The Best Hotels Will Provide You for Free
You can get many free things at hotels, from the most basic to luxurious perks, that will make you feel extraordinary. Some are obvious, like the free tea bags and these little bottles of shampoo and lotion, but others you might never have thought to ask for.
How to ask for and receive free items at hotels
When asking hotel staff for freebies, the only real secret is being nice. Whether you check in or call the front desk from your room, do so in a pleasant and friendly way, but respect their time. Don’t attach too much importance to explaining why you want what you are asking for: a simple “Hi, do you have [a product or service] for guests?” works great. You won’t get a yes every time, but you will be surprised at how often you do it.
Hotels can give you what you forgot for free
Travel fees can be chaotic, so little things slip out of the cracks easily. Fortunately, most hotels have everything you need. Here are just a few of the things you can get at the front desk:
- Sewing kits: If a button slips off your prettiest shirt, don’t worry – just call the front desk and ask for a sewing kit.
- Laundry bags : Why throw dirty clothes on the floor (or throw them over a chair ) when you can put them in a free laundry bag?
- Chargers for phones, laptops and tablets: You won’t be able to keep them for yourself, but there is a good chance you can take them during your stay.
- Voltage adapters: A forgotten adapter can ruin your trip, so don’t be afraid to ask the hotel staff if they have one you can borrow.
- Just about any toiletries: Hotels usually have extra razors, shaving cream, mouthwash, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and even makeup wipes just in case. They might not be your popular brand, but who cares?
- Condoms. Oddly enough, most hotels have a stock of rubber bands available upon request . If you find yourself without it, you know what to do.
You can also get big things left at home.
Bulky items are rarely worth your luggage space, especially if you are traveling light. Will you use a hairdryer or will it lie in your suitcase untouched, taking up space that could be used for other things?
You probably already know the answer based on your own travel habits and type of travel, but if you guess wrong, your hotel can help. I’m not talking about nifty in-room hair dryers either: high-end hotels often have updated styling tools, including more expensive dryers and straightening or curling irons. On the other hand, many establishments have umbrellas for guests, so you won’t be caught without them.
Hotels will provide you with free things for kids
Traveling with children would have been much easier if they hadn’t been able to collect so many things . Fortunately, some hotels are starting to offer perks for children and parents , which is great news for traveling families.
If you’ve managed to leave your child’s play bag at home, ask the front desk if they can help. Many store toys, games, and DVDs intended for children just for this situation. You can also rent an inflatable seat, car seat or stroller during your stay so you don’t have to lug all three through the airport. Some resorts even provide childcare, although you should check this before booking your stay.
Cool transport
Another underrated benefit for hotel guests: transportation. This does not necessarily mean private cars or shuttles, although this is common. If you live in a cyclist-friendly city, your hotel may offer free bike rentals; if you are in an area with many lakes and rivers, kayaks and / or canoes may be available for guests. These perks are more location dependent than car service, but are gradually becoming more popular. You won’t know if you don’t ask.
Boogie improvements for the discerning traveler
Half the pleasure of staying in a good hotel is enjoying improved versions of everyday things, such as prettier sheets, a mountain of pillows, or a neck-high jacuzzi. At least some of these perks are not limited to those who book penthouse apartments – you can probably get them too if you ask.
Start by asking if there is an upgrade option at check-in. This is the oldest trick in the book, but it’s amazingly effective , and many people don’t even think to ask. If that works, you will get a larger, more luxurious room at a low “ask politely” price, so at least it’s worth a try.
Even if your request for an upgrade is denied, there are still some nice things you can do to make your stay a little more pleasant. Some hotels offer heated towel service, which is as luxurious as it sounds. Others will swap out your pillows for the ones you like best if you ask; there might even be a pillow menu you can check out. Finally, if the hotel has a restaurant, you can eat and / or drink there for free – just ask the receptionist or concierge. The most common option is a complimentary cocktail during happy hour.
Restaurant and bar recommendations
Service workers know all the good places in the city, making them the perfect insider for visitors. While you are enjoying a drink at the hotel bar – and being a good, respectful patron – you should probably ask the bartender where they recommend for dinner or a drink.
It can be a risky move, but as with everything else, the secret to getting good referrals is knowing how to ask a question. For starters, you obviously want to be nice, polite, respectful, and generous in tip; In other words, a good guest . (Good guests get good recommendations, and bad, title guests get directions to overpriced tourist traps.) It also helps to be specific. Don’t expect them to read your mind: if you’re looking for a relaxing dip with cheap drinks or a trendy steakhouse with a serious wine list, just put it up.
When staying at a hotel, remember: it doesn’t hurt to ask. (This is especially true for luxury hotels.) If you are polite and kindly say no, you can easily upgrade your accommodation without spending a penny.