Enjoy Hotel Accommodations To The Fullest With These Hacks

Staying at a hotel can be expensive especially for those who are traveling alone. However, it is still one of the safest options for accommodations. Make the most out of the experience with these hacks:

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1. Enjoy the amenities even before check-in

Guests who will be arriving hours before their check-in time should inform the staff beforehand. In some hotels, early check-in is allowed especially during off-peak seasons. But for those who have a few hours before settling in their rooms can actually already check out the hotel's amenities. Some hotels let their guests use the gym, swimming pools, and business lounges so that they'll be able to get their work done even as they wait.

2. Know what you can borrow or take for free

While it's common knowledge that the items in the minibar are not for free, there are still hotel guests that are unfamiliar with the items that they can get for free. Aside from toiletries, guests can also ask for stationery, mugs, maps, magazines, shoe shine kits, earplugs, earphones, kiddie treats, fruits, coffee, tea, and even cookies from their friendly staff. To make them feel more at home, guests can borrow body pillows, hot towels, and even microwave ovens during their stay.

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3. Get insights from hotel staff

Save up on tour packages and other unnecessary expenses by asking hotel staff. As most of these people are locals, they know where the best places are. They will also be more than happy to share what they know. Aside from car services, some hotels also have bikes that their guests can rent. Hotels also give out city guides, maps and travel magazines that will help guests navigate a city better.

Making the most out of a hotel’s amenities and freebies will make a stay truly worth every penny.

John Jefferis is a celebrated veteran in the hotel management arena after being a recipient of awards such as the Caribbean Hotelier of the Year in 1990 and Entrepreneur of the Year in 2000. He is the current chairman and sole shareholder of the Palm Reed Hotel Development Company Limited and Island Resorts International Limited. Find out more about John’s career by visiting this Facebook page.

Hotel booking mistakes to avoid

While booking a hotel seems quite straightforward and entails only picking a destination, travel dates, and a payment method, there are a number of blunders one can commit in the process. And these mistakes could prove costly and easily ruin one’s long-planned trip. 

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Here are things to avoid doing when making hotel reservations. 

Expecting the best and everything you requested Typically, those booking through the hotel website, along with loyalty members, get first dibs on room assignments, including better views and quieter locations. Most booking engines also allow guests to make requests or comments regarding their stay, but this doesn’t mean such requests are guaranteed. If this is the case, politely speak to the front-desk agent to request your desired change. 

Not accounting for taxes and resort fees There are fees that hotel guests could dodge if they don’t wish to avail themselves of certain services, such as housekeeping or newspaper delivery. But note that there are mandatory ones such as resort fees, so one needs to account for the added cost when booking a hotel room. 

Booking non-refundable rates Non-refundable rates are cheaper that the regular rates for a reason: the hotelier benefits from the lower price when a room is locked in. If you ever find yourself needing to cancel the hotel reservation due to bad weather, illness, or a personal reason, it’s inevitable to forgo the non-refundable rate. The fix: pay the heftier yet refundable rate instead for when you need to put the trip on hold. 

Other hotel booking faux pas Common booking mistakes include failing to check the exact location and surrounding establishments; skipping the user review sites; inquire if there’s available airport shuttle, internet access, or breakfast (and if they are complimentary); and sign up for a loyalty program that rewards frequent stays.

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John Jefferis is a highly-respected hotelier who establishes a myriad of activities and amenities in all of his hotels to ensure the comfort and enjoyment of his guests. For more on the hospitality business, like this Facebook page.