Apr 14, 2013

 

Here is a simple letter that I sent off to various hotel chains and press offices to ask a simple question at a time when promoting awareness for Autism is needed, especially across the big hotel chains. Join my Newsletter here for updates and responses as well as checking out my site regular.

I’m not sure how much of a response I will get but lets keep those fingers crossed that there is some humanity left among the corporate beings!

Dear Sir/Madam,
To promote autism and disability awareness we are conducting some research into how much hotels understand about autism and behaviours that may seem challenging or difficult to deal with.
To be blunt, the experience of customers across accommodation outlets remains somewhat mixed and the quality of understanding amongst staff seems poor.
We understand that it is difficult for staff to have such a broad range of knowledge, skill sets and understanding of the plethora of customer needs but we are just seeking to understand how much training, if any, is given for autism awareness?
We are not looking to point out particular chains that don’t seem to do ‘enough’ for awareness but instead we are looking to recommend those whom seem to be more aware than others of particular customer needs, those that can help at what may see like difficult and awkward moments.
We don’t want to patronise either but are seeking your valued opinions and would take any opportunity to help raise awareness.
We are sending this short message to many hotel chains and hope you will take the time to respond so we can make it clear to our blog readers how much your chain is aware or supports our cause.
We thank you for taking your time to read this and taking it under consideration.
Best Regards
www.NoFussHOtels.com – support Equality, Diversity and Awareness amongst hotels

As part of my ‘Menacing Menus‘ here is an example of a very (very) simple menu that can be adapted to use in hotels or print off and take with you or use as part of a social story before embarking on a trip.

The concept is really simple -

• 1) Use what ever pictures are going to help closely match the hotels/restaurants choices.
  2) Cut out the pictures and place some velcro on a black page (menu) and the individual pictures.
  3) Use the menu on the night to give freedom of choice and inclusion.

This is just one idea and can be adpated for many different situations. But just shows how simple it can be for hotels and eateries to start engaging in inclusion and awareness………..and it’s helped me on sooo many occasions!

If you need a saved copy, one you can alter yourself just drop me a comment, I’ll be glad to help and share.

 

Apr 13, 2013

As recently commented on my post here the one problem hotels have, among other dining areas of places we stay, are the lack of more interesting menus for those diagnosed with autism. 

Now you may be thinking…….

 

“special menus?  cost?  Time?    large hotels taking the time out to help a particular marginalised section of society?  Get real!!!”

What I’m talking about is a simple mechanism to help those who may have problems choosing, deciding or reading what is on the menu.  I’m not talking about a complete overhaul of the menu system but instead just to think outside the box a little.

You see, this is one of the many problems about autism, among many other disabilities, that awareness just does not exits.

What about social inclusion?  The rights of the individuals and just being a bloody nice place to bring family and friends???

We have all heard of social stories right?  No?  Well they are tools to help with routine, future planning and……well if you don’t know the ask in the comments section and I’ll enlighten you (I’ll write a post soon on that specific subject).  Anyhow I digress!  How about this:

A generic menu that people can print out (saving the hotel the cost) from the hotels (and others) websites that we can use as a pictorial reference for choosing food in advance or even whilst in the dining area.    Simples!

If it would help anyone out there I can give an example of the sort of thing I’m posting about and ways in which you can make your own.  Just ask!

A shout out to Sharon and her FaceBook page:

 

“Campaign for Disability Awareness Lessons”. 

I love it when people  raise awareness and help others to understand and learn about issues that still exist in this world!  Please join her quest!

Sharon – I hope you get many more followers and you cetainly have a new one here……..keep up the good fight!

Apr 3, 2013

There are some fab deals available with QHotels in the UK at present.

Book a 2 night Spring Break and get 30% off at 21 hotels across the UK.

Put a Spring back in your step and book your break today.

Apr 3, 2013

Want a free room upgrade or extra free goodies in your room?

 

When booking a hotel room let the hotel know the occasion you are celebrating. Many hotels including Hilton and Intercontinental will often share your celebration by offering a free room upgrade or extra free goodies in your room on arrival!

We have heard of people getting a bottle of wine, cake and a card when they mention the booking is to celebrate a partners birthday.

Wedding anniversaries have led to some fab room upgrades including a 3 room suite and the best rooms in the hotel with superb views out to sea!

Remember, quieter nights such as Sunday might provide the best chance of a room upgrade. It costs a hotel very little to offer you unsold higher spec rooms and afterwards you then head home to tell everyone about the fab hotel you stayed in and how well you were treated.

Give it a go and book your next hotel to celebrate something.

Let us know what you get!

Sometimes it is good to go direct especially with smaller hotels!

Check out the best deals on the likes of laterooms.com or hotels.com.

Use their reviews, pick the best hotel for your needs and here is the clever bit!!!

Ring the hotel direct, ask for their best deal, if it’s more than you have found online tell them you will book online for the lower price. They will then almost always offer a room rate below those you have found online as they have to pay the intermediary e.g. laterooms.com a percentage for your online booking. Why let them have the money when you can get a further discount?

Best discount I have had is a room at £120 inc breakfast, top rate online £90 but then offered room for £80 booking over phone direct with the hotel!

What’s your best discount ringing direct? Let us know!!!

Keep your eyes peeled for flash sales at the big chains that often only last 24 or 48 hours.

The likes of Hilton will run a flash sale to kick start room sales for the months ahead. They are happy to sell rooms at some of the lowest rates available well in advance as they get their money upfront and also guarantee rooms start to fill up for the months ahead!!!

Best deals seen in recent months have included up to 40% off!

What’s your best Sale deal? Let us know!