Tips for staying in a hotel: 12 life hacks to get the most out of your stay in a luxury apartment
Traveling on a budget or in luxury is everyone's choice, but it usually depends on the size of your wallet. But what if we said that tourism is available on a limited budget in luxury hotels? Experienced travelers know the secrets that the administration of fine resorts usually keeps silent about. We are talking about services that are included in the price of accommodation. For example, free dry cleaning, late check-out or early check-in, concierge services, or tax refunds if you are abroad.
Staying in five-star hotels can be an unforgettable experience if you use hotel tips and don't hesitate to ask about every opportunity that the administration provides.
Booking directly
One of the ways to get the best service at a luxury hotel is to book accommodation directly through the hotel's website, rather than a booking service. This allows you to get personalized service and additional benefits.
It is important to check whether the price on the websites changes after the booking. Many hotels have a flexible cancellation policy, so you should regularly monitor whether the room rate is being reduced. For example, in Turkey and Egypt, the so-called "hot tours" are popular. When a hotel has few booked rooms, the administration reduces the price on the eve of arrival. Then the cost of tours in five-star resorts is three times lower.
Reason for staying or an imaginary holiday
A few hotel life hacks will make your stay better. Everyone knows that luxury hotel chains want to personalize their relationships with guests so that they come back to stay again and again. It is worth telling the administration the reason for your stay: a birthday party, bachelorette party, or engagement. And sometimes you can make up a reason, but certainly not about your birthday, since you provide your passport when you check in.
You can tell the receptionist about the reason for the holiday or send an email in advance. You may receive a free gift or a bottle of champagne.
Early check-in and late check-out
Usually, check-in is from 14:00, and check-out is at 12:00 at the latest. However, some luxury hotels do not limit their guests, allowing them to check in and out at any time. It is worth asking about this before booking.
It is recommended to arrive as early as possible and leave later. If check-in is not available in the morning, you should arrive at the hotel early to check in your belongings and go for a walk by the pool or to the on-site bar. These accommodation tips will help you maximize your vacation even before you get a room at the hotel.
Free electrical appliances
If you're going on vacation for a long time, you can use this tip for a long hotel stay. People often forget to bring a charger with them, but even in 3-star hotels, you can easily ask for a charger at the reception.
When traveling long distances, tourists may face the problem of incompatibility of their electrical devices with local outlets or voltage. In such cases, special adapters and adapters are needed. Hotels have several such devices in their arsenal and provide them free of charge to guests from other countries.
Luggage storage
Most guests check out before noon, but their flight is scheduled for the evening. The time between checking out of the hotel and heading to the airport can be used to your advantage. In such cases, suitcases can become an additional burden.
Many hotels provide guests with free luggage storage in special storage rooms or at the reception. This is beneficial if there are more than 2 hours between check-out and transfer to the airport. This option allows guests to relax and enjoy the last moments of their trip. It is worth taking advantage of this tip during a long stay at the hotel, as you usually have a lot of luggage with you.
Free clothing
It is also worth considering that rain can be a frequent occurrence in many popular tourist destinations. While not all hotels can provide umbrellas, it's worth asking at the reception to avoid spending extra money on buying rain protection. In the mountains, where the weather can be unpredictable, hotels sometimes provide their guests with raincoats or even jackets. It is especially important to take this advice if you are staying at the hotel for a long time.
Transfer to the hotel
After making a reservation, it is recommended to check whether there is a possibility to get a free hotel shuttle service. Usually, the higher the hotel category, the more likely you are to get a free bonus. This will not only save you money, but also relieve you of unnecessary stress when planning how to get to the hotel in an unfamiliar city on your own.
Free food offers
Free food in luxury hotels is not a myth. One way to get it is to check if breakfast is included in the room rate, if there are cocktail hours or access to a snack lounge. Sometimes they allow you to take some snacks from breakfast to your room for later. Experienced travelers often plan their daily routine, including meals.
Other options for free meals at hotels can include snacks and drinks at the spa or frozen desserts and appetizers served regularly by the pool.
Concierge services
Luxury hotels are known for their high-quality concierge services, so it's worth taking full advantage of them. They can help with a variety of needs. It's important to build a good relationship with the concierge, as they can be very helpful in dealing with various issues. The concierge can help you find tickets to sold-out concerts, book tables at popular restaurants, and much more. It's important to let them know your plans during your stay, as they will recommend a lot of things and help you with all the details that you might not be able to handle on your own. The concierges have in-depth knowledge of the city, including the best restaurants, bars, events and activities that might be of interest to you. They are a reliable source of information and will help you avoid trouble.
Hygiene products
Good hotels usually provide appropriate personal care products. Before you leave, don't hesitate to take half-used bars of soap or mini bottles of shampoo with you to have a little bit of the relaxing hotel atmosphere at home. In addition to basic products such as soap and shampoo, five-star hotels often provide gourmet body lotions, facials, and hair care products that you can test out. You can also get other hygiene products for free at the hotel: toothpaste, deodorant, razor and slippers.
Facilities for pets
Some pet owners cannot travel without their pets. Most luxury hotels present themselves as "pets friendly" and provide some services for animals. For example, food bowls, dog or cat dinners, a place to sleep, or toys in the room. Dog care can also be organized through a local partner who provides private grooming and regular walks. These amenities allow tourists and their pets to enjoy their stay at the hotel without any worries.
Don't be afraid to make requests
Luxury hotels offer many free services to meet the needs of even the most demanding guests. For example, you can request certain types of pillows or even customize the bed to your preferences.
A cozy bath can also be arranged upon request. Some hotels have mobile apps that allow you to connect with the team before, during, and after their stay for help in planning their visit.
Don't be afraid to express your wishes and make special requests. The hotel staff is always ready to make your stay even more comfortable and enjoyable.