My boss recently returned from a trip to Boston. He gave me his receipts, but after returning an additional bill came through and I questioned the charges. It read “Refreshment Center $17.40.” He didn’t recall this expense. He did say that he had purchased a container of milk from a nearby shop and since the minibar was practically empty, he put the milk in it to keep it cool. The next day before checking out, he noticed that the minibar had been replenished and that his milk had been removed. Turns out the bill was for replenishing the minibar. A quick call to the hotel corrected their error.
Another charge on the hotel bill was for a phone call, $1.50. I know he always uses his cell phone. When I asked about it, he told me his taxi tale. He had asked the bellhop for a taxi to take him about 5 miles out of town. (I had previously called the hotel and asked the best way to get to his destination—was it car, bus, train, etc.? The hotel recommended taxi and said that it should be about $12. I noted this on his itinerary.)
The taxi driver who had been waiting outside of the hotel had been given the information by the bellhop and called the room. He had said that the cost of his cab would be $30. When questioned about the charge to go 5 miles, the cabbie responded the $30 included tip and tolls (the ride would not incur any tolls). My boss said “no thanks,” contacted the hotel’s front desk for the number of a taxi company, and called his own cab; the cost was $12.
Lesson: It pays to ask questions before you travel, and to check your bill before you check out.
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Roberta Evans
07:09:12 PM on Sat Mar 12 2011
Hi...I am in my 60's, quite computer-savvy...I coupon online and do most of my shopping online. I have a cell phone that only makes and receives calls!
I'm happy with what I have for technical devices, but notice more and more that when I read a magazine article, or follow up online, I'm asked to download an app, go to Facebook, etc., to receive the information I need...am I to be forced to buy a hot-shot phone, iPAD, or goodness knows what else?! I have no desire to text or get emails on my phone.
What do I need to stay current in this tech world without going overboard?
Thanks, R.E., Rockport, MA.
wynette grace
07:24:33 PM on Wed Jun 15 2011
going on a motorcycle trip on the blue ridge parkway,known for its scenery,what is my best bet on a camcorder.
wynette grace
07:28:53 PM on Wed Jun 15 2011
any suggestions on hair removal on the face,such as upper lip and chin?
wynette grace
07:30:02 PM on Wed Jun 15 2011
LOVE YOUR MAGAZINE
H Allen Evans
12:54:11 AM on Thu Jun 16 2011
I am curious as to why WebMD [www.webmd.com] wasn’t cited in your March article entitled "Health advice you can trust". I’ve used it for years, in part because more than one physician has referred me to it. I’ve found it quite reliable.
millie
06:54:10 PM on Fri Jul 1 2011
Where can I get a list of refrigerators rating?
Robin Melen
12:00:49 PM on Tue Jul 5 2011
Hi Millie~
You can check www.consumerreports.org for ratings of fridges, dishwashers -- everything! And for today only, July 5, you can get that info for FREE! Just go to the site and check it out. Enjoy!
robin
irene molskness
09:02:21 PM on Sat Jul 16 2011
I HAVE FREE CCleaner is it a o.k cleaner for virus ?
Robin Melen
12:23:38 PM on Mon Jul 18 2011
Hi Irene~
Doesn't look like we've tested it, so I can't answer. Maybe your fellow readers have experience with it?
robin
Judy
06:15:36 PM on Thu Sep 22 2011
How do I remove items from the hard drive before I get rid of an outdated computer?
Robin Melen
01:38:46 PM on Fri Sep 23 2011
Hi Judy~
There's a program you can download for free that will wipe your hard drive clean. Go here: eraser.heidi.ie
Thanks for reading!
Robin
Barb
10:55:01 AM on Fri Jan 6 2012
Please have your experts comment on the merits - or lack of them , on the WOW! computer by first street for boomers and beyond, as advertised in AARP magazine. It is presented as an easier and clearer computer for seniors. Trying to decide if it would aid my older husband to learn and use a computer.
You are just supposed to plug it in and go... I have Verision Fios internet, which is connected to my 2001 Dell PC.
Please advise
Robin Melen
10:48:04 AM on Mon Jan 9 2012
Hi Barb~
Doesn't look like we've tested the Wow. but if you click on the link below, you'll find Consumer Reports' free buying advice on shopping for a computer. It might help you figure out what you need. Good luck, and thanks for reading ShopSmartmag.org!
http://bit.ly/ziGc3M
Robin
Marty & Kathy Boot
09:19:14 AM on Sat Jan 28 2012
I'm thinking of switching from wood burning stove to a pellet/multi fuel stove. I have gathered information from different retailers in our area but they can't or will not answer some the questions, we have about pellet/multi fuel stoves. My questions are; Can you tell me how often the fire box has to be cleaned out? What causes the gummy deposits to form on the sides of the fire box and auger? There seems to be conflicting information on these questions by various manufactures. I'm hoping that you can help me with these questions, we will continue to enjoy your publications from cover to cover.
Many thanks,
Marty & Kathy Boot, MI
Robin Melen
09:54:50 AM on Mon Jan 30 2012
Hi Marty and Kathy~
Not sure if the info you seek is in this link, but here's Consumer Reports' take on stoves! http://bit.ly/ywjewQ