Hotels Archives

Air or hotel points?, Answered by The Penny Pincher on December 13, 2006
I have a job that requires extensive travel throughout the year (70+ nights per year). My employer pays for all of my airfare, and thus does not allow me to accumulate/keep air miles for my own personal use. Therefore, I... [Read on]

Foreign Plugs and Adapters, Answered by The Penny Pincher on February 02, 2006
Joel, I have a camcorder that needs to recharge the battery. Going to France do I have to get an adapter? Stan... [Read on]

Basic Travel under Special Circumstances, Answered by The Penny Pincher on February 02, 2006
Dear Joel, I am a military wife looking to visit my husband who is stationed at Yuma Sir Station in Arizona. I want to leave February 9, PM, and return February 12 whenever. My husband will be deployed February 14th... [Read on]

South African Honeymoon, Answered by The Penny Pincher on January 03, 2006
Hi Joel, I really enjoy your articles and commentary, and your book is top of my reading list for an upcoming trip to Africa, which is the subject of my question. My fiance and I are traveling to South Africa... [Read on]

Contact the Manager, Answered by The Penny Pincher on October 27, 2005
Hello, Is it ever advisable to contact the hotel in advance either via email or by phone to request an upgrade or is it best to do it upon arrival and what is the best way to handle it? By... [Read on]

From Iraq to Hawaii, Answered by The Penny Pincher on October 20, 2005
Sir, I am a service member who has just returned from a tour in Iraq. I am trying to plan a 7-day vacation with my wife in Oahu, Hawaii (I thought we would go to Oahu because of the social... [Read on]

Eye-Opening, Answered by The Penny Pincher on June 18, 2005
Mr. Widzer, I just wanted to take a moment to let you know that your Passport to Luxury Travel book has completely changed my outlook on travel. Thanks to your advice, I will be earning Platinum level status in just... [Read on]

Las Vegas Hotels, Answered by The Penny Pincher on May 28, 2005
My husband and I recently stayed at the Venetian in Las Vegas. I was really excited to be staying there because it looked wonderful. We couldn't check in right away, so we went to the concierge to book dinner reservations... [Read on]

Fun for All, Answered by The Penny Pincher on January 17, 2005
My husband and I would like to take a vacation this summer with our 15-month-old son. Where would you suggest going? We would like for him to enjoy the vacation as well as us.... [Read on]

Fall into Florence, Answered by The Penny Pincher on August 27, 2004
My partner and I, in our later 60's, are finding it difficult to locate a reasonably priced hotel room in Florence this next October. We are not "starving students" but we're not wealthy, either, and like 400 euros/night is kinda... [Read on]

Seeing America, Answered by The Penny Pincher on April 23, 2004
Dear Joel, We are planning a driving trip through out the United States this summer. We plan to be traveling 30 to 50 days and are looking for hotels that will give us the best deals if we use their... [Read on]

Fours Seasons—Which One?, Answered by The Penny Pincher on April 07, 2004
Dear Penny Pincher, I am planning a vacation to either Four Seasons Dallas or Four Seasons Scottsdale. Have you been in any of those? If so, which one do you recommend? And Why? Thanks, Carl... [Read on]

Ritz-Carlton Upgrade, Answered by The Penny Pincher on February 07, 2004
I found your answer to the gentleman who expected an upgrade at the Ritz-Carlton interesting. I have not noticed the decline in service that you commented upon. While a guest should always be treated with courtesy and respect, I am... [Read on]

A Maui Valentine's, Answered by The Penny Pincher on February 05, 2004
Dear Joel, My girlfriend and I are going to spend a week at the Ritz-Carlton in Maui on Feb. 14th. We spent 8 days there early last year. I was hoping you might have some tips for getting upgraded to... [Read on]

Backpacking in Europe, Answered by The Penny Pincher on January 20, 2004
My boyfirend and I would like to do the backpacking thing in W. Europe (mainly the U.K., France, Spain, and Amsterdam) this summer and we are looking for the best deals on airfare and hostel stays. I would like to... [Read on]

Honeymoon in Vegas, Montréal, & NYC, Answered by The Penny Pincher on January 19, 2004
Hi! My partner and I are flying American Airlines to Las vegas 21 Feb, staying in the Monte Carlo, Getting married(!) then flying AA to Montreal and then NYC. Given that it's such a special trip for us I was... [Read on]

European Travel, Answered by The Penny Pincher on January 09, 2004
How do I travel around Germany/Austria and Czech Republic and pay low rates for a hotel/motel/inn/b&b without having to stay in a hostel? How can I get good accommodation and air packages? Or is it cheaper not to get a... [Read on]

Upgrading at the Ritz, Answered by The Penny Pincher on January 09, 2004
Dear Joel, After reading your book The Penny Pincher’s Passport to Luxury Travel and trying some of your advice for getting room upgrades it seems to me that these days it is very hard to get an upgrade. I have... [Read on]

Disney Resort Upgrade, Answered by The Penny Pincher on December 15, 2003
Mr. Widzer, Just finished your book…… Love it! Got some great tips to use but my question is this…I’m taking my family "we are driving" to Disney World in mid February "off peak season." We are staying at the Disney... [Read on]

Hotel accommodations, Answered by The Penny Pincher on October 10, 2003
Mr. Widzer: Allow me to first offer my compliments on the Penny Pincher’s Passport to Luxury Travel. I bought it recently and went through it in two days. Thank you for sharing your experience and wisdom with the rest of... [Read on]

Travel to Costa Rica, Answered by The Penny Pincher on October 10, 2003
A group of 3-9 of us would like to travel to Costa Rica, probably in January or February 2004. Where can we find good deals on airfare, hotels, and excursions? Are there better days of the week or times of... [Read on]

Luxury Hotels Jamaica, Answered by The Penny Pincher on October 10, 2003
I'm trying to decide on a luxury resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica for December 19-26 for my vacation with my husband and two daughters ages 3 and 6. I am choosing between Half Moon Club and The Ritz-Carlton. Rates are... [Read on]

Coastal Hotels in Ecuador, Answered by The Penny Pincher on October 10, 2003
What is the name and location of some hotels along the coast of Ecuador? Can you give me some idea on cost. Travel is in December '03. Tks... [Read on]