Easy ways to make your hotel stay better

There were a few things I did on a recent trip that made my hotel stay better. You should try them out too:

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I placed a bid for an upgraded room.

I got an email a couple of weeks before the trip that I was allowed to place a bid for an upgraded room. I could choose whatever amount I would be willing to pay for the upgrade. If I didn’t “win” the bid, I wouldn’t be charged. But if I did, I would get charged what I bid and get the nicer room. I bid $25 and won. My new room had a giant balcony, floor to ceiling windows, and a few extra amenities that made my 3-night stay even better.

I asked for a surprise.

You know when a hotel asks if there are any “special requests”? I usually write “Surprise me!” Sometimes they don’t do anything at all, but sometimes they do. In this case, the hotel gifted me a bottle of wine and some chocolates. When I first arrived the front desk concierge said “We have a gift for you up in the room!”

I asked for late check out.

I almost always ask for late checkout if that’s more ideal for my travel plans. If they are unable to accommodate, they will simply say no. But if they are able, they will typically give at least one extra hour.

P.S. I stayed at an Airbnb a few weeks ago and asked for late check out, and they just decided to let me stay the entire rest of the day (my flight was late at night) FOR FREE. Super kind.

Happy traveling!