Hotel guests can take advantage of some tricks to make their stay more comfortable and affordable! Hotel masters/insiders will often keep these secrets to themselves – but worry not; we’re here to share them with you!
From saving money on your room to getting discounts and freebies, below are our list of 10 great hotel hacks that travel masters won’t tell you.
Check Out Hotel Websites for Discounts
Many hotels offer discounts if you book directly through their website rather than a third-party site. Check the hotel’s website for any special rates or promotions before booking your stay. You may be able to save a significant amount of money just by booking directly!
Join A Hotel’s Loyalty Program
If you frequently stay at hotels, joining their loyalty program may be worth it. Many programs offer perks like free nights or room upgrades after a certain number of stays. You may also earn points that you can redeem for future stays or other rewards.
Get A Room with A View
If you’re hoping for a nicer room, ask for one with a view when you check-in. Hotels often reserve their best rooms for guests who request them; you may be able to score an upgrade just by asking! With a little luck, you may even get a room with a view of the city or the ocean!
Use Your Hotel’s Concierge
The concierge at your hotel can be a great resource for planning your stay; they can help you make restaurant reservations, get tickets to shows, and find activities in the area. If you’re not sure what you want to do during your stay, the concierge can help you figure it out!
Ask For a Late Check-Out
If you need a little extra time to check out of your room, don’t be afraid to ask – many hotels will accommodate guests with a late check-out if they ask in advance. This can be especially helpful if you have a late flight or need to check out of your room before your luggage is picked up.
Take Advantage of Hotel Amenities
Many hotels offer complimentary amenities like breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking. Be sure to take advantage of these perks during your stay! If you’re not sure what’s included in your room, just ask the front desk. You may be surprised at all the freebies you can enjoy during your stay.
Use Your Phone to Control the Room
Did you know that you can often control your hotel room with your phone? Many newer hotels have apps that allow you to adjust the temperature, turn the lights on, and order room service; if your hotel has this technology, be sure to take advantage of it!
Pack A Travel Steamer
A travel steamer is a great way to freshen up your clothes while you’re on the road – just add a little water and steam away wrinkles in a matter of minutes. This can be especially handy if you’re traveling for business and need to look your best. You can find travel steamers at most stores that sell luggage.
Bring Your Own Coffee
If you’re a coffee lover, bring your own beans or grounds with you on your trip; this can save you a lot of money, especially if you’re staying at a hotel that charges for coffee in the room. Just ask the front desk for a hot water kettle, and you’re all set!
Save Money on Meals
If you want to save money on food, skip the hotel restaurant and order room service instead. You can often get the same meal for a fraction of the price by ordering from the room service menu!
Alternatively, head out to a local grocery store and stock up on snacks and drinks for your room; this can be a great way to save money, especially if you’re staying at a hotel for an extended period of time.
These are just a few of the many great hotel hacks that travel masters use to save money and make their trips more enjoyable. With these tips in mind, you’re sure to have a great time on your next vacation!
Secrets To Finding Hidden Hotel Gems
Sometimes, the best hotels are the ones that aren’t in the busiest areas, and that can be hard to find if you’re not familiar with the area! Below are six secrets to finding hidden hotel gems:
Use A Search Engine
This is the first and most obvious step. Use a search engine like Google or Bing, and type in something like “hidden hotel gems.” You’ll be surprised at how many results come up. With a little bit of digging, you’re sure to find a hidden gem or two!
Look For Off-The-Beaten-Path Areas
If you’re looking for a hidden gem of a hotel, chances are it’s not going to be in the middle of the city. Look for areas that are a little off the beaten path! You might have to do a little extra research to find out where these areas are, but it’ll be worth it in the end.
Check Out Hotel Aggregators
A few websites out there aggregate hotel reviews from multiple sources. These can be helpful in finding hidden gems, as they provide a wider range of opinions than just one review website. You can start with websites like TripAdvisor or Expedia.
Ask Locals for Recommendations
If you’re already in the area, ask around for hotel recommendations! Chances are, the locals will know of a hidden gem or two that you wouldn’t be able to find on your own. You can ask at your hotel or even just people you see on the street.
Read Travel Blogs
Travel bloggers are always on the lookout for hidden gems; hence, their blog posts can be a great resource! Do a quick search for travel blogs that focus on your destination; see if any of them have written about hidden hotel gems.
Use Social Media
Social media is a great way to discover hidden gems, as people are always sharing their recommendations with friends and followers. Try doing a search on Twitter or Facebook or even looking up hashtags like #travel or #hotels.
By following these six secrets, you’re sure to find a hotel’s hidden gem for your next vacation!
How To Avoid Getting Scammed by Dodgy Hotels
Many tourists fall victim to scams each year; therefore, it’s important to be aware of the different ways these criminals try to take advantage of unsuspecting guests. Below are a few ways you can protect yourself from being scammed by shady hotels:
Do Your Research
This is number one for a reason. You can easily avoid many scams simply by doing a bit of research on your hotel before you book. Read reviews, check out the property’s website, and make sure you understand what amenities and services are included in your room rate.
That way, you’ll know what to expect when you arrive, and you won’t be taken advantage of by unexpected fees or sub-par accommodations.
Watch Out For “Bait and Switch”
One common scam travelers fall victim to is “bait and switch.” This happens when a hotel advertises one room rate online, but when you arrive, they try to charge you a higher rate for a different room.
To avoid this, always confirm the room rate and availability before you book, and make sure you understand what type of room you’re booking. That way, there will be no surprises when you check-in.
Don’t Get Taken for A Ride
Taxis are one of the most common ways for travelers to get scammed! Many taxi drivers will take tourists on longer routes to inflate the fare, or they may claim that your hotel is closed or full in order to drive you to a different (and usually more expensive) property.
To avoid getting ripped off, always ask your hotel for a business card with the address and phone number, so you can show it to the driver. And be sure to agree on a fare before you get in the taxi – that way, you won’t be charged an inflated rate once you reach your destination!
Don’t Buy from Street Vendors
It’s tempting to buy souvenirs or other items from street vendors, but in many cases, these products are counterfeit or overpriced. Plus, you may unknowingly support criminal activity by patronizing these illegal businesses.
To avoid getting ripped off, only buy souvenirs at reputable stores, and be sure to haggle for a better price – it’s expected in many places!
Be Cautious with Your Credit Card
One of the easiest ways for scammers to take advantage of travelers is by stealing their credit card information. To protect yourself, never give your credit card to anyone who doesn’t have proper identification, and be sure to keep an eye on your card when it’s being used.
Additionally, you should always pay with a credit card with fraud protection, so you can dispute unauthorized charges.
Remember to do your research, watch out for red flags, and use common sense when you’re traveling-if something seems too good to be true, it probably is! Following these simple tips can protect you from being scammed by dodgy hotels, and have a great trip.
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