Bob Sirott's One More Thing about a book you need to read - New York News | NYC Breaking News

One more thing, about a new book you need to read before you go on vacation.

"Heads in Beds, a Reckless Memoir of Hotels, Hostels, and So-Called Hospitality" is a tell-all from a hospitality industry veteran, Jacob Tomsky. It's a fun read full of hotel secrets you'll never forget.

You'll learn that before the valet takes your car, you should walk around and inspect it so you'll notice any damage when you get it back. Seeing you do that also makes the valet guy think twice about gunning it around the garage at high speed--a common practice once they pull out of your sight.

The top front desk agent lie: "there aren't any better rooms available." There's always one. If you're polite, and express a positive desire for it, you'll get one. If that doesn't work, drop a twenty. They'll do whatever it takes to deserve the money, and hope you'll do it again so they can give you late check-outs, upgrades, or other free stuff at their disposal.

Charges for the mini-bar and movies are the most disputed. The front desk is authorized to void those charges with no questions asked. So go ahead and complain.

To keep the glasses in your room spotless, housekeepers may spray furniture polish on them. So be sure to rinse them, or your drink could have the lemon aftertaste of "pledge."

Just trying to help you have a nice Christmas vacation this year.