Hotel Stays {Good Things To Know}

Post Last Modified – February 04, 2022

Expert Travelers Tips On Hotel Stays

Its always great to get some helpful travel tips from experienced and seasoned travelers.

Ive picked up a few pointers along the way over the years, and thought I would share them with you when booking your Hotel Stays.

Some of the things listed we always make sure to do, and others Ive learned from seasoned travel experts and bloggers.

Book Directly With The Hotel Whenever Possible

When booking a hotel or motel, I always try to make my reservation directly with the property itself. I do my best to avoid booking through a 3rd party booking site.

You will always be given the least desirable room if you have to book using a 3rd party booking site.

Booking directly will improve your chances of getting a nicer room, and reduce your chances of getting bumped or your reservation lost in the wind!

Also, have a professional travel agent book for you, if convenient.

Your chances of getting a complimentary room upgrade increase as well using an agent. Particularly so, if they book that property frequently for their clients.

This was a nice pleasant surprise for us staying at a hotel in Australia a few seasons ago. We had a local travel agent specializing in Australia travels, who made our hotel bookings and other arrangements for us.

The front desk staff advised us of the room upgrade, because we used this agent and business for our booking.

Requesting A Desired Room

Its always a good idea to request a desired room when making your reservation.

Theres usually an area for special requests when booking online, or you can request at the time when calling directly.

I prefer a higher room and in the quiet section of the hotel if possible. I want to ensure the best possible chance of having a quiet, restful sleep and stay.

Ask For A Room Upgrade

Its the old saying – If you dont ask, you wont get it.

It never hurts when checking in, to ask the clerk politely if theres any chance of getting a room upgrade.

If you are a return customer, a loyalty member or have stayed in that particular brand hotel elsewhere and let them know, your chances definitely increase.

I always ask when checking in. Sometimes it works great, other times not so great, but definitely has been worth it by just asking over the years.

If youre willing to pay for the upgrade, experts suggest no more than 10% of what you paid.

Early Check-In Or Late Checkout

How many times have you travelled over the years and either have arrived at your destination before the listed Check-In Time, or have had a later flight departing on check-out day?

I know we have, and many more times than I care to remember!

If we arrive a few hours earlier than the normal check-in time, and within reason if your room is ready, normally there should be no problem checking in early.

This of course, unless they have strictly enforced rules.

I will always try contacting the hotel directly, and request either an early check in or later check out time. I try to do this especially if we happen to be flying to our destination.

So many flights leave late at night, particularly those charter flights going to and from popular holiday destinations.

Even if I have to pay a surcharge to stay later, I will definitely do so for the convenience and comfort. Always ask ahead of time, so the hotel wont book your room for that day.

Seasoned Travelers Tip

If you have to check-out at the scheduled time and dont want to pay the day fee for a room, did you know it is possible to spend the day at your hotels pool?

Well, it seems so!

Apparently and according to others, you can use these facilities after checking out.

For me and unless its an all inclusive resort, then I would like to see that in writing somewhere official.

Hotel Stays And Resort Fees

This has definitely become a hot topic as of late, especially in popular cities with casino resort hotels such as – Las Vegas.

Resort fees can be extremely high and are tacked on many times, after youve booked your reservation.

They are a complete rip off, and something you should take extra care to watch out for when booking your reservation.

Some hotels will show a resort fee prior to booking and others will not, until making your reservation and giving a credit card deposit.

Be sure to watch for the added fee when booking, especially in the fine print. If you dont mind the extra fee, then dont worry about this.

If you do, then be sure to know exactly how much youre paying each night and what for. It can be very high, depending on the property and where you choose to stay.

Tipping Housekeeping Staff

This is definitely a personal choice, depending on the service rendered.

At all inclusive resorts and cruise vacations, tipping is always included in our travel budget.

These people work very hard and earn very little. A small gratuity for their service is greatly appreciated and will certainly help support themselves and/or their families.

Checking Your Guest Room Before Departing

Be sure to double and triple check your guest room before checking out. Hotel staff report that they are amazed by the amount of items that are left or discarded in rooms.

Cellphone and laptop chargers are now common items left behind, along with clothing.

In room safes are also at times, completely forgotten by some guests. This is why you are starting to see many properties that have removed, or have not placed them in their guest rooms any longer.

Many times, your valuables can be kept safe at the hotels reception.

How To By-Pass Check Out Lines

Many business travelers prefer and quite often, dont have the time to wait in line when checking out.

You can easily bypass this, by leaving your email address when checking in, and asking your receipt with charges to be emailed to you.

Just leave your door keycards in the room, to be picked up and reused for future guests.

These are just a few helpful tips to consider when making hotel bookings, and a tips on things good to know during your stay.

Safe and Healthy Travels!

Did You Know

“A Travel Weekly Survey Reported That 77% Of Travelers Who Used A Travel Agent Were Extremely Or Very Satisfied.”

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