How to get the ‘best’ hotel room plus more expert travel hacks
Updated . First published
Whether you’re checking in to a bargain hostel or the newest lavish suite, there are plenty of ways to make things go a little smoother.
Over the years we’ve spoken to a range of hotel experts to get an insight into the little tips and tricks they recommend for travellers to get the most out of their stay.
We've rounded up the best hotel travel hacks to get the most out of your stay. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Hotel check in tricks
It turns out there are a few simple ways to get a better room.
Just ask for a corner room at check-in, Jamie Fraser, owner of Scottish hotel Wedderlie House told nine.com.au. They’re usually bigger and quieter.
While taking obvious steps like using a hotel’s loyalty program helps, there are also a couple of other simple ways you can improve your chances or securing that upgrade to a prized view or bigger room.
“Mentioning a special occasion that you might be celebrating, a birthday, anniversary, etc is also a good idea,” Colin Toomey, Chief Concierge at Shangri-La Sydney says.
Tin Pham Chief Concierge at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An, Vietnam also said travelling outside of peak times can make a difference.
A benefit of corner rooms is more windows. supplied/The Grace Hotel
What is the best hotel room
As for the ‘best’ room, in a hotel, Accor Pacific COO Adrian Williams says they should all be on a par.
However, for a nicer stay he advises a room on a mid-level.
“I don’t like rooms too high up because you lose contact with the vibe of the street. I like to be around level eight,” he says.
Putting your suitcase on the bed is a big no-no according to our travel experts. Getty
“High enough to see, but you’re close enough to feel connection.”
How to get the best sleep in a hotel
When you’re unpacking, don’t put your suitcase on the bed... just think of all the things those wheels could have been dragged through.
Nine.com.au travel expert Sami Lukis reckons the bathroom is the best place to keep it.
Now, you might have a beautiful bed but actually sleeping in a hotel room can also be difficult for many holidaymakers.
If you’re not used to the bed or the room, you may struggle to doze off, even if you’re exhausted.
If you’re not used to the bed or the room, you may struggle to doze off, even if you’re exhausted. Supplied/ Hotel Panorama, Adelaide
“Try creating small cues that signal bedtime, like dimming the lights, putting your phone away earlier, and using calming scents or breathing exercises,” Shea says. sleep expert Shea Morrison said.
And if you’re travelling solo, some people like to take extra precautions.
“I use a wedge-shaped rubber door stopper in hotels. Even if someone gets past the lock, they can’t get the door open in a hurry, and it gives you time to call for help,” nine.com.au reader Jen shared.
Checking out
As for when it comes to checking out, forgetting things is common.
Phone chargers are the most left behind item, but Sami has a solution for that a well.
When you first arrive in your hotel room, place your suitcase (or carry-on) on the floor next to the electricity point where you’re going to plug your phone in.
Then wrap the cord of the phone charger around the handle of the suitcase.
There are a few things you can do to make sure you don't forget anything on check out. Supplied/Avani Mooloolaba
That way, when you’re ready to check out, and you go to get your bag, you’ll need to unwrap the cable from the handle of your suitcase first.
Putting a single shoe in the hotel room safe is another common tip.
Airline pilot Ian Manning said it means you can’t accidentally forget it.
Meanwhile, if you have an early flight to your destination, staying at an airport hotel can eliminate a lot of the stress, travel editor Kristine Tarbert recommended.
