Hotel tips

Reserve a hotel room anywhere in the world using your Visa card,and enjoy extra protection. It ensures the hotel guarantees the room for you. And if there isn’t a room available, they must provide you with comparable accommodation at their hotel or another one – and transport you there for free. They also have to forward all phone messages at their expense and let you make a free three-minute telephone call.

And that’s not all…

The hotel must post, fax or email you a copy of your reservation confirmation. This should include a confirmation code, room rate, cancellation options and no-show fees.

Before you get there:

• Give your e-mail address when making a reservation so the hotel can send you their contact details.
• If you cancel, always get a cancellation code. Your travel agent will do this for you, if you’ve booked through them. But remember to cancel by the time specified in the hotel’s terms and conditions. Or you may be charged anything up to the full cost of your stay.
• If the hotel still charges your Visa card, contact your bank or card issuer. They may be able to reverse it and any credits will then appear on your Visa card statement.

During and after your stay:

• Any hotel services you use on the day you check out may appear on your account a few days later.
• For any queries about charges for things like room service or the mini bar, contact the hotel directly. But if that doesn’t clarify matters, call your bank or card issuer.