13 travel secrets only hotel managers know

There are all kinds of suggestions for finding the best hotel deals and getting upgrades, but we wanted to know the insider secrets so we went straight to the source: Hotel managers. Find out the 13 incredible hotel amenities that will make you want to book a room ASAP.

Hotels pay a significant commission to booking agents, so if you simply walk in without a reservation (and the hotel has rooms available), you may be able to negotiate a better price, says Flavio Serreti, manager at Soprano Villas in Italy. “Even if we undercut our website’s listed prices a little, we would still make more revenue than if we had to pay commission,” Serreti says.

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Simply being nice and cordial to the front desk agents –since these are typically the people who assign the rooms –will give you a better chance at an upgrade, says Michael Nenner, area general manager for Gurney’s Resorts with properties in New York and Rhode Island. Tipping the housekeeping staff won’t hurt, either.

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Most hotels are more connected real-time to their guests through social media services like Twitter and Instagram, and review sites like Yelp, says Patrick Cook, hotel regional director. Chances are good that they will quickly respond to any comments posted from the moment you arrive. “Hotels want nothing more than to surprise and delight you during your stay, so if you are celebrating a special occasion, let the front desk know; if you had a great meal in the restaurant, spread the word,” Cook says. “It’s very possible the hotel will show its gratitude with a special treat in your room.”

Instead, ask, “‘Is there a local food or drink specialty that I should experience while I’m here?’” says Ric Tanner, hotel general manager. That way, you’ll be directed to the spots that you really must try.

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The chances of receiving your late check-out will improve if you request it early in the day rather than at the last minute, Tanner says. Since they can only let a few rooms have late check-outs, it’s typically first-come, first served.

Black-out drapes sometimes gap in the middle, Tanner says. If you like a dark room, travel with a few binder clips to keep them snug. “A skirt hanger from the closet will also work in a pinch,” he says.

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When Michael Wilson, hotel director of sales and marketing, dines at the hotel restaurant, he always takes a 6-pack of local beer or a bottle of bourbon for the kitchen staff to enjoy later. “I give it to our server as he or she takes our first drink order,” Wilson says. “The response from the server and staff is always very appreciative, and they usually send extra bites, apps, shooters –and the chef will usually pop out and say ‘hello’ as well.” Try it with the front desk staff and you may get a free hotel room upgrade.

There are often deals to be found when planning well in advance or waiting until the day before to make your reservation, says Megan Walters, guesthouse manager. “Hotels want to fill spaces and get heads in beds,” she says.

Follow your hotel’s social media pages, as that’s where deals, promotions and sales are often posted, says James Adamson, hotel general manager at Kimpton Hotel Philadelphia, which has a “social password” which can be used at check-in for a surprise like free parking or a bottle of wine. The catch: the only way to find it is on Facebook and Instagram. Plus, when people book through the link in the bio of the hotel’s Instagram page, they’re automatically upgraded to the next room type based on availability.

Your concierge is 1,000 times more valuable and reliable than the online reviews, says Anderson Foote, hotel general manager. Foote suggests looking for the Les Clefs d’Or distinction of wearing gold crossed keys. This is a globally recognised professional organisation of hotel lobby concierges. “Know you’ll be guided well,” Foote says.

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In addition to some great hidden perks like free Internet and discounted food and beverages, you are much more likely to be granted upgrades during low occupancy dates, says Robert Hannigan, hotel general manager. “Singing up during check-in will often get you an immediate upgrade or amenity from the front desk agents who are tracked on signups,” Hannigan says.

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Depending on the type of area you’re visiting, look at the shoulder seasons for a particular city, Hannigan says. “If it’s a short term stay, book a weekend visit at a business hotel, and a midweek stay at a resort,” he says. “In addition to a better rate due to lower occupancy, you won’t have to deal with the crowds.”

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They’re here to assist you, to orient you to the building and are often your best resource for immediate help and recommendations, Hannigan says. “Bellstaff are experts in what the locals are doing,” he says. “They’re a perfect resource for finding out about that hole-in-the-wall bar, or small family restaurant that everyone in the city loves, but is reluctant to share with someone from outside the area.”

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Source: RD.com