10 Things To Do Before Booking A Hotel Room
Weâve all heard the hotel horror stories. Fear of bedbugs, filthy, rooms and disturbing discoveries are enough to make any traveler paranoid about the quality of his or her hotel room. While the details do vary from hotel to hotel, there are a handful of things worth considering before and during any hotel stay.
1. Compare rates
Call it strange but itâs sometimes possible to book a nicer hotel one at its cheaper competitorâs rates by giving them a call. So while booking online is very convenient, a call to the hotel informing of a competitive rate by a bitter competitor might just be the key to getting lower rates than any web-based reservation.
2. Check reviews
Every hotel claims to be clean and comfortable, but reviews from previous guests are the best way to get a brutally honest opinion.
3. Check independent hotels
Smaller hotels that arenât part of a large chain are often open to more negotiation than brand-name hotels. You may be able to haggle your way to better rates. Hyatt, Ibis and Days Hotels may be more well-known but youâre also paying a bit higher to the brand-names they carry.
4. Call the hotel
If youâre planning to book your stay through a third-party website, give the hotel a call. They usually offer better rates directly, and itâll be easier to make changes later on. As mentioned in item (1), calling the hotel may take longer booking than web-based transaction, but thatâs sometimes how they offer rates. So pick up your phone and give them a ring â then compare their rates with what they offer online.
5. Remember the check-In time
You arrived earlier than expected and want to take a short break at the hotel a few hours before intended check-in time. This may give you a boost for your activities in the next few hours but it also means rushing staff to clean up, possibly compromising the cleanliness of your room. Never show up before the rooms are ready. You donât want the cleaning staff to be rushed any more than they already are. Check-in time is usually 2pm so itâs good to arrange your journey so you reach the hotel at this hour.
6. Be Friendly
It pays to treat hotel staff with smile and warmth. Friendlier guests are sometimes given perks such as free room upgrades and complimentary hot meals. Theyâre not your servants to be treated as such. And itâs easy to get back to you â watch out those pillows, bathrobes or bathroom glasses â if you act beyond whatâs socially acceptable.
7. Disable Long-Distance Calling
If you arenât using it, have it turned off. Employees have been known to make calls from a guestâs room while theyâre away. Although itâs easier to trace the call in your bill, you donât want to be bothered with such nuisance that can cost you 15 minutes or more of your check out time.
8. Ask the bellman
Typically, the bellman has the ability to make your stay nicer, and if you ask nicely, he may be willing to slip you extra perks.
9. Inspect your room
Rooms arenât cleaned as thoroughly as youâd probably hope. Itâs best to request fresh blankets when checking in to avoid sleeping in someone elseâs filth. You donât want to end up ranting on a travel review website on how bad your experience at that hotel; just avoid the experience by doing a bit of diligence check.
10. Check the Mini-Bar
Watch for expired products and broken seals. If the staff didnât catch it when the last guest left, you might get stuck with the bill. Easy to check, just like the long-distance phone bill, but can be very annoying to be charged for something you didnât use or consume.
