Traveling can be stressful, but staying in a hotel shouldn’t be. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can make your hotel stay more comfortable, enjoyable, and affordable. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time hotel guest, these travel hacks will help you get the most out of your stay.
1. Book Directly with the Hotel
Booking directly with the hotel can often be cheaper than going through a third-party booking site. Hotels usually offer discounts and promotions for direct bookings, which can save you money on your stay.
2. Use Discount Codes and Coupons
Before booking your hotel, search for discount codes and coupons online. You can often find them on hotel websites, coupon sites, or through email newsletters. These discounts can add up and save you a significant amount of money on your stay.
3. Join Loyalty Programs
Most hotels offer loyalty programs that reward guests with points or perks for staying at their properties. Joining these programs is free and can give you access to benefits like room upgrades, free breakfast, or late check-out.
4. Research the Hotel’s Amenities
Before booking your stay, research the hotel’s amenities to see what they offer. Some hotels have fitness centers, pools, or complimentary breakfasts. Knowing what’s available can help you plan your trip and make the most of your stay.
5. Request a Quiet Room
If you’re a light sleeper or simply prefer a quieter room, request one when booking your stay. Hotels often have rooms in quieter parts of the building or away from elevators and other noisy areas.
6. Bring Your Own Toiletries
Hotels usually provide basic toiletries like shampoo and soap, but you may prefer to bring your own. This can save you money and ensure that you have the products you like to use.
7. Use the Hotel’s Wi-Fi
Many hotels offer free Wi-Fi to guests. Instead of using your cellular data, connect to the hotel’s Wi-Fi to save on data charges.
8. Ask for a Late Check-Out
If you have a late flight or simply want to sleep in, ask for a late check-out when booking your stay. Many hotels are happy to accommodate this request, especially if they have availability.
9. Bring Your Own Snacks
Hotels can be expensive when it comes to snacks and drinks. To save money, bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy in your room.
10. Use the Do Not Disturb Sign
If you don’t want to be disturbed, use the do not disturb sign on your door. This can help you get a good night’s sleep or allow you to work without interruptions.
11. Ask for a Room Upgrade
If you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a nicer room, ask for a room upgrade when checking in. Many hotels will accommodate this request if they have availability.
12. Check for Hidden Fees
Before booking your stay, check for hidden fees like resort fees, parking fees, or Wi-Fi fees. These fees can add up and make your stay more expensive than you anticipated.
13. Use a Rewards Credit Card
Using a rewards credit card can help you earn points or cash back on your hotel stay. Some credit cards offer extra rewards for hotel purchases, so be sure to check before booking.
14. Use a Price Comparison Site
Before booking your hotel, use a price comparison site to compare rates from different booking sites. This can help you find the best deal and save money on your stay.
15. Pack a Power Strip
Hotels usually have limited outlets, which can be a problem if you have multiple devices to charge. Packing a power strip can help you charge all your devices at once.
16. Ask for Extra Pillows
If you need extra pillows to sleep comfortably, ask for them when checking in. Most hotels are happy to provide them.
17. Use the Hotel’s Safe
If you have valuables like passports or cash, use the hotel’s safe to keep them secure.
18. Ask for a Refrigerator
If you need a refrigerator for medications or snacks, ask for one when checking in. Many hotels have them available upon request.
19. Use the Hotel’s Shuttle Service
If the hotel offers a shuttle service, use it to save money on transportation costs.
20. Check for Room Discounts
Before booking your stay, check for room discounts like AAA or AARP rates. These discounts can save you money on your stay.
21. Bring Your Own Water Bottle
Instead of buying bottled water, bring your own refillable water bottle to save money and reduce waste.
22. Use the Hotel’s Laundry Service
If you need to do laundry during your stay, use the hotel’s laundry service. It may be more expensive than doing it yourself, but it can save you time and hassle.
23. Bring Your Own Entertainment
If you plan on spending some downtime in your room, bring your own entertainment like books, movies, or games.
24. Use the Hotel’s Concierge
If you need recommendations for restaurants or activities in the area, use the hotel’s concierge. They can often provide insider tips and help you make reservations.
25. Bring Your Own Blanket
If you’re a picky sleeper or simply prefer a certain type of blanket, bring your own to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep.
26. Use the Hotel’s Business Center
If you need to work during your stay, use the hotel’s business center. It usually has computers, printers, and other office equipment available for guest use.
27. Ask for an Extra Key
If you’re traveling with a group or simply want an extra key, ask for one when checking in.
28. Use the Hotel’s Valet Service
If the hotel offers a valet service, use it to save time and hassle when parking your car.
29. Bring Your Own Slippers
If you don’t like walking around in bare feet or socks, bring your own slippers to wear in your room.
30. Use the Hotel’s Room Service
If you don’t feel like going out to eat, use the hotel’s room service to have food delivered to your room.
31. Bring Your Own Hair Dryer
If you have specific hair care needs, bring your own hair dryer to ensure that you have the product you like to use.
32. Use the Hotel’s Meeting Rooms
If you need to host a meeting or event, use the hotel’s meeting rooms. They usually have all the equipment you need and can accommodate groups of all sizes.
33. Bring Your Own Earplugs
If you’re a light sleeper or simply want to block out noise, bring your own earplugs to wear at night.
34. Use the Hotel’s Express Check-Out
If you don’t want to wait in line to check out, use the hotel’s express check-out. You can usually do it from your room using the TV or phone.
35. Bring Your Own Towels
If you have a preference for a certain type of towel or simply prefer to use your own, bring your own towels to use during your stay.
36. Use the Hotel’s Business Services
If you need to send or receive faxes, use the hotel’s business services. They usually have fax machines, printers, and other equipment available for guest use.
37. Bring Your Own Coffee Maker
If you’re a coffee drinker, bring your own coffee maker to ensure that you have the product you like to use.
38. Use the Hotel’s Luggage Storage
If you arrive early or need to store your luggage after check-out, use the hotel’s luggage storage service. It’s usually free or available for a small fee.
39. Bring Your Own Pillow
If you have a specific type of pillow that you prefer to sleep on, bring your own to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep.
40. Use the Hotel’s Printer
If you need to print boarding passes or other documents, use the hotel’s printer. It’s usually available for guest use.
41. Bring Your Own Blanket
If you’re a picky sleeper or simply prefer a certain type of blanket, bring your own to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep.
42. Use the Hotel’s Airport Shuttle
If the hotel offers an airport shuttle, use it to save money on transportation costs.
43. Bring Your Own Iron
If you need to iron your clothes during your stay, bring your own iron to ensure that you have the product you like to use.
44. Use the Hotel’s Fitness Center
If you want to stay fit during your stay, use the hotel’s fitness center. It usually has cardio equipment, weights, and other workout equipment available for guest use.
45. Bring Your Own Soap
If you have sensitive skin or simply prefer a certain type of soap, bring your own to ensure that you have the product you like to use.
46. Use the Hotel’s Pool
If the hotel has a pool, use it to relax and unwind during your stay.
47. Bring Your Own Travel Adapter
If you’re traveling internationally, bring your own travel adapter to ensure that you can charge your devices.
48. Use the Hotel’s Bar and Restaurant
If the hotel has a bar or restaurant, use it to enjoy a meal or drink during your stay.
49. Bring Your Own Room Fragrance
If you have a preference for a certain type of room fragrance, bring your own to use in your room.
50. Use the Hotel’s Dry Cleaning Service
If you need to have clothes cleaned during your stay, use the hotel’s dry cleaning service. It may be more expensive than doing it yourself, but it can save you time and hassle.