Karen Fawcett

For some travelers, hotel room service is the-be-all to end-all. It is considered the height of indulgence. Guests staying in a swanky hotel with a very special lover may not want to leave the room after dark, or for that matter, during the day. It may be a sybarite’s dream when the waiter appears with an iced bottle of champagne and silver trays of assorted delectable nibbles.

But many business travelers find room service a nightmare.

They dislike how the room smells after the meal. Some develop a sense of claustrophobia from eating and sleeping in the same place, especially if the quarters are small. Travelers often resent the cost of in-room meals and few know the precise tipping etiquette. (Do they give the waiter one when a service charge is included?  FYI, the answer is yes.)

Here are some alternatives to room service for intrepid travelers either looking for a way to save a few dollars or searching for a local experience.

• Buy take-in meals at a local store. Skip room service by picking up something to eat at a local grocery store and eat in the room. Remember to beg, borrow or steal some utensils, a plate and a napkin (OK, use a towel).

• Get local take-out. Ask at the front desk, the staff frequently has a list of restaurants that deliver in case you’re craving a deep-dish pizza with all of the trimmings or chicken and cashews from a nearby Chinese restaurant. The meal may or may not be good but it probably will be accompanied by a fortune cookie that might give you an indication as to how successful the trip will be.

• Get out and try the local cuisine. You may score a great meal or one you wouldn’t want to foist off on an enemy. But it might be interesting. Never eat at chain restaurants is a rule some people hold near and dear. The food tends be mediocre to good; but why should you eat at someplace you can find at home?

During nice weather, diners often prefer to go to restaurants, especially ones with outdoor sitting, where they can park themselves and people watch. When traveling on business, few people have enough time for sightseeing. This is a good way to observe people in their daily lives. Sitting at a sidewalk cafe is certainly one of my favorite things to do.

• Try a meal at a local bar. They may or may not be on the hotel’s premises but usually one makes for good people watching and who knows, you might strike up a conversation. Whether or not you want to be chatty is up to you. Most bartenders are very good at picking up your signals and may let you veg out watching the bar’s TV or expedite a conversation or two.

Left to your own devices, which do you prefer? Do you eat in the room, hit the town (more or less) or isolate yourself in cyberspace even though you’re surrounded by people?

Karen Fawcett is president of BonjourParis.

Why am I differentiating between men and women traveling solo?  It’s a bit of a mystery since I frequently hop on a plane and enjoy being my own boss.

I love the freedom. Waiting for others to make up their minds (or get dressed) can negate some of the pleasures of being able to be spontaneous.

Traveling alone can be lonely, but the new people you meet without a “friend” tagging along, are certainly different. It’s one of the ways a trip may be enriched by not having a companion (or more) joined at the hip.

However, some friends have reprimanded me for being so loose and fancy-free and advised me to take prudent precautions. In many countries (and unfortunately even here in the U.S.) women are seen to be the more vunerable sex. In order to make peace with friends who tell me I need to be more careful when on the road, here are 10 safety rules to follow for women traveling alone.

1. Let family, friends or co-workers know where you are going and where you will be staying.

2. Be alert to your surroundings. If something or someone doesn’t seem right, take action. If necessary, call 911 or its equivalent. If you’re in a foreign country, it’s up to you to ask for the help number.

3. If you’re staying in a hotel, ask to change rooms if the desk clerk blurts out your room number for all to hear. It’s no one’s business but yours and should stay that way.

4. Some people are nervous about hotels that use magnetic keys. That’s not one of my anxieties. But if I lose one, I ask for a new reprogrammed set.

5. Elevators that require you to insert your key to get to your floor are an extra safety precaution many women appreciate.

6. Does the hotel have a full-time security staff that has been trained and bonded?

7. When you’re in the room, insure all of the safety locks are securely bolted. Some security specialists suggest you travel with a personal door lock. That’s going a bit far – unless you’re staying someplace you shouldn’t be.

8. Some people leave the radio or television on after they’ve left the room. If it makes them feel better, so be it.

9. Prudence says you should use the safe in the room or if you’re traveling with real valuables, or the hotel safe. Don’t leave things out for the staff to see.

10. If someone knocks on the door, don’t feel you have to open it even if the person says he or she is an employee of the hotel. There’s nothing wrong with calling the front desk to ascertain whether or not it’s valid. You might miss a turndown chocolate but it won’t be the end of your life.

Now that I’ve thought these precautions through, they are not only advisable for women. Men could certainly stand for a bit of caution at times.

These are a few dos and don’ts for personal security. To be sure, I’m missing some of the most important ones. Please add them in the event I’ve been careless or forgetful.

Karen Fawcett is president of BonjourParis.

Many parents have been known to say a specific vacation will be the last they’ll ever take as a family. As their children approach college age, many of them have no patience for the older generation — especially if they happen to be authority figures, for example, parents.

Plus, teens develop lives of their own, want to do things with friends, hang out or (hopefully) get summer jobs that preclude leaving town.

If, in spite of these hurdles, you’re planning a getaway as a family unit, there are ways to facilitate making it a trip everyone enjoys. The magic is called planning. Plus, throw in a little TLC, some to give and take, compromise, cooperation and free time.

The first decision is what type of vacation you’re going to take and where the family will be headed.

1. Chose a Destination: There are plenty of questions when it comes to this decision.

Do you want to go near or far? Will you need air transportation, train or by car? Are you looking for an all-inclusive vacation? For example, a cruise, a vacation at a dude ranch, a Club Med, a safari, a biking or hiking trip? Do you want a resort that has camps targeting different ages and interests?

Do you want to stay in a hotel or would you rather rent an apartment? Is the trip intended to be educational or do you to relax on the beach? Is it going to be a sports or water related get-away? You get the idea.

2. Budget: Set a budget and have it fixed in stone. Depending on how small or how big, this will dictate where you may and may not go. Wear your brutally realistic hat when you’re using a calculator and doing the math. Anyone who says a family of four can “do” a city in Western Europe on $100 a day is dreaming.

Some frugal travelers might be able to pull it off if they’re willing to sleep on the pavement and confine their meals to bread, cheese, possibly some fruit, rotgut wine and tap water. Personally, I don’t consider that a vacation.

On the other hand, for the camping, biking or hiking types, it’s doable. I’ve camped in France and discovered parts of the country I would never have seen had I stayed in a hotel.

3. Involve your children in the decision-making process: If you don’t, you’re doomed. They’ll feel as if they’re being dragged to a destination they haven’t chosen. This is where it gets tricky since not all members of a family necessarily like to do the same things at the same time

There are different types of excursions and something for everyone. Let your children take ownership of specific days — One day (or more) might be dedicated to museums; other days might be designated to outdoor activities.

Have an agenda. But don’t be so rigid that nothing can be changed under any circumstances. The key to a successful trip is when everyone feels as if his or her preferences are being accommodated.

4. Give each member of the group specific responsiblies: Teens are amazing when it comes to doing research on the Internet. One may be fascinated by specific destinations while another may excel at identifying accommodations and places to eat.

5. Give children freedom: Clear boundaries need to be set about what’s appropriate and what’s not.

- acceptable norms of the people at the travel destination

- acceptable behavior of the family unit even as if they weren’t traveling

6. Keep a journal and take photos: Start at the beginning of the planning process and record everything until the end of the trip.

Photos are a great way to capture memories. In these days of digital photography, creating a trip website doesn’t take forever and is a means of sharing.

7. Include unscheduled time for spontaneous fun.

Vacations are experiences that will be with you far longer than the trip itself. Please add any and all ideas you may have for making a family vacation a memorable one. Times such as this deserve to be cherished.

Karen Fawcett is president of BonjourParis.

For some, hotel rooms with big beds, fluffy pillows and amenities are important. Others find their lodging pleasure in the bathrooms. Well, what used to be known as bathrooms. You remember – a toilet, a sink and a tub for a shower or bath.

It’s no longer sufficient for hotels to have free business centers, WiFi, Bose iPod docking stations, lush Continental breakfasts and a mini-store where some supplies may be purchased. Now the bathroom should be grand enough that you can invite people for a party.

Here are my 10 secret hotel bathroom fantasies:

1. A huge tub (preferably with a Jacuzzi) plus a separate clear glass floor-to-ceiling shower stall with multiple jets and a rain shower spray. Preferably, it should be big enough for two people.

2. Enough hot water that you can sit or stand forever and the pressure is super strong.

3. How about a flat screen TV visible from every angle?

4. Naturally  – a telephone. And please, a clock.

5. A powerful hairdrier.

6. Two sinks — it’s hard to share. Please include good lighting and a no-fog magnifying mirror.

7. More towels and washcloths than you can possibly use– the thicker and fluffier the better. So much for the green movement.

8. Robes – who wants to pack their own?

9. Designer toiletries and they shouldn’t be the mini-mini size.

10. Flowers in the bathroom in addition to the bedroom.

I remember when I was pleased to find a super clean bathroom, a high voltage hairdryer and water faucets that were correctly marked and turned in the right direction.

Clearly, those days are a thing of the past. Bring in the luxuries, giant mirrors and elegant marble décor. And yes, would the housekeeping staff leave candy or some cookies at night.

In Europe, I always found a bidets. But, they are a luxury that I’ve only used to cool champagne and to wash underwear and pantyhose.

My bathroom fantasies sound terrific to me and to other hotel dreamers. But I’m certain I’ve forgotten some of the true nitty-gritty necessities. Plus, I’m certain you have your own fantasies. Feel free to add them.

Karen Fawcett is president of BonjourParis.

Hotel prices in most corners of the world are dropping, but people’s expectations, when it comes to hotel rooms, aren’t. Travelers don’t want to settle for less, even when only forking out bargain rates per night.

No matter what price I pay for a hotel room, here are 15 basics I want to look for before booking, certainly before returning again.

1. Clean, clean and then spotlessly clean.

2. Convenient location — If the hotel is in the city, easy access to public transportation; if people are driving, they want a secure and locked parking area.

3. A solid room door with a secure lock designed to minimize noise from other hotel guests.

4. Beds should have firm mattresses that don’t sag in the middle. Travelers want the equivalent of a Radisson’s sleep number bed or Sheraton’s Sweet Sleepers with duvets that aren’t threadbare.

5. A selection of pillows, but not so many that they end up on the floor. Hotels should ask clients what type of pillows they like.

6. Closet space to really unpack as if they’re staying for more than a night.

7. Good lighting.

8. An alarm clock, easy to set, that doesn’t go off by itself at 4 a.m.

9. A phone next to the bed and another unit on the desk. Of course, there should be voice mail.

10. Free WiFi

11. Sufficient, accessible electrical outlets. Who wants to climb on their hands and knees to plug in their electrical “musts.”

12. A television with a good selection of channels.

13. Sustenance basics: A coffee maker with a selection of different coffees and teas, a small refrigerator, perhaps a microwave?

14. An ironing board and iron. (Maybe a trousers’ press.)

15. Blackout curtains.

Karen Fawcett is president of BonjourParis.

Hotel horror stories abound but some are definitely worse than others. At the moment, they may feel horrible and catastrophic. Later, you might view them with a touch of humor. You can always hope.

The following are a few hair-raising hotel sagas I’ve heard over the years.

Bumped by a convention
A group of people assigned to an on-going business project always stayed in the same hotel. They would arrive on Sunday or Monday and check out on Friday. One would think it would be good business for the hotel and that these clients would be given A+ service? Well not precisely.

Upon arriving one Sunday, they were informed there were no rooms available. Their standing reservations weren’t going to be honored since there was a convention taking place. But they shouldn’t worry since alternative reservations had been made. The group was bused to a hotel approximately 45 minutes away in a rather seedy area of the city. Some rooms were clearly being rented by the hour.

When one person complained that his room had no phone (this was pre-cell phone days), the manager unplugged his phone on the front desk and gave it to him. The group survived the night but never returned to the original upscale hotel. Not only did they nix that city’s hotel but also they decided to sever its relationship with the chain.

Even dead bugs like classy places
Another not-so-funny hotel story but certainly creepy and memorable, it told about an upscale establishment. A woman decided to splurge and booked a room in a luxury boutique hotel that cost nearly $400 per night and promoted itself as the cream of the crop.

After a grueling workday, she was looking forward to relaxing in the hotel’s whirlpool. Before she took the plunge, she cleaned the hair littering the tub. After filling the tub, she discovered the whirlpool jets weren’t working but decided to use the tub anyway. As she looked up at the light over the tub, she was horrified to be greeted by generations of dead bugs. That clinched it. She put on her clothes and checked out of the hotel ASAP.

Can we get the windows opened?
Sometimes the hotel problems are caused by previous clients. This story about maintaining the heating, or cooling, system seems humorous in hindsight.

Now that so many hotels have gone the no-smoking route, the room’s windows are often bolted shut. I guess this is probably to maintain the sanctity of its no-smoking designation. Some clever client had managed to pry open the window just enough so the room felt as if it were being overtaken by howling gale winds. The next hotel guest had to turn up the heat full blast to stay warm. The end of the room with the pried-open window was frigid while the other end was roasting. Happily, the bed was in the middle of the room. The hotel gave him a 50 percent rebate when he checked out that morning. Thank goodness he didn’t contract pneumonia along with his discount.

It meets corporate criteria, but …
A businessman was booked into a hotel by the personnel manager’s secretary. The criteria were that the hotel should be near the conference venue as well as near the train station. The company quality standard specified four-star accommodations. When he arrived, there weren’t any taxis. After eventually finding one, he was driven to the hotel that was on very impressive grounds and looked as though it had once been a very grand country house.

He thought there might have been an old-folks convention taking place based on the number of wheelchairs and walkers not to mention the median age of the guests. After checking in, he asked for directions to the bar. The receptionist shot him a strange look and informed him Quakers owned the hotel and no liquor was permitted on the premises.

In addition, part of the hotel was a retirement home causing the ambiance to be something less than cheerful. The receptionist took pity on him and directed him to the closest village. It had a pub, served meals and he hung out there until closing time when he returned to his long-term-care facility.

I still can’t figure out what kind of convention he was attending and why his secretary booked him there.

I’ve been collecting these stories and could go on and on. But rather than continue rambling on, let’s hear your accounts. Some of them must be zingers. And the real questions are: Did you find them amusing at the time? Are you laughing about them now?

Karen Fawcett is president of BonjourParis.

For people who want to know about the (alleged) best restaurants and hotels in various countries, the Michelin Guide is more than likely their culinary and hotel bible. Or one of them.

People who happened to be passing Paris’s Musée d’Orsay yesterday might have thought the Academy Awards were taking place. The area was filled with police and there were dozens of satellite broadcast trucks, so the press could announce the newest winners (and losers) of the much sought over Michelin stars.

France has twenty-six three-star restaurants. There’s only one new addition this year and it’s been awarded to 45-year-old Eric Frechon, head chef at the tres chic and expensive Bristol Hotel. Frechon has already worked in the restaurant business for 32 years and has done everything from mop floors to cook for royalty and France’s President Nicolas Sarkozy. Sarkozy’s home is literally a three-minute walk to the hotel.

But as Paris is feeling the economic crisis and even the very rich have been cutting back when it comes to eating out and opting to go to less expensive restaurants. Frechon wagers this star will insure every table is booked as they were in the past.

This year was the 100th anniversary of the publication of the Michelin Guides that are printed by the tire company. During the two world wars, the guides were put on hold. Inaugurated in France, Michelin now publishes guides covering twenty-three countries and forecasts further expansion. As of this year, the information is now accessible via mobile phones including the iPhone by accessing Michelin as well as the Internet.

In addition to the 548 starred restaurants, Michelin’s 2009 French edition has awarded 527 restaurants a “Bib Gourmand.” That designation signifies restaurants that offer good value for money. These meals cost no more than €35 (without wine). They are where I’ll be eating when I’m not eating pasta in the kitchen.

Karen Fawcett is president of BonjourParis.

With the economy at an all time low since the depression, what are corporate executives doing to cut costs and still generate business? If they’re going to ask staff members to hold back, many believe they should set an example.

Many executives have adopted the mantra that they need to spend money as if it’s their own. If it is, now’s not the time to flaunt it even if they have it.

The days of chartering private jets are on hold unless there’s no way you can get from here to there without spending days away from the office in the process of competing for a mega-buck contract.

Some executives justify flying business class if they can depart early in the morning and sleep all the way to their destination with the proviso the aircraft’s seats are sufficiently comfortable. More than one person states he or she takes the first flight departing New York City for Los Angeles or San Francisco and returns after dinner (on the West Coast) essentially packing two days into one.

Other road warriors have resorted to using frequent-flier miles to upgrade (if they can). No more accumulating them as a perk for family vacations. Now’s the time to utilize affinity/airline programs, hotel programs and other incentive programs such as credit card points.

Try to avoid last minute travel since it tends to be more expensive especially if you lack flexibility when it comes to the date and the time. Book as early as possible if you know of an upcoming trip. Some business travelers might stay over a Saturday night if the meeting is on Friday and the destination is interesting. But few bosses insist that employees do so, since they respect that people need weekends to be with their families. Now’s not the time to add additional stress to marriages which invariably are already experiencing pressure.

Executives appear to be unanimous about analyzing whether or not the trip is essential. They may prefer face-to-face meetings. But frequently there are times a conference call will suffice.

Where entertainment/meals are valuable in building and nurturing relationships, executives say they’ll continue to wine and dine. But they no longer feel it’s essential to impress people by entertaining at the newest or most expensive restaurant in town.

Other money savers: Stay in the company’s best rated hotel that’s as close as possible to office where the meetings are taking place, and if possible, walk rather than taxi. Savvy travelers try to stay in the same hotel group to amass points that can be converted into free room nights.

Some people are staying at mid-major hotels, making sure the value they’re getting matches their business needs. An executive explained, “Once we’re in a conference room for meetings, we can’t tell whether the room is in the Ritz or a Marriott Courtyard or, for that matter, whether we’re in Fort Lauderdale or Fort Worth.” Try to group trips, especially if international travel is involved. Intra-Europe travel usually can be booked relatively inexpensively.

It’s a whole new and challenging world in the realm of travel cutbacks. How are you coping?

Karen Fawcett is president BonjourParis.

Some people are putting traveling on hold and not going any place that isn’t 100 percent essential.

Welcome to the world of video conferencing and talking via Skype or other programs such as Go to Meeting.

But there are times when business people need to sit down together and make personal contact. The challenge is how to make meetings more cost effective.

Here are some options:

1. Surf the Internet for the least expensive airfare and decide whether or not you’re willing to stay at one of the suggested hotels and rent a car (if needed). Package deals often save money.

2. Some people are opting to stay at less expensive hotels. “Residence” ones, where you can eat some meals or have a drink without going to the bar or the restaurant are cost effective. More than likely, there’s a grocery/liquor store within striking distance.

If you’re traveling on business, ask your client to suggest a hotel. If it’s the pits, you can book another. Make sure it’s close to where you’ll be conducting meetings or make sure there is direct public transportation.

3. The days of having a car and driver waiting have become an extreme luxury. Ask the receptionist to arrange for a taxi to meet you when you’re leaving a meeting.

Some people suggest their colleagues or clients meet them at the airport, and/or pick them up and drop them off each day at the hotel. It saves on rental cars and taxi fares. Plus, it insures you get to meetings at the scheduled hour. In addition, the commuting time can be used to discuss business.

4. If you have to host a meal, arrange to hold it at a restaurant and offer your guests a fixed menu with two to three choices for each course. That way, you’ll be spared from having to ante up for the person who decides he or she craves lobster. Plus, it saves time not having to discuss who’s eating what.

Some people pack their own food ranging from power bars to pre-packaged food. That saves money and can be eaten on the run. There’s nothing like having nuts or trail mix to satisfy middle-of-the night munchies. Whatever you do, stay away from the mini-bar.

5. One friend told me she is now willing to share a room at a conference. Sue said she would never have considered that before but it’s a real cost saver and she’s met some terrific people. I wouldn’t share a room with a stranger — but that’s me.

Welcome to 2009 and being creative when it comes to saving money. Your job may depend on it as well as whether or not you win the contract.

What compromises are you willing to make when you take business trips?

Karen Fawcett is president of BonjourParis.

Beginning on January 26th, LastMinuteTravel.com is conducting a two-week-long zinger sale on hotel rooms — those who move quickly enough can book a room for up to seven nights and pay only $1 per night. Is this too good to be true?

Well, yes and no. Last MinuteTravel.com is offering up its worldwide 15,000-hotel inventory for sale. But there’s a hitch and make sure to read the fine print.

One hitch: Travelers won’t know which hotel they’ll be booking until the deed is done.

The real catch: This dollar-a-night deal will be available for only 15 minutes each day and exclusively during weekdays. Aaahh… which 15 minutes?

Travelers will need sign up for email clues to find out which 15 minutes are the hot ones. For any gamblers, this could be a very worthwhile game to play.

Hope the site doesn’t crash from an overload of traffic or LastMinuteTravel.com will have plenty of grumbling bargain hunters and some embarrassed hotel affiliates. In this economy, it’s worth going the unconventional route to get super bargains.

Winners, however, won’t be able to complain about the room cost.

Be prepared to move fast. Get ready. Get set. Go. Good luck!

Karen Fawcett is president of BonjourParis and is always delighted to unearth a bargain.