103 S Granite Ave
103 S Granite Ave
10 Hotel Hacks for a Better Stay
Upgrade your next trip away with these simple tips to enhance your comfort and get the VIP experience you deserve.
1. BRING ALONG YOUR FAVORITE SCENTS.
Even the finest hotels can feel a little sterile upon arrival. For a quick refresh, bring along a pillow or linen mist spray that leaves your sleeping space smelling a little bit like home.
2. DO THE MATH ON OPENING A CREDIT CARD WITH A HOTEL BRAND.
Welcome bonuses alone can cover at least a night or two at even the most luxurious hotels. Another way to use those reward points is to upgrade an upcoming stay. Using your hotel credit card as your primary method of payment will also put you on the fast track to elite status at the hotel. Of course, the higher the status, the better the rewards.
3. ASK ABOUT CLUB LOUNGE ACCESS.
Even if you book a hotel with a club lounge, you may not have access based on the type of room you booked. Loyalty members with elite status typically have automatic access, but many hotels also offer separate payment for their lounges. Some of the more luxe lounges offer perks like complimentary food and drink, concierge services and business centers.
Some of the larger hotels even have club rooms for guests who know they’ll be using the lounge frequently during their stay. These are rooms on the same floor as the lounge and come at a premium.
4. STAY ON TOP OF LAUNDRY.
If you’re traveling for an extended period or accidentally spilled something on a favorite outfit, you may want to take advantage of laundry services, which most hotels offer for a small fee.
Pro-tip: Check with the hotel before packing so you can plan what outfits you could wear again to save room in your suitcase.
5. TREAT YOURSELF TO A NIGHT IN.
Going to a restaurant every night for dinner can be a lot of work. Take a night off from having to go out on the town and order takeout. The farthest you’ll have to go is the front desk to pick it up. To upgrade your night in, ask for hotel staff to provide you with silverware and “real” plates. Now suddenly that takeout tastes more like home.
6. ASK, ASK, ASK.
We’re not only talking about toothbrushes and razors. If you need workout clothes, an iPhone charger or a pair of ear plugs due to noisy neighbors, chances are the front desk can help you out.
7. BOOK DIRECT.
Frequent travelers know that it isn’t always about getting the best deal on accommodations. Book - ing directly with the hotel offers a number of perks over booking on sites that aggregate prices. Here are a few:
• If you’re already part of a hotel’s loyalty program, you won’t receive any loyalty points if you book through a third-party site. You could miss out on future discounts.
• Some popular tourist destinations come with resort fees at hotels that cover pool access and in-room amenities. Don’t miss out on perks that should be complimentary.
• Complimentary upgrades and free cancellation are unlikely if you’ve booked your room on a third-party site.
• Hotel staff strive to offer the best customer service possible no matter how you booked, but it’s more likely that staff prioritize the requests of customers who booked directly.
8. EXPLORE ALL OF THE AMENITIES
Have an understanding of the hotel’s amenities before you arrive. There may be complimentary wine tastings on their rooftop or bicycles available to explore around town at no cost to you. Most hotels will list amenities on their website, but some of the more unique perks may only be available to guests in the know. Ask for a list from the concierge upon arrival if you’re not sure what to expect.
9. LET THE HOTEL KNOW ABOUT YOUR BIG CELEBRATIONS.
Although it’s never a guarantee, many hotels will try to acknowledge a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary with advanced notice. They also work to accommodate special requests. While late check-out may be the most common, certain hotels may be able to provide pillow options, favorite snacks and even in-room gym equipment. Remember, it never hurts to ask!
10. REPEAT, REPEAT, REPEAT.
If the hotel has a loyalty program, join it. At worst, you’ll get a few emails per month about good deals or special events at the hotel. At best, it’s a signal to hotel staff that you’re a loyal fan of their hotel. Though each loyalty program is different, perks like room upgrades, free nights and welcome amenities are common offerings.
Many of the big hotel chains have smaller, boutique hotels as part of their umbrella of brands. Stays at any hotel under their umbrella all go towards building your loyalty and status with a hotel brand.
Cheryl Munn
Owner/Managing Broker
103 S Granite Ave
Granite Falls, WA 98252
425-422-6608
cheryl@cherylmunn.com
https://www.premierrealestatewa.com
1091
I’d love to hear from you! Feel free to send me a message.
Cheryl Munn
Owner/Managing Broker
