As a travel advisor, I’m wheels up more than most! I love that eager feeling of anticipation when I think about visiting an unexplored hotel or resort, and the comfortable familiarity of revisiting a hotel or resort that I adored before. Yet, there are must-do’s for a better hotel stay, luxury or otherwise. And, I’m sharing a baker’s dozen with you today.

Does traveling and experiencing new destinations give you a tremendous feeling of joy?  Especially when your stay is smooth and easy?  That feeling can be fleeting when you have a poor hotel experience on your journey.  This is why it’s so critically important that I vet my supplier partners for you.  It can be the difference between an amazing or a mediocre experience for you.  You don’t have to guess what I’d choose for you…

Below are the must-do’s we can put in place to avoid those undesirable hotel experiences.  Let’s hope other travelers do the same so everyone will have better hotel stays in the future.

• Save yourself time and hassle with digital check-in and out.  If your hotel offers it, take advantage of the digital room key.  It’s the bomb! When you’re ready to check in,  you’ll go straight to your room. You’ll also have a  flawless check-out. Best part? No waiting in lines.

• Always check your bill BEFORE you physically check out. Ensure all charges are correct and legitimate. It’s much easier to dispute a charge while you are still at the hotel. Checking your hotel bill daily and addressing it with the hotel as soon as possible is even better.

• Look for hidden fees when confirming your room and reservation. Resort fees, among others, are often charged per day and can add up very quickly.  It’s never a pleasant surprise when you’re not expecting it. 

• Be aware that when there’s no price list for bottled water in the room, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a cost. Call the front desk and ask.  Pricey bottles of water are a real thing!

• If you insist on booking your own hotel…always inquire about early check-in and late check-out.  Ask nicely and they’ll often accommodate you.

• Ditto for a room upgrade. Ask nicely and be sure to verify the cost of the upgrade, because not all upgrades are free. Ask for a specific room if you are a light sleeper…like away from the elevator, or on the highest floor, or away from a busy street or parking lot.

• Do not allow your hotel room door to slam closed. Always catch it before it closes and close it yourself. No one wants to hear hotel doors slamming, especially at 3:00 am!

• Always bolt and lock your hotel room door and place the “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door.

• Keep your voice down while in hallways and public areas.  And, avoid talking on your cell phone in hallways and elevators.  Other guests will appreciate this courteous gesture.

• Keep TV volume at a reasonable level. If you can hear it outside your room it’s too loud.

• Check, recheck, and check again for any items left behind. Look for books, chargers, sunglasses, jewelry, etc… I’ve left many things in hotel rooms,  especially when I’m rushed.  Sometimes they came back to me, sometimes not, and I regret not doing a better job of checking my room. 

• Finally…..please TIP appropriately!  If you had excellent service by the valet, bell staff, concierge, or housekeeper, remember to show your appreciation. Housekeepers are often overlooked – they do a lot to make certain your accommodations are clean and comfortable. If you’re not sure, here’s a link to a simple, abbreviated by-country tipping guide.

Do you already follow most of these suggestions?  Were any new to you?  If so, consider putting them into practice on your next trip.  It could make your stay – and those around you – more pleasant. Whether you are traveling for business, pleasure, or both, your hotel stay shouldn’t be troublesome. You deserve one that is relaxing, quiet and, most of all, enjoyable. If you want more information, you can reach us here. We’re happy to help you design your most memorable vacation, along with eliminating the pitfalls.

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