\nThe primary reasons for traveling are usually work and relaxation, with some individuals traveling frequently, even on a daily basis. Such journeys vary widely in terms of luxury, with some undertaken in style and others on a strict budget. However, the amount of luggage carried isn’t what determines the quality of your vacation or holiday.
To improve your hotel stay experience, we’ve amassed several tips that not only save money and time but also optimize your accommodation space without excess. These tips cover strategies for minimizing noise, enhancing lighting, and keeping your garments fresh.
Prevent Toiletry Spills
Everyone has dealt with the of toiletries spilling in their luggage and causing a mess. To minimize this, place a piece of plastic beneath the lid or bottle cap and then screw it on.
This advice ensures your liquids stay contained. Whether it’s cologne, sunscreen, or medicinal solutions, this trick will prevent your liquids from erupting onto your apparel and valuable items, sparing you the cost of an urgent laundry service at your hotel.
The Access Card
It might rank as one of the most frustrating experiences imaginable in a hotel setting. Picture the inconvenience of having to insert your keycard into a slot each time you wish to use the electrical power.
Fortunately, this issue has been addressed by utilizing an old subway ticket or any card of a comparable size. Simply keep it inserted in the slot, and you’ll maintain a continuous supply of electricity for your work. This method also allows you to enter and exit your hotel room without having to interrupt your power connection.
Eliminate the Microbes
Most travelers agree that the TV remote is among the filthiest items one can encounter in a hotel, yet it remains unchanged.
Keep in mind that the hotel ensures cleanliness, including the bathrooms, windows, and bedsheets. Therefore, when you make your next reservation, bring a plastic bag for the remote to prevent direct contact with all the previous hands it has encountered.
Keep the Gate Open
It can be quite bothersome to continually open and close the door when you’re bringing in a lot of luggage or when numerous people are entering and exiting your room to get settled.
Many hotel doors are often positioned near the closet, giving you the benefit of keeping the door open while you pack. Nevertheless, it’s important to remain vigilant to ensure that no unwelcome guests enter when you’re away, as there might be lurking strangers.
Avoid the Minibar
Often, they’ll drop the fee once you demonstrate that you’ve returned the item. Moreover, numerous individuals who book hotels can attest to the exorbitant costs of minibar items. Just ensure you don’t inadvertently inflate your bill.
It might seem harmless to grab a snack from the minibar occasionally, but what you might not realize is that many hotels have implemented sensors that instantly detect when an item is taken and promptly add the charge to your bill.
Erase the Brightness
Adjusting to a new sleeping environment can be quite challenging, particularly when the lighting is different from what you’re accustomed to. Few things are more disruptive than a tiny sliver of light.
Often, it’s impossible to adjust curtains in a way that completely blocks out all light, leading to some light still seeping through. To improve your comfort, simply use a pants hanger (the type with clips) to fasten the curtains together.
Pay Attention to Suggestions From Concierges
Upon checking into a hotel, exercise caution regarding whose advice you accept. Prior to visiting any location, it’s wise to conduct preliminary research to familiarize yourself with the area.
Ultimately, the hotel manager might own several dining establishments, taverns, and relaxation venues throughout the city, and increased earnings benefit the staff, prompting them to recommend these places. This is when Google proves useful, as it allows you to discover a plethora of genuine and reliable reviews for these locations.
Remain for Some Time
A well-known travel enthusiast has mentioned that when booking hotel stays exceeding a week, it’s advisable to ask for discounts. You might be surprised at the exclusive benefits that are offered to devoted guests!
In our opinion, retaining one consistent client could be more beneficial than acquiring a new one daily. Hotels aim to have their preferred guests extend their stays and establish a long-term rapport.
Obtain Some Hydration
Some hotel rooms can be quite dry, and while not everyone appreciates a high level of humidity, it eventually becomes bothersome. After finishing, position it near the radiator to improve the room’s atmosphere significantly.
To adjust accordingly, be adaptable – acquire a luggage stand and place a damp towel over it. Fear not, this poses no risk of fire, and your nasal passages will thank you for the improved atmosphere.
Do Not Place Your Bags on the Bed
Upon checking into a hotel, it’s wise to avoid placing your luggage on the bed. Despite whether you accept it or not, the concern of bed bugs is real.
Regardless of staying at a five-star hotel, it’s wise to inspect items such as the sheets, chairs, and tables. Thus, place your luggage in the bathroom during your inspection. Generally, it’s advisable to keep your belongings far from the bed, even if it complicates the packing and unpacking process.
Place a Phone Call
Even if you lack a direct relationship with the manager or anyone in a similar role, it’s advisable to contact your booked hotel ahead of time.
Travel enthusiast Mick Richard highlights the importance of making a call ahead of time to get to know the hotel and its vicinity for first-timers. Despite the plethora of mapping apps and the vast amount of information available on Google regarding a location, certain crucial details might not be accessible online.
Hidden Rooms in Hotels
Many hotels have what could be called secret rooms, which are not widely known about. These rooms usually are available at a cheaper price.
Ultimately, if they don’t volunteer the information, you might have to inquire or investigate a bit. Discovering these hidden gems is best achieved by maintaining a courteous and amiable attitude towards the concierge and the overall hotel personnel. You’d be surprised how much a bit of courtesy can achieve.
Avoid Overindulging in Room Service
It’s perfectly fine to indulge in some room service now and then, but be cautious not to overdo it, for the expenses can add up fast.
If you intend to remain in your room for an extended period, it’s wise to stockpile some essentials. Consider acquiring items such as ramen and small appliances if dining out isn’t on your agenda, allowing for some basic meal preparation within your space.
Exchange Loyalty Rewards
Numerous frequent travelers accumulate a vast amount of loyalty points, often without realizing or valuing it, which is truly regrettable.
Many cards come with rewards programs that let you use accumulated points to pay for airline and hotel services. Make sure to consult your cardholder to understand the card’s benefits, and when you redeem those points, you can save significantly, particularly in gaining access to excellent features and amenities with your reservation.
Adapt the Use of the Shower Cap
Despite the abundant availability of shower caps, many individuals overlook their utility. These caps can be repurposed for various tasks within the hotel, such as covering your shoes to safeguard your garments while packed in your luggage.
Moreover, they serve as an excellent means to shield your hands when using a potentially dirty remote. Leverage the full spectrum of protective measures offered by a hotel to safely traverse its less pristine sections.
Let’s Heat the Butter
Spreading cold butter on bread can be difficult, making it wise to heat the butter for smooth application. This way, you’ll no longer have to settle for plain toast.
Thus, when you desire to soften your butter a bit quicker for your next meal, consider placing the butter packets on top of the toaster to let the warmth soften them. However, be vigilant and watch the butter closely, as overheating could cause the packets to explode, resulting in a challenging mess to clean up.
Gratuity for the Employees
Although it might not appear ideal for individuals keen on saving every possible dollar during their hotel stay, offering a $20 tip can significantly improve the quality of service you receive.
Consider the scenario of approaching the front desk, where offering a $20 bill alongside your ID or booking document might snag you an impressive upgrade. While there are those who might decline, it’s comforting to acknowledge the effort put in and the intent to persist in such attempts.
Choose the Matchers
Numerous hotels offer to match the lowest booking rate you find. They may also provide complimentary items to enhance your stay or offer significant discounts.
Therefore, the next time you’re in the process of searching for hotels, make sure to look for ones offering price guarantees. A simple series of phone calls can often suffice, since numerous hotel chains are prepared to swiftly and effectively assist individuals with pertinent questions and requirements.
Inform the Hotel About Significant Occasions
Are you planning a unique celebration during your hotel stay? Make your upcoming birthday journey memorable!
In that case, it’s advisable to speak to the management or staff because they can enhance your event’s memorability. They might provide benefits such as discounts, and if you approach the staff with kindness and politeness, they will assist in ensuring the event runs seamlessly.
Crafting a Toothbrush Holder
Many hotels lack the provision of cups for placing your toothbrush, compelling you to seek alternative storage methods. Acquiring plastic caps for your toothbrushes is considered the most effective solution.
Ultimately, leaving them on the countertop might not be the most sanitary option, regardless of your cleaning efforts. Therefore, obtaining a paper cup from downstairs and making a cut in the middle provides a solution for inserting them.
Report the Issues
At times, when faced with a distressing or annoying problem at a hotel, you may often choose not to report it, letting it remain unaddressed.
Naturally, everyone errs, but it’s crucial to point out certain clear mistakes so the hotel can initiate improvements. The key is to maintain fairness in your complaint, which could lead to a pleasant discount or compensation.
Keep the Bed Linens Exposed
The issue of bed bugs has been addressed, hence it’s crucial to steer clear of anything that increases their likelihood. Therefore, keeping your bedding at a considerable distance is advised as a better alternative.
Ultimately, while hotels do launder certain sheets periodically, those that appear clean may not be sent for washing. Eliminate any unnecessary blankets, pillows, and decorative items from your sleeping area.
Browse for Accommodations
Many hotels often allocate the less desirable rooms initially, so it’s advisable to compare options to ensure you get a room that meets your preferences. Offering a tip to the front desk staff can significantly improve your chances of getting a better room.
Inquire about alternative options if the initial one doesn’t appeal to you, after all, who’s eager for a room with a view solely of the parking area? Discover the industry’s insider tips through online communities such as Reddit.
Make the Most of Your Card
Having your card may offer significant benefits, even in a less prestigious hotel compared to others. Additionally, enrolling in the hotel’s loyalty scheme or a general local travel club could be beneficial.
Indeed, it may cost a bit more, but with smart choices, you can acquire impressive upgrades that prove to be valuable. There are countless invaluable benefits that you will discover to be indispensable, which were previously unknown to you.
The Mirror
Discovering your mirror fogged up during your morning routine can necessitate clearing away the built-up fog. Numerous strategies exist to enhance your bathroom routine.
Several cleaning methods exist, but wiping a bar of soap over the surface and then buffing it with a dry cloth is among the most effective. This technique significantly reduces the likelihood of your mirror becoming foggy again.
Put the Do Not Disturb Sign on the Door
Certainly, you might feel that the hotel you’re staying at could improve, or perhaps you’ve had a disagreement with a few of the staff members. Additionally.
Therefore, keeping the “do not disturb” sign on the door might be a wise choice to alleviate concerns about your possessions disappearing. It could also be beneficial to leave it there while you are away.
Look for Better Deals Post-Reservation
According to recommendations from numerous travelers, a top suggestion is to opt for a hotel offering refundable booking options. This ensures you always have accommodation secured, even if you don’t find another place to stay.
After completing this step, it’s possible to explore additional hotel options that may offer superior service and pricing. This allows for the flexibility to request a refund and retrieve your funds. If a more suitable option is not found, you then have the opportunity to opt for a non-refundable choice.
Cook Your Eggs in Boiling Water
Beyond just boiling water, the kettle in your hotel room can be used for a variety of purposes. Indeed, it can help save you about $20 while allowing you to enjoy a nutritious breakfast comparable to what many others have.
Many individuals occasionally resort to boiling their underwear in a kettle, which is both unpleasant and unhygienic. However, were you aware that it’s possible to cook eggs in a kettle? There are even those who use kettles for boiling pasta. It’s interesting to see how a kettle can transform into a pot.
Explore Alternative Pathways
Virtually every hotel is equipped with a clearly marked emergency exit, yet it’s often overlooked by guests until an emergency arises. It’s important to pay close attention to the hotel’s layout maps as well.
Indeed, accidents can occur, and you might find yourself in the thick of the night discovering a fire has broken out. It’s crucial to be aware of all the potential exit routes in case of an emergency.
Prepare Your Own Meals
Regardless of your belief in adapting to different environments, the food at the hotel will inevitably become tiresome, particularly during extended stays.
Additionally, you will likely grow tired of the restaurants in the area, so cooking your own food will be advantageous. You can visit the local convenience store and select some items to prepare in your room.
Leverage Your Position for Your Benefit
Previously mentioned, you have the option to utilize your reward points for extra services, yet are you aware that popularity at the hotel can also secure you certain benefits?
Checking in late might result in the hotel reassigning your room, however, having a good standing and loyalty status could ensure your reservation is protected. Preferred customers, due to their loyalty, often receive special treatment compared to newcomers, so it’s beneficial to cultivate a rapport with the hotels you frequent.
Register for the Hotel Credit Card
Hotel-issued credit cards might prove beneficial for you upon check-in and subsequent usage. Matt Kepners is aware of the perks associated with these cards and emphasizes the various advantages they offer.
Now that you’re aware, you might find yourself receiving a plethora of complimentary items during your stay. Simply inquire. The yields of a single query might surprise you! Folks tend to be much more benevolent than you may have previously assumed.
Acquire a Mobile Travel Bag
While aiming for an enjoyable and unforgettable experience, you might become so distracted that you unknowingly leave your keys or phone behind at the bar.
Even the most careful among us can slip up, so it might be wise to think practically about how you transport your belongings. Consider acquiring a stylish tote for essentials such as your smartphone, keys, money holder, and miscellaneous items. And don’t shy away from trying out fanny packs as well!
Acquire Some Applications
In today’s age, with technology expanding rapidly, there seems to be an application for nearly everything. Receive notifications through SMS or email from platforms like Hotel.com or Kayak, which also ensure not to bombard you with spam.
Thus, rather than scouring various websites for discounts and additional perks, these apps can instantly deliver them to your smartphone. Exclusive deals, price reductions, and attractive bundles can be effortlessly secured across numerous locations and with premier hotels.
Advice for Morning Juices
Many hotels consider themselves clever by providing tiny cups next to the juice dispenser for breakfast beverages.
Having to stand up every few minutes for a refill can be frustrating, hence a great alternative could be opting for the big coffee mug. These mugs can contain a significant amount, and certain hotels even offer lids for them, which is an added benefit. Endeavor to overlook any disapproving glances and revel in your abundant portion of juice!
A Bed Shared
Being in a room filled with many individuals can become overwhelming and irritating. To alleviate this, requesting an additional bed cot can create additional space, allowing for a more comfortable environment for everyone.
Moreover, when occupants are provided with more room, there will be fewer arguments. It’s unnecessary to terminate a relationship due to a room that doesn’t offer enough space, therefore, ensure to seek assistance from the staff concerning issues of spatial accommodation.
Place the Iron at the Reception
Many hotels provide irons at the front desk, allowing guests to press their clothes as needed. This means you no longer have to bring an iron with you, thanks to this convenient alternative.
Nevertheless, a top tip is to drape your garments in the bathroom as you bathe to let the steam naturally smooth out the creases. Why devote time to ironing when you could be exploring and buying?
Power Up Your Phone Using the TV
While preparing for your holiday, you might forget to pack your adapter, making it difficult to charge your phones. However, there’s no cause for concern because you can charge your phone using the TV.
Many of them come equipped with universal USB ports, allowing you to conveniently charge your phone while watching TV. When traveling abroad, your phone acts as your vital connection, making it crucial not to go any length of time without it.
Carry a Water Bottle While Traveling
Heading to bed without any water in your room ensures a lively journey out of bed and downstairs to fetch it. There’s nothing quite like refreshing cold water!
To address this issue, carrying a water bottle with you allows for easy access to water whenever needed. Furthermore, if the hotel has a gym, you can use the water cooler there for refills instead of relying on tap water.
Explore the AAA
Numerous travel tips exist, and Chris Guillebeau of a travel hack website highlights that when he can’t use frequent flyer miles, he turns to AAA as an alternative. It might be worthwhile for you to explore as well.
AAA offers a complete range of travel services, including accommodations, cruises, vacation packages, and vehicle rental options. It stands out as a top choice for travelers seeking essential travel arrangements.
Make the Most of Position
Being a high-status member of a hotel chain can bring perks within that establishment and may even offer advantages at other hotel brands. Additionally, posting about your positive experiences on social media with the appropriate tag can be beneficial.
Explore the loyalty programs of various hotels to understand how they can benefit you. Maximize the advantages of your loyalty to a specific hotel, ensuring they acknowledge your contribution to their establishment.
Leverage Budget-Friendly Hotels to Gain Prestige
Achieving status in hotel loyalty programs doesn’t need to be an arduous or costly affair. It’s perfectly possible to do so while staying at budget-friendly hotels, allowing you to enjoy perks while saving money.
Many hotel loyalty programs operate based on the number of nights stayed rather than the amount of money spent. For example, to achieve status after staying ten nights, you could make several reservations for one or two nights each to accumulate this total.
Avoid Packing on Days You Fly
When you depart from a hotel, it’s possible to forget some items, and if you’re traveling internationally, retrieving them may not be an option.
Therefore, it’s crucial to prepare your luggage the evening prior to your departure. This way, everything is arranged, reducing what you need to sort out in the morning. Allocate adequate time to thoroughly inspect your accommodation before departing to ensure nothing has fallen into a hidden nook.
Investigate Corporate Hotels Nearby
Compared to many commercial hotels, business hotels offer considerable advantages and superior service. During that period, you might find they offer significant discounts.
Particularly in Europe, business tends to slow down in the summer months as many people go on holiday. Make sure to prepare thoroughly, and don’t hesitate to reach out to as many individuals in the industry as possible. You’ll find that most employees are more than willing to assist!
Inform the General Manager Regarding Your Experience
Should you encounter a negative experience, discussing it with the general manager could prove beneficial.
A traveler shared her negative experience via email with the general manager, who responded by offering her a significant discount on a better suite and enhanced service, encouraging her to reconsider her opinion of the hotel. These managers are approachable and dedicated, with a significant part of their role focusing on addressing the concerns of their guests.
Convert Your Money Before Making a Reservation
Typically, hotels and websites conduct their transactions in the local currency of the country, meaning having some of their money can greatly reduce your expenses.
Many hotels won’t impose charges for transactions in their own currency, so exchanging some money before you make your reservation can be beneficial. Holding onto any unused foreign currency for your future trips can also prove advantageous.
Optimize Benefits and Assurances by Using Reservation Websites
If you’re accustomed to the perks of just one hotel chain and are curious about exploring others, consider using various booking platforms that offer low-price guarantees and additional advantages. Consider, as an example, Hotels.
For every ten nights reserved on their platform, you receive a complimentary night. This perk is applicable across more than 100,000 hotels featured on their website. It’s an incredible strategy to broaden your choices and find the most advantageous accommodation possible.
Name Your Notable Occasions
Earlier, it was mentioned that informing the hotel about any special celebrations can enhance your experience. Couples often serve as a significant source of word-of-mouth promotion for hotels and represent a major portion of their clientele.
Notifying the hotel of a significant celebration such as a birthday, honeymoon, or anniversary might result in a complimentary upgrade to honor the occasion. The most celebrated couples often receive royal treatment!
The “Critique” Technique
Sabrina Lovino has traveled extensively since 2008, and she remarks that if she couldn’t secure a bargain during the pre-booking process, she would attempt to negotiate one at the hotel itself. She would often ask, “are you on Tripadvisor?
However, you aim to avoid seeming like someone who’s always asking for favors, so it’s important to tread carefully. You might express enthusiasm about leaving a review, subtly suggesting your significant presence in numerous social media and Reddit communities.
Don’t Forget Your Charger
While many hotels incorporate technology into their processes, this might not hold true for the hotel you decide to stay at.
Therefore, the next time you’re preparing for a trip, make sure to carry a power adapter with you as it will be necessary. It’s quite annoying when your device’s battery is running low and there’s no place to recharge. Power adapters are not costly and are readily available at most supermarkets.
