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Things to Remember When Making Your Reservations at Hotels

1. Is the rate a flat rate or per person? If you plan to sleep 13 to a room, don't tell them that number..... Finalize a rate before getting off the phone. Ask how many and what size are the beds.
 
2. What is the tax rate? Most Chicago hotels have a tax of 14.9% to 15%. (Yes, this is high!)
 
3. Is breakfast included with the price of the room? If so, find out the hours and what is included.
 
4. How much does parking cost? Is parking available at the hotel? Are there unlimited ins and outs or is there only one validation per day? Does the parking get added to the bill or do I have to pay cash? In this city, parking can be an expensive nightmare, so check it out!!
 
5. What is the guarantee and cancellation policy? Most hotels require that you guarantee your reservation with a credit card. If this isn't possible for you, they might allow you to send in a check deposit. Make sure you ask, because you can't count on cashing out-of-state checks or even using them as payment at many hotels. If you have to cancel, know what how early you have to call to avoid having to pay for one night.
 
6. Don't count on rooms being readily available if you decide to come at the last minute. Calling and reserving early is the best bet. The American Dental Association convention is also in Chicago the same weekend as our conference -- they will be glad to take the rooms if we don't reserve them, so call today!! Try using a free Hotel Referral Service to track down space in other hotels in the city.
 
7. Make sure to ask about any extra charges up front. Most places won't offer cots or rollaways because of the other conventions going on at the same time. If they have them, they will charge you extra for them! If any hotel promises you something over the phone, make sure you get the name of the person you are dealing with and have them confirm the request and price for it in writing. Don't assume it is all taken care of, ask for written confirmation of special requests.
 
8. If you are making a standard reservation, make sure you get a confirmation number over the phone and WRITE IT DOWN!! We would hate to lose you in a sea of reservations and you don't want the hassle of trying to find a place to sleep on Friday night!
 
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