Tips on Getting What You Want When Staying in a Hotel
With many years of travelling and staying in hotels I have learnt to ask for what I want. More often than not, when you get into your accommodation and room, things are not exactly the way you like them. Ask nicely, and you will find that even the most discount hotels are prepared to go that extra mile for you. Some tips and what to ask for.
It took me a while of staying in hotel or paid accommodation before I realized I did not have to settle with what I had first been presented. If you are unhappy with your room, or you want a few extras, don’t be afraid to ask. Once I understood this, my hotel staying experienced changed greatly. Here is a look at some of the extra services you should shout out for if you are unhappy or even slightly unsatisfied upon arrival.
● Tea and Coffee. Tea and coffee are normally a part of the free stuff you will get in a room. If there are only a couple of cups worth, simply call room service and get them to give you more. When you see the staff that clean the rooms, ask them if you can take some. They will normally give you as much as you want. I have never got a cup of coffee delivered by room service that has been adequately hot, and so I prefer to have one of those instant ones and not pay for it.
● Pillows, Blankets and Towels. The hotel has a load of pillows stored somewhere. For some reason, they only give you one or two per person. If you want more, don’t hesitate to ask for them. You can get as many as you like. The same goes for towels and blankets. I know we all need to think about the environment and water use, but if you need them, you need them. Less water use is another ploy by the hotels to reduce their costs. I don’t see them giving us a discount because we use fewer towels or other items.
● Power issues. Why does it always take a day to get a socket adaptor or power converter unit for your room? I have learnt to either ask when I check-in, or I take my own solution – my very own portable solar charger. These items are lightweight, and look like a roll of plastic that you can unravel and use from light coming in from your window. I am yet to stay at a hotel that has delivered me an adaptor or power converter within a few hours. It seems strange considering they are a hotel, and there must be many people asking for them. Worst of all, many of them want a deposit. Perhaps they are just so irresistible to others, they go missing all the time.
● Breakfast. Breakfast is not always included in a room, but whenever I have stayed anywhere for a few days, I have managed to get it included as a part of the deal when I arrive. You can normally add a small charge to your room rate, that is much less than if you sign for breakfast at the restaurant. A neat little trick I have picked up.
● Wake-up Call. Wake up calls are important, and the goal is to make sure you actually do wake up. I have learnt that a normal wake-up call may mean that I just answer the call without waking up, and sleep through whatever arrangements I have had. If you ask politely, you can get the hotel to make sure you are actually awake. They will do the call, and then get someone to come and knock on your door. If you have to get out of bed to open the door, you will know that you have actually woken up.
Never be afraid to ask for what you want when you are paying for accommodation. I have found that many good hotels and staff are more than happy to take care of those special requests – they see it as a positive challenge. It is those small things that make all the difference.
