Try the following tips before you check right into a hotel.
Dani Quesnel — who, based on her LinkedIn, is employed by The Pearle Hotel in Ontario, Canada — shared her eight hotel do’s and don’ts in a recent essay for Business Insider.
Don’t book with a third-party website
Quesnel, 23, says booking with a third-party accommodations site will “typically” give a customer less control over their reservations — and there’s not much hotel staff can do if an issue arises.
“Sometimes, the third-party sites overbook a room, forcing guests to scramble for alternative accommodations. Moreover, the rigid modification policies are inconvenient and sometimes result in hidden fees,” Quesnel wrote.
“I still use these web sites to seek out unique lodging options, but I strongly recommend booking with a hotel — whether through a phone call or the official website,” she added.
All the time use the deadbolt
You’ll be able to never be too cautious relating to safety in an unfamiliar territory.
Quesnel emphasizes that a keycard lock isn’t as reliable because it’s perceived.
“There have been times I by accident walked in on someone in a compromising position because there was a miscommunication as as to whether or not their room was vacant. I also mistakenly gave guests keys to rooms that were already occupied,” she explained in her Business Insider piece.
“You’ll be able to attempt to get a refund in your hotel stay, but you possibly can’t make the housekeeper unsee your bare butt. Deadbolt your door,” she urged.
A former FBI agent recommends booking a room between the third and sixth floors, explaining that these rooms are low enough to the primary floor for emergency access, but far enough from intruders who enter on the bottom floor.
Follow hotel policies
Since most hotels can have a guest’s bank card on file, it’s essential to follow their procedures, Quesnel argues.
“Most hotels have considerable monetary penalties for breaking these policies, so it could cost you a whole bunch (if not hundreds) of dollars,” she wrote.
“For the reason that hotel likely already has your bank card information on file, it’s hard to stop them from charging you. Plus, you most likely signed a waiver once you first checked in, agreeing to pay that cash in case you did not comply.”
Inspect the room before getting cozy
It’s best to do a four-corner bed check before unpacking, Quesnel says in her Business Insider essay.
“I always remember to check the room’s cleanliness, be certain that the new water and HVAC systems work, or test the function of any electronics (TV, lamp, alarm clock),” she noted.
“It’s way higher to discover these problems as soon as possible and get the hotel staff to resolve them before you’ve settled in.”
Join a loyalty program
Should you travel often, Quesnel says it’s best to stick to one hotel chain to enjoy the advantages of loyalty programs.
“Having a membership can even get you certain privileges, like free late checkouts,” she advisable. “Plus the staff are more likely to offer you a free room upgrade or other perks.”
For its part, Marriott International reported having 164 million members in its Bonvoy loyalty program in the primary three months of 2022, up 26% from the identical period in 2019.
Other major hotel chains are reporting loyalty member gains as well.
Use the ‘don’t disturb’ sign
“Using the ‘don’t disturb’ sign is an incredible option to prevent hotel staff from bothering you. But it surely’s not only for privacy — it also reduces unnecessary housekeeping services, which promotes sustainability,” Quesnel shared.
“Plus, you’d be lightening the workload of the housekeepers, which is something you possibly can be ok with,” she continued.
One frequent traveler recently went viral for putting a “don’t disturb” sign on her hotel room’s door, locking it, and plugging the peephole with wet tissues so no prying eyes could see inside.
Check the amenities before booking
Don’t just assume there’s a pool or room service — especially in case you’re basing that on the variety of stars awarded to the hotel, Quesnel advises.
“A hotel’s star rating doesn’t necessarily reflect the reviews of their guests — slightly, it’s a mirrored image of the standard and quantity of amenities they provide,” she wrote.
“A two-star hotel shouldn’t be more likely to have a pool, spa, restaurant, or room service, so keep this in mind when selecting a spot to remain.”
Remember to ascertain out
Making that final stop on the front desk in your way out is a signal of courtesy that goes a great distance with staff, Quesnel said.
“The aim of the method is simple — it signals to the hotel staff that you just’ve left, allowing them to initiate the preparation of your room for the following guest,” she reasoned. “If guests don’t trouble to ascertain out, the staff must physically visit each room to make sure it’s vacant.”
The Post reached out to Quesnel for comment.
Try the following tips before you check right into a hotel.
Dani Quesnel — who, based on her LinkedIn, is employed by The Pearle Hotel in Ontario, Canada — shared her eight hotel do’s and don’ts in a recent essay for Business Insider.
Don’t book with a third-party website
Quesnel, 23, says booking with a third-party accommodations site will “typically” give a customer less control over their reservations — and there’s not much hotel staff can do if an issue arises.
“Sometimes, the third-party sites overbook a room, forcing guests to scramble for alternative accommodations. Moreover, the rigid modification policies are inconvenient and sometimes result in hidden fees,” Quesnel wrote.
“I still use these web sites to seek out unique lodging options, but I strongly recommend booking with a hotel — whether through a phone call or the official website,” she added.
All the time use the deadbolt
You’ll be able to never be too cautious relating to safety in an unfamiliar territory.
Quesnel emphasizes that a keycard lock isn’t as reliable because it’s perceived.
“There have been times I by accident walked in on someone in a compromising position because there was a miscommunication as as to whether or not their room was vacant. I also mistakenly gave guests keys to rooms that were already occupied,” she explained in her Business Insider piece.
“You’ll be able to attempt to get a refund in your hotel stay, but you possibly can’t make the housekeeper unsee your bare butt. Deadbolt your door,” she urged.
A former FBI agent recommends booking a room between the third and sixth floors, explaining that these rooms are low enough to the primary floor for emergency access, but far enough from intruders who enter on the bottom floor.
Follow hotel policies
Since most hotels can have a guest’s bank card on file, it’s essential to follow their procedures, Quesnel argues.
“Most hotels have considerable monetary penalties for breaking these policies, so it could cost you a whole bunch (if not hundreds) of dollars,” she wrote.
“For the reason that hotel likely already has your bank card information on file, it’s hard to stop them from charging you. Plus, you most likely signed a waiver once you first checked in, agreeing to pay that cash in case you did not comply.”
Inspect the room before getting cozy
It’s best to do a four-corner bed check before unpacking, Quesnel says in her Business Insider essay.
“I always remember to check the room’s cleanliness, be certain that the new water and HVAC systems work, or test the function of any electronics (TV, lamp, alarm clock),” she noted.
“It’s way higher to discover these problems as soon as possible and get the hotel staff to resolve them before you’ve settled in.”
Join a loyalty program
Should you travel often, Quesnel says it’s best to stick to one hotel chain to enjoy the advantages of loyalty programs.
“Having a membership can even get you certain privileges, like free late checkouts,” she advisable. “Plus the staff are more likely to offer you a free room upgrade or other perks.”
For its part, Marriott International reported having 164 million members in its Bonvoy loyalty program in the primary three months of 2022, up 26% from the identical period in 2019.
Other major hotel chains are reporting loyalty member gains as well.
Use the ‘don’t disturb’ sign
“Using the ‘don’t disturb’ sign is an incredible option to prevent hotel staff from bothering you. But it surely’s not only for privacy — it also reduces unnecessary housekeeping services, which promotes sustainability,” Quesnel shared.
“Plus, you’d be lightening the workload of the housekeepers, which is something you possibly can be ok with,” she continued.
One frequent traveler recently went viral for putting a “don’t disturb” sign on her hotel room’s door, locking it, and plugging the peephole with wet tissues so no prying eyes could see inside.
Check the amenities before booking
Don’t just assume there’s a pool or room service — especially in case you’re basing that on the variety of stars awarded to the hotel, Quesnel advises.
“A hotel’s star rating doesn’t necessarily reflect the reviews of their guests — slightly, it’s a mirrored image of the standard and quantity of amenities they provide,” she wrote.
“A two-star hotel shouldn’t be more likely to have a pool, spa, restaurant, or room service, so keep this in mind when selecting a spot to remain.”
Remember to ascertain out
Making that final stop on the front desk in your way out is a signal of courtesy that goes a great distance with staff, Quesnel said.
“The aim of the method is simple — it signals to the hotel staff that you just’ve left, allowing them to initiate the preparation of your room for the following guest,” she reasoned. “If guests don’t trouble to ascertain out, the staff must physically visit each room to make sure it’s vacant.”
The Post reached out to Quesnel for comment.
