Always read reviews
The hotel on its resource will write about itself only good. Reviews from several sites will give a more objective assessment and help you make the right choice. If you are not one of those travelers who always study reviews when choosing a hotel, it's time to follow their example. Moreover, many resources give a breakdown by criteria — such as cleanliness, location, quality wi-fi and more.
Book directly
Online booking systems are now used by most travelers, and 80 % of reservations are made through them. It's really easier, faster and more convenient. But few people know that if you contact the hotel directly, you can negotiate the best price. The fact is that hotels pay quite a large Commission to online agencies, so it is much more profitable for them to give you a discount and get a loyal guest. This method of booking everything else will allow you to get an individual approach, especially when it comes to a small hotel or guest house.
Join the loyalty program
There are hundreds of loyalty programs, including those developed by the world's largest hotel chains. One of the most famous programs — the hotel chain Mariott. It is a cumulative system with several levels — from basic to platinum. You can join the program absolutely free of charge, and the accumulated points can be used for further bookings in all hotels of the network, as well as spend on pleasant bonuses — for example, for room upgrade or Spa treatments. Also, participation in the Marriott Rewards program helps to get discounts when buying tickets.
For new experiences choose boutique hotels
Personally, I prefer boutique hotels. In a chain hotel you always know what to expect. This is a guarantee of comfort and quality, but at the same time you are unlikely to see something new. Independent boutique hotels try to be as original as possible due to the unusual interior design, service organization, interesting "chips" in service. I am glad that in Russia this trend is gaining momentum and there are more and more conceptual boutique hotels. Among the latest interesting projects — Akvarel Stoleshnikov and Moss Boutique Hotel in Moscow and Riviera Wellness Resort & Spa in Belgorod.
Are you celebrating? Don't forget to tell us about it
If your trip is timed to a significant date or event (birthday, anniversary, honeymoon), do not forget to inform us at the time of booking. As a compliment, the hotel can provide you with Breakfast in the room, a bottle of champagne, a fruit basket, perhaps even a discount on one of the services — for example, Spa treatments. I note that good hotels do this by default — and this practice exists not only in the five-star.
Feel free to ask for phone chargers
Each of us at least once forgot to take a trip charger for your phone or adapter. Most likely, the hotel reception will be happy to help you — you just have to ask. Some hotels have gone even further and provide guests with free chargers for any gadgets for the duration of their stay.
Express your wishes when booking
When booking for your fix is not a concrete number, as many think, and room category. Rooms of the same category may differ in different details: the level of sound insulation, the view from the window, the distance from the Elevator. At the time of booking, you can specify your wishes and they will be taken into account.
Use the pillow menu
If you are the traveler who needs to try all the pillows, then this service is for you. W Hotels will provide you with a whole menu of pillows of different shapes, hardness and purpose. In many hotels this service is free. There are hotels where guests can even pre-book the desired pillow through the mobile app.
Make profitable trips around the city
Most four-or five-star hotels have their own transport, which is used to organize transfers, meeting important guests or trips around the city. Hotel transport can be more comfortable and safer than a city taxi. And sometimes it is cheaper. Check the information at the reception, compare prices and choose a convenient option for you.
Don't skimp on the tip
Tips in hotels are the rule and an integral part of the hotel industry. They should be left not only to concierges, waiters and taxi drivers, but also maids. After all, the maid monitors the cleanliness of the room, the presence of bathrobes, towels, jars of shampoos. From tips the number of all these little things can increase. The size of the tip and the traditions of payment vary from country to country. In Russia, it is customary to leave 100-200 rubles for tea, in Europe — one or two euros. It is better to tip the maids on the pillow or on the corner of the bed, otherwise they will not be taken. In some hotels in the rooms there is a so-called tips box (box for tips).
Take toothpaste and other hygiene products at the hotel
Many five-star hotels offer them for free. Sometimes you may not find toothpaste or mouthwash in the room, but you only have to contact the receptionist and you will get everything you need. In addition to basic toiletries, guests are sometimes offered shaving cream and dental floss.
Enjoy your TV in the hotel
No boring channels in the room — now you can watch the latest episodes of your favorite TV series: many hotels stream videos of services like Netflix. The pioneers here were the hotels of the Mariott chain. The partnership with Netflix allowed Mariott to provide its guests with access to personal accounts of the streaming service and watching their favorite TV shows.
No one will kick you out of the hotel at 12:00 sharp
The accepted check-out time is 12:00. However, if you need another hour or two to stay in the room (for example, waiting for your flight), the hotel is likely to meet you halfway. The only thing — you need to ask for it and extend your room key, as it is like a carriage, ceases to operate at exactly 12:00
Be polite to the staff
Elementary courtesy has not been canceled. Although staying at the hotel and involves the maximum care of you by the staff, showing a little courtesy, you can get a lot of nice bonuses. With the trust and support of the hotel staff, you can find excellent advisors who will tell you what places should be avoided, and what, on the contrary, is worth a visit, and how to save money. For this you need only praise and a positive assessment of the hard work of the staff.
Feel free to leave complaints
Another life hack is comments about your accommodation. Do not hesitate to leave them to the hotel staff, for example, at the reception. In many modern hotels CRM (customer relationship management system) works very well, and all the wishes, comments and complaints of guests are considered at the highest level. No need to abuse it, however only your comments allow the hotels to get better. I assure you, there will be an immediate response to your request.
