Using a full-service travel agency for your Indian holiday will include working with hotel vouchers. These vouchers are provided, upon initial arrival, by your agency representative. Chances are he won’t explain the process of using them beyond the need to present at each respective hotel. Below are a few tips to prepare you for pleasurable stays:
1. Keep your vouchers in an easily accessible bag/pouch/folder. From time to time you may need to confirm hotel names, phone numbers and dates.
2. Hotel staff will ask for your voucher at the time of check-in. Inform them you will present it on the morning you check-out. Why? Once you provide the voucher, you have no recourse for complaints or issues that may arise during your stay. The staff will most likely offer an excuse why they need it, or want to view it but then forget to return. Politely repeat that you will keep the voucher and present at check-out. Works every time.
3. Verify the services included under your voucher. Most pre-booked hotel packages will include complimentary breakfast while some properties include a meal plan for the entire day. Ensure you’re making the most of your reservation while protecting yourself from hidden charges on ancillary services you “thought” were included.
4. Document any issues with the property on the back of their voucher. Be as detailed as necessary but stick to the basics. Non-working WiFi or leaky faucets don’t require a novel.
5. Upon check-out, sign the front of the voucher. With or without comments on the back, this confirms your satisfaction with the property and/or that you agree to the release of the voucher.
It’s that simple once you have a routine. For any major issues or dissatisfaction, contact your travel agency directly. Agencies book properties with long standing relationships or well known reputations. Ultimately they want their clients to be happy so the need for a call is highly unlikely if you have contracted through a reputable company.
Refer to “Hotel Check-In Process” for more information about staying in hotels in India.
