
| things that you get for free at hotels like the Fairfield | | | | Not only will you save money but you will get much |
| Inn, and the Comfort Suites. | | | | needed exercise since you will be more than likely |
| There are 3 things I look for when choosing a hotel. | | | | sitting down in convention meetings all day. |
| 1. Free Wireless Internet Access- If you have a | | | | If it is too far to walk, look into the cost of a taxi or |
| laptop and you travel a lot this is a must. Another | | | | public transportation. It will probably still be a lot less |
| alternative is to pay for your internet access through | | | | expensive than staying in the convention hotel. |
| your cell phone service provider. | | | | I do not recommending renting a car though, because |
| Although cell phone companies do not provide a lot | | | | not only will they beat you over the head with rental |
| of bandwidth for their internet services it will still be | | | | car fees, but you also have to factor in parking fees. |
| less expensive than paying the over-priced daily rates | | | | Some people will argue that all of these fees are tax |
| that these hotels charge. | | | | deductible. Yes, get receipts and deduct all of your |
| 2. Free Continental Breakfast- The continental | | | | expenses, but do not try to use tax deductions as |
| breakfast is usually healthy and consists of fruit, | | | | an excuse for careless money management skills. |
| bagels, juice, etc.. | | | | |