How to Get Free Food, Drinks and Hotel Amenities
It’s easy to assume that almost everything you’ll find in a hotel comes at a price, especially if you’re burned out after raiding a minibar in a desperate hanger state.
But besides tiny bottles of shampoo and continental breakfast pastries, most hotels have plenty of free services – you just need to know to ask for them. This is especially true for four- or five-star locations where they want you to have the most enjoyable experience (and come back to keep spending money). Below are some of the most common items you can get for free and how to get them.
Toiletries, electronics and other small essentials
New York City travel writer Tracy Kahler says she was on a trip with a friend recently when her companion realized she forgot to take her toothbrush with her.
“She just asked and they said ‘of course’. Most hotels store these things, ”says Kahler, adding that she often gets other free toiletries, such as nail files or shaving cream. “Most hotels want to make your stay as comfortable as possible; something they will even go and charge you.
Most places will also provide extra shampoo, hairspray, patches and aspirin to save you the hassle of going to the pharmacy, adds Virtuoso luxury travel expert Karen Goldberg.
Some hotels may even provide a charger or phone adapter if you are traveling overseas and realize that you do not have a suitable outlet.
And if you’re out of town on business, you should see if they have a free shoe shine kit and free ironing to make sure you’re wrinkle-free before your big date.
While most of the minibar items are for sale, many hotels provide a free bottle of water every day, which can come in handy if you plan on walking a lot.
And if you think about upgrading to a suite, you can get a free fruit basket, chocolates or a bottle of wine, Kahler says (though of course that probably doesn’t offset the cost of a more expensive room).
In addition to free goodies, many hotels provide essential items for free or for a small fee, such as umbrellas if you wake up from an unexpected rainstorm, or even exercise equipment if you forget yours and want to use the gym.
Hotel expert Tiffany Dowd says she has taken advantage of this at some Westin hotels, which will allow you to borrow New Balance shorts, a shirt, socks and shoes for as little as $ 5. And even socks are allowed to keep for themselves for obvious reasons.
Many hotels now also provide yoga mats in their rooms in case you don’t want to leave your room to exercise.
If you are looking for a more comfortable post-workout sleep, be sure to check if they offer a “pillow menu”. Many places will offer you a selection of pillows so you can find the perfect softness or hardness.
Food and drink
Speaking of wine, you should pay attention to wine and cheese mixes with the hotel staff. Experts say most locations – from Kimpton to the James Hotels in New York – will accept them, and you just need to check with the staff when they will pass.
“It’s a really good skill,” says Kahler. “Instead of going outside and spending $ 15 on a glass of wine, you can just go to the hotel and get a couple of glasses and some cheese and that will keep you going until lunchtime.”
It can also be a good way to get to know the hotel manager and / or concierge, who can provide tons of tips on how to save the most time during your visit.
Some other upscale establishments, such as the Greenwich Hotel in New York, offer a free snack and candy basket, Dowd said. Some hotels, including the Dorchester in London, can even restock snacks or fruit daily.
You should also always check if your hotel provides a free breakfast. Quality is improving in most establishments, experts say, and this is an easy way to save money on one meal a day.
Concierge and transportation
Many travelers find it difficult to take advantage of one of the best resources the hotel has to offer – the concierge, who not only knows what’s going on culturally, but can help you find a table at this restaurant that is impossible to get to.
“These people are the most close-knit people in the city,” says Daoud. “It’s not just about booking a table for dinner, it’s about getting a good table.”
The concierge can also help you get the best theater tickets, that perfect gift for your loved one, or even help you plan an offer.
You should also check with the concierge for home appliances. Some hotels have several cars that will take you within a certain radius for free.
Kahler says she was checking out of the Peninsula Hotel in Manhattan and was “ready to take the subway” with her bags when the manger stopped her and said there was a car ready to take her from downtown to her home on a nearby street. Upper West Side.
Bottom line: just ask
Hotels cater to you, so if you are unsure if a product or service is being provided to you, feel free to ask – even before you arrive.
“Use social media to tweet to the hotel and ask about anything,” Dowd recommends. “Just ask and the hotels will always try to accommodate you.”