Everyone loves a good freebie, and everyone loves being able to fully relax on holiday without a care in the world. However, it isn’t always made clear to guests exactly what can be taken from the hotel, or what a hotel can do for you. We’ve pulled together a list of things hotels can do for you from reputable sources so the next time you travel you know exactly how to get the most out of your hotel stay.
But before we get started, a word of warning
The travel experts at Wotif have one warning for all travelers – do not take the fluffy robe from your hotel room.
hotels will let you take the slippers, but most will charge you for the robe. At check-in, most hotels take a copy of your credit card to cover incidentals, so if you take anything extra home with you, you may find a charge on your credit card in the days following your stay. If you really can’t bear to leave your robe behind, it can’t hurt to ask reception if you’re allowed to purchase it. Some hotels even list the cost of the robe on a menu in your room.
A hotel can…
Have photos of your family in the room
We bet you’ve never thought to request a photo of your nearest and dearest to be placed on your bedside table before you arrive? Wotif reports that the ibis Adelaide is just one Aussie hotel who offer this to their regular business travellers. In fact, it’s become so common that the hotel team now have photo frames ready to go and offer this to any guest who emails their photo of choice prior to check-in.
Supply an umbrella
According to news.com.au, most hotels offer guests the use of umbrellas in wet weather, and some hotels don’t mind if you take it home with you, due to many hotel umbrellas being branded – they become a walking advertisement.
Give you recommendations
Smarter Travel says that if you don’t know much about the area where you’re staying it’s always worth asking the concierge about nearby happy hours, the usual cost of a taxi to a particular location, and if they know about any free sights or attractions worth visiting in the city.
Grant you a specific room
Provided it is genuine, the travel experts at Wotif say a good tip is to advise the hotel that you’re a light sleeper and request that you would prefer a room at the end of the corridor, away from the hotel lift. A room at the end of the corridor may often mean you end up in a corner room with extra windows, natural light and a 180-degree view.
Help with printing or mail
Smarter Travel reports that Most hotels will offer guests printing services – or at least be able to help you get something printed. Most hotels can also help you mail things, such as sending a parcel home that won’t fit into your checked luggage.
Provide a place to charge your electric or hybrid car
Tesla have set up car charging facilities at hotels right across Australia, in fact the route now spans an incredible 17,000km which means you’re almost guaranteed to find a nearby charging station, likely at a hotel while road tripping across Australia. Wotif reports that The Executive Inn Newcastle is just one example, so it’s worth asking your hotel at check-in whether they provide the service.
Loan you all sorts of bits and pieces
A story by Skyscanner reports that Hotels can loan you all sorts of bits and pieces, such as umbrellas, hair straighteners, tweezers, lint rollers, razors, bowties, yoga mats, cufflinks, adapters, phone chargers, hair ties, and even things like tampons, nail files and ear plugs.
Supply toiletries
Most hotels are happy for you to take the toiletries in your room, which are usually included as part of your stay. This includes the body wash and hair products, along with any tea, coffee, or even stationary. In fact, many hotel groups create their own branded stationery in the hopes that you will take it with you. Depending on the level of service your hotel provides, your toiletry supply will often be replenished daily, so you’re free to take as much as you need. While it’s unlikely that your hotel will say no if you ask for additional products, it’s safe to assume that it’s frowned upon to harass guest services for this type of thing.
Help with errands
Information from Wotif suggests that depending on where you’re staying, hotel housekeeping can generally help you with random errands during your stay. For example, the hotel may be able to arrange flowers or a card on your behalf, help set up a proposal for you or organise kids’ amenities – just be sure to give them plenty of notice.
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