GLOSSARY OF TERMS
APARTMENT
Apartment accommodation is self-contained accommodation including the features you would expect
in your own home. Apartments come in many sizes. Studio apartments are a single bedroom which contains
the bed as well as the kitchenette and living area. The ensuite bathroom is separate. Studio apartments
will usually have a kitchenette (see:'Kitchenette' below) rather than a full kitchen.
Other apartments then have separate bedrooms, such as a One Bedroom Apartment, Two Bedroom and
Three Bedroom Apartments. Studio and One Bedroom Apartments are the most common followed then by
Two Bedroom Apartments. Three Bedroom Apartments are not very common, are mostly available in premium
properties (4 Star and above) and so tend to be more expensive. There are also Interconnecting Apartments
which are two smaller apartments connected by a common door or short corridor, and lockable to the
outside. The most common Interconnecting Apartments are a Studio and One Bedroom Apartment interconnected
to form a Two Bedroom Apartment.
ATTRACTIONS
Tourist attractions are the best known and most visited places by tourists, visitors and local
residents alike. This will also include special events such as the Commonwealth Games or Formula
One Grand Prix.
These attractions are usually of an historical relevance to a particular place or else a place
of social importance or special interest.
Attractions will also include museums, galleries, houses of parliament, monuments or places of
natural beauty such as beaches.
Melbourne's best known special events include the Commonwealth Games (March, 2006), the annual
Melbourne Formula One Grand Prix, Australian Open Tennis and of course the "race that stops a nation"
the Melbourne Cup (part of the Spring (horse) Racing Carnival). City attractions include the Melbourne
Cricket Ground (the MCG, or simply "the G"), the Rialto Tower (and observation deck), Federation
Square and the new Docklands Precinct. Popular areas include Brunswick Street, Lygon Street, Chapel
Street and the suburbs of St Kilda (by the bay), Carlton, Fitzroy, Collingwood, Prahan (pronounced
"Per-ran") and South Yarra.
AUSTRALIAN OPEN TENNIS
The Australian Open Tennis tournament is held in Melbourne each year in the last fortnight of
January, and is the first of the four tournaments which comprise the Grand Slam. The Australian
Open is held at Melbourne Park, which include the Rod Laver Arena and Vodafone Arena, and which
is located close to the Melbourne Cricket Ground on the southern fringe of the central business
district. This period represents a very busy time in Melbourne, during which high season accommodation
prices and conditions will apply.
AVAILABILITY
The availability of a hotel or apartment tells you whether or not you can book it. If a hotel
room or apartment is available the you can book it. If it is not available, then someone else has
already booked it before you. Available accommodation can be booked and secured with a credit card
or prepayment of the accommodation cost. Rooms and apartments that are not available have been booked
already and may only then become available later, if the guest who booked it first cancels their
booking. Availability may be difficult to find during busy times such as over New Years Eve when
some hotels are so popular that they book out well in advance. Some hotels offer a 'wait-list' during
such busy times, and may offer you a room if a cancellation does occur.
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BALCONY BALCONIES
A balcony is a private area attached to the outside of an apartment or hotel room, and mostly
on floors above the ground floor. Many hotels and apartments have balconies however these are mostly
found in more expensive properties. Non-smoking rooms and apartments may feature a balcony where
guests are allowed to smoke.
BATHROOM
The bathroom in your hotel room or apartment is where the toilet and shower (or bath) are located.
Some bathrooms will feature a bath, though most will have only a shower. Baths may be more common
in more expensive hotels and apartments. Many budget hotels or hostels have rooms that do not have
a bathroom in the room, and provide communal bathrooms to share with other guests. Staying in hotels
with shared bathroom facilities are a good way to save money on your accommodation.
BOUTIQUE
Boutique hotels and apartments are usually smaller properties that offer accommodation with more
character than you may find at large chain hotels. Be it an old manor house or trendy new hotel,
boutique hotels can provide a more intimate and friendly atmosphere, and they are generally found
in popular tourist locations, places of historical interest or perhaps a somewhere out of the way.
Boutique hotels can also specialise in offering a particular style accommodation such as that of
an classic old manor house or a warm and friendly family hotel.
BUDGET
Budget hotels and apartments accommodations are the least expensive options for any stay. This
type of accommodation is best suited for those who are "on a budget" and who want to save money
on the accommodation so as to better enjoy other attractions and activities during their stay. Budget
accommodation options include dormitory accommodation and backpacker hostels, as well as some serviced
apartments. These budget options will be cheaper because they do not offer the same level or quality
of services which other more expensive hotels and apartments do, such as a weekly clean rather than
a daily clean, or because the rooms feature only a shared bathroom.
BUNK BED
A bunk bed is a set of two beds where one is over the other. In most cases this is two single
beds in a frame, with one of the single beds directly above the other. This bedding is suitable
for two guests only.
Bunk beds are common in family rooms for children, as well as in dormitory accommodation or in
backpacker hostels. A triple bunk bed is where you have a single bed which is above a double bed.
The triple bunk can accommodate up to three guests, with one person in the single bed on top and
one or two in the double bed on the bottom. For children sleeping in bunk beds there may be a restraining
bar which you can attach to the upper bed to prevent falling out of the bed whilst asleep.
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CANCELLATION FEE
When a hotel accommodation or tour booking is made, the guest may secure the booking
so that it will be held and will not be sold to anyone else.
A booking may secured by providing a credit card or by making some form of prepayment,
and by so doing the guest is committing to paying some part of the cost of the booking. Last nights
hotel rooms and the empty seats on yesterdays tour are more perishable than sliced bread. A hotel
or tour operator can never again make money from rooms that were not sold last night, or for the
empty seats on yesterdays tour bus. But the bread you bought yesterday you can still toast today!
If a hotel room has been held for a particular guest and the guest does not show
up on the day, or has to cancel at the last minute then the hotel has lost that opportunity to make
money from that booking because it was held for the guest who didn't show. The Cancellation policy
is the way to cover some of the cost of this lost opportunity. A hotel's cancellation policy will
require that for a cancellation within a short time prior to the date of the booked stay, an amount
will still be charged as a cancellation fee. For example, a '48 Hour Cancellation policy means that
if the booking is cancelled within 48 hours of arrival then the hotel will still charge the guest
the cost of the first night of the stay. Cancellation policies can vary especially over High Season,
such as at New Year and may be more strict. Make sure you are aware of the cancellation policy which
applies to the booking so you know what will happen if you are forced to cancel or don't show up.
M-Power recommends Travel Insurance to cover any losses incurred due to unforeseen
circumstances.
CBD
The expression CBD stands for 'Central Business District' and refers to the busiest
part of the city centre usually where the tallest buildings are located. Commonly this will be where
you can find the houses of parliament if it is the capital, and may also include many of the main
tourist attractions, museums and shopping. As this is the most busy part of the city, then hotel
and apartment accommodation rates will be among the highest in this area.
CHECK-IN & CHECK-OUT TIMES
Each hotel has varying times of check-in and check-out. Most commonly check-in
is after 2 pm. This allows time for the guest leaving the room on the day of your booked arrival
to depart and the hotel have the room cleaned for your occupancy.
Earlier arrivals cannot be guaranteed but can be requested. In circumstances where
an early arrival request cannot be guaranteed as the hotel is fully booked on the preceding night
in the room type booked, the hotel can in most circumstances hold luggage till the noted check-in
time.
The only way to guarantee early check in is to "Preregister" the room. This means
the room booked by the client is paid for by the client and is held off-line on the previous night
to make it available for early occupancy.
Most commonly check-out is before 10am on the day of departure. In certain
circumstances, a later check-out can be requested at time of arrival, but not guaranteed. The granting
of this request will depend on arrivals on the day of your departure and may involve extra cost.
The only way a late Check-Out can be guaranteed is to purchase the night of departure
- so that is held off-line for your late departure.
CHARGE BACK
At some hotels you can 'charge back' purchases at shops and restaurants to the bill
for your hotel room. This is usually only offered at more expensive hotels for shops and restaurants
in the hotel building or very close by. In order to use any charge back service you will need to
have your credit card provided to the hotel for your bill.
COMPLIMENTARY
A 'complimentary' item such as parking at a hotel or maybe a bottle of wine at a
restaurant is something which is offered at no extra charge.
This item is offered 'with the compliments' of the hotel or restaurant and is in
addition to the product of service that you are buying.
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CONCIERGE
The hotel 'concierge' is a staff member of a hotel or apartment property who assists
guests or residents, usually by handling the storage of luggage, taking and delivering messages,
and making reservations for tours. The Concierge Desk will be found in the reception area of a hotel
and can also assist you with booking a taxi, tours or making special arrangements for services within
the hotel. In some countries, such as the United States it is customary to tip the concierge a few
dollars for their assistance.
COTS
A cot is a bed used for infants usually under 2 or 3 years of age. Other equipment
provided by the hotel or apartment can include a high chair or a stroller for walking. Many hotels
provide this equipment and in most cases there is a fee. Make sure you find out about these items
before you make your booking.
DISCOUNT
A discounted hotel room rate or service, such as a tour, is one where you are paying
less than the normal price. There are many reasons why a discount is available to you, and as well
many reason why no discounts are available at certain times. A discounted rate on a hotel room may
have particular conditions which only apply to this discounted price, such as 'fully prepaid and
not refundable'. In this case to achieve the discounted rate you must pay in advance and thereafter
the discounted cost is not refundable. Discounts are common at hotels when there are lots of rooms
to sell on a particular day, or a discounted rate may be offered if you are staying for a long time.
Discounted rates are usually available most of the year, except during busy times such as on Saturday
night, or over high season times such as when large sporting events are on or over New Years Eve
when rates may actually be higher than normal.
DISTRICT VIEW
District views are views offered of the surrounding city area from your apartment
or hotel room. District views may include city views of the skyline or of nearby buildings.
DOUBLE ROOM
A room described as a Double room, is a one hotel room which features a double sized bed or larger.
This room type may have a Double bed, a Queen bed or a King bed. This room type is suitable only
for up to 2 guests.
DOUBLE BED
A Double bed (53" x 80" or 132cm x 200cm) is the standard size of bed suitable for 2 people to
sleep in. A Double bed is not as large as a Queen bed, and a Queen bed is not as large as a King
bed (76" x 80" or 190cm x 200cm). A Single bed is (38" x 75" or 95cm x 188cm).
ENSUITE
An 'Ensuite' is a private bathroom that is located within your hotel room or apartment. A hotel
room can be described as an 'Ensuite Double Room' which means a double room for 2 people, which
has a private bathroom in the room.
EXECUTIVE
Executive quality hotel rooms or apartment are suited to business travellers or those who require
a better standard of accommodation that may include services or facilities such as high speed internet,
a business centre for photocopying or faxing. Executive hotels and apartments will be in the 4 to
4.5 star range and are usually located in the middle of the city or areas which are close to certain
business centres. Executive class accommodation tends to be stylish and modern.
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EXTRA GUESTS
Hotel room and apartment rates are quoted for up to the number of guests shown for that rate.
It is common in some rooms and apartments, but not all, that extra guests can be accommodated. Where
putting extra guests is available this will usually be at an extra cost per night, and this will
information will be available with the nightly rates. In most cases an extra guest will sleep on
a sofa bed or a roll away bed, which is in addition to the number and type of beds already in the
room. Sometimes extra children will be allowed 'in existing bedding' which means that there is no
extra charge if no extra bedding is required such as if an infant is sleeping in the parents bed.
It is important to note the 'maximum occupancy', or most number of guests allowed in a room or apartment,
when considering which is the most suitable accommodation for the number of people staying. Hotels
may cancel a booking or request that guests leave if the number of guests in any room is greater
than the maximum number allowed for that room or apartment. If you are unsure then be sure to find
out before your stay.
FAMILY
Family Rooms are hotel rooms with multiple beds, suitable for a family to stay in. Family rooms
will come in a variety of bedding configurations, usually a Double bed (or larger) and a Single
bed, or a Double bed and more than one Single bed. One Bedroom, Two Bedroom and larger apartments
are generally more suitable to families as they have multiple beds in more than one room. Family
room rates will be given based on the number of guests shown for that rate. Cots and other baby
needs can also be provided by some properties, but not all. If you need extra equipment for infants,
such as a cot or high chair be sure to find out before your stay.
GRAND PRIX (Formula One)
The Australian Grand Prix has been resident in Melbourne at the Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit
since 1996, and is the opening round of the years formula one championship races (except as the
third round in 2006 whilst postponed due to the Melbourne Commonwealth Games). Being held in March,
the Australian Grand Prix runs for 3 days culminating in the Formula One race, but also features
includes also other motor sport races such as the V8 Supercars, Carrera Cup and the Formula Ford.
This event is a very popular event for motor sport enthusiasts from around the world, and represents
a very busy time in Melbourne during which high season accommodation prices and conditions will
apply.
GROUP BOOKINGS
Group bookings are usually bookings of more than a certain number of rooms or apartments, for
which a special 'group rate' is offered. This may be for a booking of more than, say 10 rooms, for
which a rate lower ius offered than the normal rate available for just one room or apartment. Rates
for group bookings will be based upon the number of nights and number of rooms or apartments quoted.
The booking conditions for a group booking are usually different from booking only one room.
For example, in order to achieve a group rate you may need to book 10 rooms, and for this number
of rooms the cancellation fee may be greater see: Cancellation Policy) or payment may be required
at an earlier date. This is because after a cancellation of a group booking, it is more difficult
for a hotel to re-sell a large number of rooms that are now not going to be used, but which were
held off from other bookings for the group. Group rates are also offered for accommodation needed
by guests attending a conference at a hotel.
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HIGH SEASON
High season times are the busiest times for accommodation in a particular city, or area. The
bests example of a high season time is over New Year's Eve, or during summer when bookings will
be heaviest and discounts are usually not available. It is not uncommon that for bookings during
high season, higher rates and booking conditions will apply. Where this is the case these rates
and conditions will be provided at the time of booking. At other times than high season, a low season
rate or discounted rate may be available and booking conditions won't be a strict.
HOTEL
The main two types of accommodation are hotels are apartments. Hotel rooms provide a room only,
with a bed and certain other room features.
Hotel rooms that do not feature a private bathroom in the room (ensuite) are generally called
'budget', or when you share the room with other guests in singles beds it is called 'dormitory'
accommodation. Hotel rooms will not feature cooking facilities, laundry or separate living rooms
like in apartments. Hotel rooms will usually feature a Television, small fridge and tea and coffee
making facilities. The hotel itself may have any range of facilities from swimming pool and gym
to conference rooms or a business centre. The cheaper the hotel the less features and facilities
will be available to guests.
INCLUSIONS
The 'inclusions' are those services or products which are included in the rate at which you make
a booking. If you book a hotel room then a common inclusion may be daily breakfast, or complimentary
(free) use of the hotel fitness centre. Information on any inclusions in the booked rate will be
available to you at the time of booking.
INTER-CONNECTING
To make a larger hotel room or apartment some properties are able to 'inter-connect' two smaller
rooms with a common door. The inter-connecting room then has the all the combined features and facilities
of each room available to all guests. Inter-connecting rooms are suitable for larger families or
groups who want to share their accommodation.
INTERNET
Many hotels provide internet access for an extra cost, calculated on the length of use or up
to maximum cost per day. Where internet access is available it will usually be a high speed connection,
found in executive hotels and apartments of a 4 star standard or better, but not in budget accommodation.
Some properties will have a wireless service available but again this will usually only be available
in better hotels. Guests must provide their own laptop.
KING BED
A King bed (76" x 80" or 190cm x 200cm) is the largest size of double bed, suitable for 2 people
to sleep in. King beds are larger than Queen beds (60" x 80" or 150cm x 200cm) which are larger
than Double beds (53"x 80" or 132cm x 200cm). A Single Bed (38" x 75" or 95cm x 188cm) is the smallest
bed size.
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KITCHEN / KITCHENETTE
Hotel rooms in most cases do not include a kitchen, however these are a feature of apartments.
Kitchens in larger apartments, such as two bedroom and three bedroom apartments, will almost always
be a full kitchen, including a stove and oven, microwave, sink and the usual range of appliances
such as a refrigerator, toaster and kettle, as well as cutlery (knives and forks), crockery (plates
and bowls) and glasses.
Smaller apartments such as Studios will usually have a 'kitchenette' with only basic cooking
facilities like cook tops instead of full stove and oven, and may not include as many appliances.
One bedroom apartments usually have full kitchens but at some properties they may not. Make sure
you check the features of your room or apartment before booking.
Refrigerators (or a bar fridge, which is smaller) and a kettle with tea and coffee materials
are common in all apartments and all hotel room except in budget hotels and dormitory accommodation.
LAST MINUTE
Last minutes rates are discounted rates that are offered only within a given time until the date
of booking. For example hotels and apartments may offer a discounted rate at the 'last minute' in
a room type for stays within the next 14 days. This will usually occur if a property has lots of
rooms or apartments still available to sell within a short period, most commonly in the next 7 or
14 days. Last minute and discounted rates may have booking conditions which include a full prepayment
which is not refundable.
Make sure you are aware of the booking conditions when making a booking at last minute or discounted
rates.
LOW SEASON
Low season describes times during the year when there are no large events on and when bookings
are not heavy. Low season means winter time in places like Sydney, when it is summer that is the
busy season. Low season rates are usually discounted rates available for stays during quieter times,
when the hotel or apartments do not seem as though they will book out. The opposite to low season
is high season when bookings are heavy and rates may be higher. This is usually when there are events
on like big sporting matches or large conventions, or during special events such as over New Year's
Eve. If a period is described as high season then discounts will not be offered.
LUXURY
Luxury hotels are the best hotels with the most services and the most comfortable rooms or apartments.
For this reason these are also the most expensive. Certain hotels or apartments, usually only 5
star properties will be called 'luxury' as an indication of the quality and amount of extra facilities
and services available to guests staying in that hotel.
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MAKE-UP
A room make-up is when the your room is refreshed, the sheets may be changed and the rubbish
removed by the hotel housekeepers. This is also known as servicing. Hotel rooms are usually made
up daily or for longer stays this may be reduced to a weekly make up. If your booking includes daily
make-up, then you can elect not to have your room made if you would prefer privacy by letting the
hotel know.
MELBOURNE CUP
See: SPRING RACING CARNIVAL.
MINIMUM STAY
During high season hotels may require a minimum stay, which is the minimum number of nights you
need to book in order to make a reservation. For example, over New Year's Eve a hotel may have a
3 night minimum, such that only bookings of 3 or more nights will be accepted.
Where hotels or apartments apply a minimum stay, the minimum number of nights is usually at a higher
rate and may be subject to special booking conditions. Make sure you are aware of the booking policy
for any bookings you make. Special rates and conditions will be available at the time you make your
booking.
NEW YEAR
New Years Eve is the night of 31st December, the eve of the New Year which arrives on 1st January.
This is a busy time where ever you happen to be staying, and is one of the biggest night of the
year. This is a high season time, and higher rates and booking conditions are common. In Melbourne,
minimum stays in the best hotel rooms and apartment can be several nights, and may have bookings
conditions which require a full prepayment that is not refundable. Special rates and conditions
will be available at the time you make your booking.
Accommodation and tours over New Years Eve regularly sell out in advance and it is recommended
that you book early to avoid disappointment.
PARKING
Parking is available at most hotels and apartments properties, or nearby. Parking provided by
the property that is secure and undercover will usually be at an extra cost to your hotel or apartment
rates. At some properties there may be 'off-street' parking that is in a parking lot which may not
be undercover or secure, and may not cost extra.
On-street' parking is parking that is available on the street nearby to the property. Parking
in the centre of Melbourne can cost up to approximately A$25-A$30 daily, and be cheaper in other
areas. The cost for the parking may apply to a single entry, meaning that you may pay this cost
each time you park your car. Otherwise the parking cost may be multiple entry, and allow you more
than one entry within 24 hours.
Parking information will be available at the time you make your booking.
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PETS
There are very few properties which will allow guests to bring pets when staying in their hotel
rooms or apartments. Most properties will not allow pets because of health regulations and to prevent
any undue problems or mess the pet may cause.
At properties which allow pets there may be an extra cost for the pet, in addition to your room
rate. Information regarding pets and costs will be available at the time you make your booking.
The exception to this is for registered guide dogs for the seeing impaired. Hotels are obliged
to accommodate such guests and their guide-dog, however this should be discussed with the agent
at time of booking as not all room types will suit these special needs.
PREREGISTRATION
Preregistration is the practice of prepurchasing a room to hold it off-line on the night preceding
an early arrival to allow early occupancy of that room. That is earlier than advertised check-in
time (usually after 2pm).
QUAD
A Quad rooms is a room with bedding for up to 4 guests. The bedding configuration can be a double
sized bed (or larger such as a Queen Bed) for 2 guests, and two single beds for 2 other guests in
their own beds.
The single beds may be bunk beds where one is on top of the other. Other bedding configurations
can be 2 double sized beds, or 4 single beds.
QUEEN BED
A King bed (76" x 80" or 190cm x 200cm) is the largest size of double bed, suitable for 2 people
to sleep in. King beds are larger than Queen beds (60" x 80" or 150cm x 200cm) which are larger
than Double beds (53"x 80" or 132cm x 200cm). A Single Bed (38" x 75" or 95cm x 190cm) is the smallest
bed size.
RATES
A hotel room 'rate' is another way of saying room price. Most common it is a nightly rate, which
is the price you pay per night, or weekly rates for payments each week. Discount rates are prices
which are discounted from the normal price. Higher rates are prices higher than normal which are
common during busy times such as over New Years Eve.
RENTAL
Rental of a product or service is paying a price, or 'rent' for a certain period of its use.
For example, rental of a car may cost A$50 per day, then the cost of this car rental for 2 days
will then cost (2 x A$50) A$100. With hotel apartments, rent usually refers to an extended period
of use of the apartment such as for 6 months or a one year rental. For rentals of accommodation,
this is usually available through a real estate agent or serviced apartment provider, and this may
include other costs such as a bond (security) and utilities (electricity and water etc.). Short
term accommodation, from one night up to several weeks, is commonly fully furnished and tends to
be more expensive but does include the extra costs like a bond or utilities.
REQUESTS
Requests are common for bookings in hotels and apartments, such as for a high floor or for a
particular room number. These requests can be made but in most cases cannot be guaranteed by the
property. The request can be made and the property will accommodate this request where it can.
Hotels and apartment properties are unable to guarantee a high floor or for a particular room
number since they are unable to know the movements of other guests at that time, some guests may
check-out early or extend their stay so the allocation of rooms will only be done shortly prior
to the stay.
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A requests for an early check-in can be made but this also is only subject to availability. The
only way a guest may guarantee an early check-in is by booking the night before arrival, so that
the room will be held off-line (stay empty) and will then be ready the following day at whatever
time the guest arrives. The same applies to a request for a late check-out, that it is subject to
availability, but can be guaranteed only by booking the following night so the room is available
for the guest to use up to the time that it is required.
You do not need to request a particular room type, such as a 'harbour view room', since you are
actually booking a room with a harbour view.
This is not a request. Common requests made with hotels and apartments are for a quiet room,
for a car parking space or if booking more than one room, for rooms that are close to each other.
Requests must be made at the time of booking.
ROOMS
Hotel rooms are different from apartments in that they may not feature the kitchen facilities
or separate bedrooms that an apartment offers.
All hotel rooms feature a bed and have access to bathroom facilities where, in all but budget
(cheaper) hotels, the private bathroom (or ensuite) is contained inside the room or apartment. Dorm
(dormitory) rooms are rooms with separate beds that are used by other guests, and will usually come
with access to a shared bathroom also. Dorm rooms are the cheapest rooms available and most popular
among students and backpackers.
Many hotels also offer conference facilities including meeting rooms and break-out rooms for
short breaks in between meeting times.
SECURED BOOKING
When you secure a booking, that accommodation or tour booking cannot be sold to anyone else.
In securing a booking you are then committed to that booking and may be required to pay some of
the cost whether you actually use the booking or not. Bookings may only be secured with a valid
credit card, and/or a form of prepayment, unless agreed otherwise.
When you secure a booking the cancellation policy applies, so make sure you understand the booking
policy before you make the booking.
An unsecured booking is only tentative, and may be sold to other guests without notice.
See also: Unsecured or Tentative Booking.
SERVICED APARTMENT
A serviced apartment is fully furnished apartment accommodation at a property which provides
servicing, that is a periodic make-up or cleaning of the apartment and removal of rubbish. Serviced
apartments are most popular for longer stays, like a home away from home where you can do your own
cooking and washing to help keeps costs down. Not all apartments will have laundry facilities, and
if not these facilities will be available elsewhere in the property. All serviced apartments have
cooking facilities, however commonly it is only in larger apartments such as Two bedroom and Three
bedroom apartments that there will be a full kitchen with all the usual appliances. Smaller apartments,
such as Studio and One bedroom apartments may have a kitchenette which has basic cooking facilities
such as microwave, cook tops and a sink.
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Unserviced apartments are also available and these will usually be privately owned apartments
where the guests are responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of the apartment. A compulsory
departure cleaning fee is common for unserviced apartments, which is a one-off fee for cleaning
the apartment after the guest has left.
SERVICING
Servicing of an apartment or hotel room refers to the periodic make-up of the room and removal
of rubbish. Hotel rooms and apartments offered at a discount for a longer stay will usually include
less servicing, such as once a week.
SHARED BATHROOM
A shared bathroom is usually a facility offered with dormitory or budget (cheaper) hotel rooms.
A shared bathroom one that is available to be used by multiple guests.
SINGLE
A single room is a room for one guest. A single room may have a single or larger bed, however
the rate for this room is based upon one guest only. A single room is sold only to one guest, and
if there are more guests staying in the room the rate will be higher.
SINGLE BED
A King bed (76" x 80" or 190cm x 200cm) is the largest size of double bed, suitable for 2 people
to sleep in. King beds are larger than Queen beds (60" x 80" or 150cm x 200cm) which are larger
than Double beds (53"x 80" or 132cm x 200cm). A Single Bed (38" x 75" or 95cm x 188cm) is the smallest
bed size.
The Melbourne Cup thoroughbred handicap horse race is the best known race day of the Spring Racing
Carnival in Melbourne, and is regarded as the worlds most prestigious "two mile" handicap horse
race. The Spring Racing Carnival begins at the end of October and the Melbourne Cup is always held
on the first Tuesday in November. The Melbourne Cup was first run in 1861 for the prize of a gold
watch, and now awards the winning horse prize money well in excess of one million dollars. The Melbourne
Cup is held at Flemington Race Course which is a short distance from the Central Business District
and is very accessible by public transport. Other major race days in this season, held on consecutive
Saturdays are the Caulfield Guineas, the Caulfield Cup, the Cox Plate and the Victoria Derby. The
Derby is held on the Saturday before the Tuesday of the Melbourne Cup, and then on the following
Thursday is the VRC Oaks and on the following Saturday is the Stakes.
Crowds attending these race days commonly exceed 100,000 and fine dresses and suits are a must.
This period represents a very busy time in Melbourne, during which high season accommodation prices
and conditions will apply.
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STUDIO
A Studio apartment is the smallest type of apartment available. Whereas a One bedroom apartment
has a separate bedroom, in addition to kitchen and living area, a Studio has no separation between
the bedroom and living area. As well, Studio apartments usually do not have a full kitchen like
the larger One and Two bedroom apartments, and may have access to common laundry facilities. Studio
apartments offer the facilities of an apartment at rates that are usually competitive with hotel
room rates.
SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY
Most requests made of a hotel, such as for a room on a high floor, are 'subject to availability'
which means that it depends on whether it is available or not. When requesting a hotel room on a
high floor, if such a room is available and the hotel can accommodate this request then the hotel
will. If a room is not available on a high floor then the hotel cannot accommodate this request.
All requests will be subject to availability, and where the hotel can do it the hotel will, but
in some cases this will not be possible.
SUITES
A luxury hotel room or luxury apartment may be called a suite. This term for accommodation usually
refers to better quality, larger or more stylish rooms which include extra space and/or features
that are not available in standard rooms. As such suites will be more expensive. For a example,
in addition to the hotel room, bed and bathroom a suite may feature an extra room as a study, be
on a higher floor and enjoy better views. Descriptions of these features will be available from
the property.
TENTATIVE BOOKING
See: UNSECURED BOOKING.
TOURIST
A tourist is a person who travels for pleasure. If you are a visitor to somewhere like Sydney
then everyone could be a tourist, as Sydney has a great range and many world famous pleasures to
enjoy. Tourist class accommodation refers to 3-4 star hotels and apartments which offer most services
and facilities and represents value. These properties may not include the premium features of executive
or luxury properties such harbour views, high speed internet or a pool and gym. Tourist accommodation
tends to be located in or near the most popular areas and accessible to tourist attractions. Tourist
attractions are the best known places that a city is known for. For example Sydney's tourist attractions
include the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera house, whilst Cairns in tropical north Queensland
boasts the Great Barrier Reef as a tourist attraction.
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TRAMS
Trams are a quintessential Melbourne attraction, and allow for a convenient and cost effective
means of transport throughout the city.
Electric trams first began operation in Melbourne in 1889 and since then Melbourne's tram network
has grown into the third largest in the world.
Trams no longer have conductors as there were in the past however tickets may be purchased from
a ticket vending machine aboard the tram.
Tickets start with a 2 hour pass and daily or weekly passes are also available.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance is insurance cover you can purchase which will provide certain cover for losses
or injuries which occur during travel or for a specified duration before or after you travel. Travel
insurance comes in a wide variety covers, where your 'cover' describes the circumstances or events
for which you may be compensated under your travel insurance policy. make sure you are aware of
the cover and conditions of your travel insurance policy before travelling.
M-Power recommends Travel Insurance to cover any losses incurred due to unforeseen circumstances.
TRIPLE
A room described as a Triple room, is a one hotel room which features either a double and a single
sized bed, or 3 single sized beds. This room type is suitable only for up to 3 guests.
TWIN
A room described as a Twin room, is a one hotel room which features 2 beds. A Twin could have
either a double and a single sized bed, or 2 single sized beds. The rate for this room type is based
on up to 2 guests. If the Twin room has a double and a single bed, and a 3rd guest stays in the
room then the rates payable would be that of a Triple room for 3 guests.
When a booking is secured it will then not be sold to anyone else. In securing a booking you
are then committed to that booking and may be required to pay some of the cost whether you actually
use the booking or not. If you have an unsecured booking then you are not committed to any cost
of the booking, but as well this booking may then be sold to someone else. This is also called a
booking which is 'tentative'. A booking remains unsecured without a credit card being given or when
an agreed prepayment does not occur, or where charges to the credit card provided cannot be made.
Hotels and tour operators are not obliged to hold any unsecured booking.
The booking policy does not apply to an unsecured booking and no charges will be payable if you
cancel, or don't show up for the booking. If a tentative booking is made then the guest is encouraged
to contact the hotel or tour operator on the day to check for availability. If the hotel room or
tour is available the guest can then make a booking at the rate of whatever is available at the
time. So, no price guarantee can be given in these circumstances before the booking a actually secured.
VALET
An valet is an employee of a hotel or on a ship, who performs personal services for guests or
passengers. This kind of service will only ever be available in the best luxury hotels. Valet parking
is commonly available in hotels of a standard higher than 4 star, and allows the guest to readily
park a vehicle near the hotel entrance, have the car parked by the valet (employee) and then retrieved
for the guest upon departure. Where available, valet services and valet parking will be for a fee.
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