When you book a hotel, do you often wonder what the person on the other line is hiding from you? Do you wonder what the inside information really is? Most people have thought about it and quickly put it out of their minds. Interestingly, that sort of information can have a huge impact on the quality of your stay. But where do you get such information? The best place is from the sources themselves. What do hotel front desk clerks know that they don’t share? Here are five quick facts that will surprise you. If you use them properly they can benefit you as well.
Unacceptable Rooms Are “Switchable”
How many times have you gone into a room and settled? If you travel a great deal, you probably already know that a bad room can be replaced. In fact, you can switch out rooms often to a better upgrade when you get a room that is not up to par. If you go into your hotel room and it is unclean or otherwise unacceptable, simply contact the front desk clerk and kindly request a new room. Attitude is everything, so remember that. Other reasons for a switch include broken air conditioners, TVs that are not working and countless other minor things. You are paying for a complete room…demand your money’s worth with a good attitude and you will come out much better.
There Are Advantages To Using the Company Website
When you book a room, front desk clerks remind us that using the company website has it’s perks. Did you know that booking a hotel at a discount site or other location will often get you the “whatever is left” rooms? Booking from the company website will get you the primo accommodations. Makes sense to me.
Knowing How to Complain Is Huge
Remember when I mentioned attitude up above? Complaining properly can get you huge benefits. Most hotels will gladly take care of your problems if you present them in a nice enough way. Likewise, a bad attitude will get you all kinds of problems. Front desk clerks have said that they have seen people actually get “accidental” wake up calls for being a jerk. If I was wanting a new set of towels, for example, I would start by being kind and thankful for what I do have. I like my sleep.
You Do, In Fact, Get What You Pay For
Front desk clerks are quick to admit that hotels are not all the same. When you pay for outstanding service, you are far more likely to get great service. When we think of this as a rule, we think about amenities, extras and the like. Swimming pools and spas are great, but that is not where you see the biggest differences according to the experts. The biggest differences seem to be in the cleanliness of the rooms….the basics. These things are far superior in the more expensive hotels. That is not to say that they are perfect. It is really just about your best chance at a great experience. Being your own advocate can get you great service and a good experience at any hotel.
Your Tip Can Get You Stuff
If you are willing to tip here and there, you are almost certain to get great service and a few extras our front desk clerks tell us. A nice tip says with a knowing wink that you are aware they have extras to give and you are willing to pay for them. Extra towels, late checkouts and countless other little details can suddenly become fluid policy when you are willing to show your appreciation with some green.
These hotel “secrets” are all fairly common, but you would be amazed at how much you will benefit from paying attention to them. Spend some time thinking about them and you might just find your next hotel stay is the best one ever. It’s always nice to be pleasantly surprised by your stay, but planning and knowing a few well-known secrets can go a long way should a problem arise when traveling.
Have you used some of these tips or secrets to your advantage when traveling?
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