Get a Quiet Room
A noisy hotel room is a miserable place to be when trying to get some shuteye before facing a long, potentially exhausting day. Get a quiet room by asking for one that’s on the upper floor, away from elevators, ice and vending machines. Avoid pool view rooms as they’re often late-night gathering spots.
Chat with the Front Desk Clerk
Talking to the locals is a great way to get insider tips about the best things to do in the city, and that includes your hotel’s front desk clerk. Concierges may get kickbacks, so the person who checked you in is more likely to fill you in on the real hot spots.
Book Must-Do Activities in Advance
Don’t wait until you check into your hotel to sign up for an activity, especially if it’s a must-do in your travel destination. Not only can you often find the best deals online, but you’ll avoid the disappointment of it being sold out and have time to plan other experiences around it.
Sign Up for the Loyalty Program
You don’t have to be a frequent traveler to sign up for a hotel’s loyalty program. While that will likely get you quite a few benefits, including free nights, anyone can sign up to get the extra perks and possible discounts.
Learn Common Phrases of the Local Language
When traveling to a country where the local language is different than yours, knowing some common phrases like “please” and “thank you” can go a long way. You’ll endear yourself to hotel staff, restaurant employees and more as well as making it easier to get around and avoid getting ripped off.