Hotels never reveal their secrets, but we have the inside scoop—everything from Wi-Fi to exclusive discounts and perks. With our list of 16 secrets, you’ll be ready for your next vacation, ensuring you stay in a good hotel and get everything you want. After all, secrets don’t stay secret forever!
Everyone Lies
Sometimes, a hotel or someone working there will lie. Cutbacks occur, and people are expected to say one thing and do another, leading to frustration. For example, if an elevator stops working on the weekend, there’s a high chance that you’ll be told it’s being fixed when it actually isn’t until the following week.
Shower Soaps
The hotel doesn’t care one way or another if you take the shampoo and lotion. However, they care if you become entitled and try to take the sheets, coffee maker, ironing board, television, and mini-fridge. Not to mention, these are all items that will incur a charge, which can be pretty expensive.
Be Respectful
No hotel, no matter how great it is, is completely soundproof, and a guard will be sent to your room if you’re too loud. You’re not the only person staying there, so you must respect other people’s time and vacation. At best, you’ll get a warning; at worst, you’ll be asked to leave.
Always Ask For Clean Linens
At hotels, you’ll need clean linens. While the sheets are washed daily, blankets and bedspreads are only washed when visible stains are present. They could be washed once a week or once a month. Don’t take the chance to get sick; instead, call the desk and ask them to change the bedding.
Use The Same Hotel
If you like to vacation at the same spot or travel for work, use the same hotel. Getting to know the staff, being a good customer, and avoiding issues can lead to perks. Regulars are recognized and, therefore, treated with respect and seriousness. They don’t want to lose a long-term customer, so you can get discounts and free upgrades.
Tip Your Housekeeper
If you are paid minimum wage, tipping is expected. Take care of them, and they will take care of you in return. Most people tip between $2 and $5 a night, depending on their hotel. However, fancier hotels (houses, villas, etc.) prompt guests to leave more, such as $20.
Negotiate, But Politely
If your hotel offers amenities like a hot or continental breakfast, ask if you can include it in your room rate (similar to room service or if they charge for breakfast). This negotiation tactic can secure you a better deal. When negotiating, be polite and respectful—it’s rare for them to say no.
Don’t Be A Jerk
Politeness goes a long way. If the hotel can upgrade guests, they will automatically. However, they won’t do it if you’re being a massive jerk and displaying rude behavior. Entitled behavior makes them less inclined to help you, so curb your attitude and be nice.
Hourly Rates
A hotel typically doesn’t offer rooms by the hour; they charge by the night. You don’t want to stay at a hotel like that anyway. You’ll have the same cleaning cost as an overnight stay, plus additional fees, and the hotel may not be in the best area. There could also be events or activities that you’d rather avoid.
Wi-Fi
Don’t ask to have the Wi-Fi charges removed until checkout. It’s easier for both you and the desk to handle it this way than to do it beforehand. In most cases, they won’t have any issues doing this, though you can avoid the fee by selecting a hotel that offers free Wi-Fi.
Reservation Number
The 800 number you call to make a reservation will direct you to an office with specific rates that cannot be changed. If you call the hotel directly, you have room to negotiate. If you book with the office instead, try doing it on a Monday.
Discounts
If a hotel is independently owned, you’re more likely to receive discounts and the perks you’re after. If it’s a chain, that’s less likely because the chain doesn’t have much say in the matter. You might also receive additional discounts by joining their loyalty programs or by finding a hotel that offers price-matching services. Always ask politely if any discounts are available.
Ask In Private
If you would like an upgrade to your room, ask in private. If you ask around openly, the hotel might say no. When discretion is observed, the hotel is more likely to be accommodating. Another tip: if you want more space without paying extra, ask for a corner room and mention if you’re traveling on a special occasion, such as an anniversary or honeymoon.
Ask About Excursions
If you would like to know where to go, ask the front desk. The concierge may receive a kickback for directing you to tourist traps, so instead, ask the front desk. They can provide you with unbiased opinions that won’t break the bank and might even share hidden gems and local hangouts to enhance your stay.
Check-In Time
Don’t call with requests between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. This is check-in time, and the front desk already has a long list of guests coming in. They may rush you off the phone to complete what they need. Calling before or after these times can save both you and the staff a lot of hassle.
Enjoy Your Hotel
When you must stop and stay in a hotel, remember that they usually want to help you with whatever they can. Be polite, refer to our list to know what to avoid, and treat the staff with kindness. It will make your stay much smoother, and you’ll enjoy your time.
