Your first stay in a hotel may only be different from other stays because it is a new experience for you. There’s nothing super mystical or unnatural about staying in a hotel room. However, if this is truly a first for you, there are a handful of things to note that will guarantee you the best hotel stays.
What are the best tips for staying in a hotel for the first time?
We asked a community of frequent travelers from around the world about what advice they’d give to anyone who would be staying at a hotel for the first time, whether for business travels or a vacation, and these were some of their suggestions:
Make your reservations with the hotel
Making hotel reservations has now become prevalent with a lot of booking and travel websites offering the service. However, if you want to enjoy all the perks that your hotel stay would offer at a discount, you should call the hotel directly and make your reservations.
Today, hotels have websites, social media pages, and other contact details. You can easily book a reservation before going on your trip. While on the call, you can inquire about what staying at the hotel for every package they have offers, so you can make an informed decision.
Always read customer reviews
One of the best things you can do when staying at a hotel for the first time is to find out what other people’s experiences are. Thanks to Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor, and other review websites, you can see what people are saying about hotels and their offerings.
From their reviews, you can know what the hotel does, what people love about it, and how you can make the best out of it.
Check in with your credit card
Another important advice for first-timers is to check in with a credit card and not a debit card. Hotels typically charge a security deposit when you are checking in. That charge is placed on your account until you check out and in some cases, it can take days before the charge is replaced supposing they don’t have cause to take it.
For those on a shoestring budget, that charge can pose serious financial limitations. Since it is a mandatory fee, you are better off paying with a credit card so your travel or holiday doesn’t become a financial problem.
Do not touch the alcohol in the fridge or minibar
You may not find these in every hotel but certain establishments provide a fridge or minibar in their rooms. It is a good idea but the cost is always outrageous. According to a hotel rep, some luxury hotels have sensors in the fridge that tell them if you picked up a bottle. She added that customers may be charged for doing so.
If you need a drink, go to a restaurant or use the hotel’s bar – it may be cheaper.
Be friendly with the hotel staff
This is not just a tip for staying in a hotel for the first time. It is an important piece of advice to carry with you every time you go somewhere new. Always try to build a courteous relationship with the people you meet, especially those in charge.
As it relates to hotel stays, being friendly with the hotel staff or concierge can open doors for you. One time, I stayed at a hotel and because of how friendly I was with the front desk staff, she told me the hotel gives a discount on request when a guest is renewing their accommodation.
That was not captured in the hotel’s list of services but I got wind of it by building a rapport with the front desk officer.
At another hotel, I found out I could get a better room from my earlier booking for less than the original price if I decided I wanted the upgrade after checking in.
When you get to the hotel’s lobby, the receptionist should be friendly with you. While you are going over checking in and confirming your reservation, you should reciprocate that friendliness and continue doing so throughout your stay.
There are a handful of things you can learn during your stay ranging from things to do in the city, fun places to go, restaurants, important events, and so on. If you are a nomad, you cannot ignore this point.
Check the room before unpacking
Once you have checked into your room, you must check the room before unpacking. The following are some important things to take note of:
- Do the doors close properly?
- Are there bed bugs on the bed?
- Is there something broken? Like furniture or a faucet?
- Is there an alternative escape route?
- Are the mirrors in the room two-way mirrors?
If you aren’t comfortable with anything, inform the front desk officer while you are still unpacked.
Disinfect surfaces and clean items
No matter how clean your room is, you should make an extra effort to disinfect and clean items such as the TV remote, glass cups, and table tops. Take wipes with you and a sanitizer to wipe down every surface that’s commonly touched.
Ask for two keycards
Hotels today give keycards to open your room and even get on the elevator. If you are like me – with a tendency to lose things easily – you should ask for a second keycard. Alternatively, what I like to do is to keep my keycard at the front desk when I am stepping out.
Find out what the check-out policy is at the hotel
To avoid needless embarrassment, ask the front desk officer how checking out works at the hotel. Check-out times and policies differ around the world. Hotels have check-out times of 10am, 12pm, and 3pm. While most establishments provide an hour for guests to get themselves together and be ready to move out, others may not.
It is important to find out the check-out time in the hotel and any policies governing its implementation. You should also inform the hotel before your check-out day if you’d like to renew your stay.
Final thoughts on tips for staying in a hotel for the first time
Yes. The experience would be new and awkward at first, but it becomes normal after a while. To make the most of your first-time stay in a hotel, I am optimistic the tips we’ve discussed will prove to be invaluable resources.