Hotels

None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.

How this was put together

If you only read a few

  1. Request a hotel room away from elevators to reduce hallway foot traffic noise.

    Rooms near lifts usually have more people walking past them.

    one person who lived it

  2. Book hotels directly through the hotel's website rather than third-party apps to avoid hidden fees, get better rates, and increase chances of upgrades or free amenities.

    Third-party apps charge booking fees, while direct bookings may result in special free deliveries to your room.

    one person who lived it

    • Book directly with hotels rather than through third parties to increase chances of pre-check-in and upgrades when overbooked.1
  3. Visit hotel breakfast buffets around 9 AM to access the second or third batch of hot food.

    In limited personal experience, these batches are the best quality.

    one person who lived it

  4. Be polite and friendly to hotel breakfast staff.

    They may provide extra food or better service in return.

    one person who lived it

  5. Tip housekeepers to show appreciation for their work.

    It makes their day better knowing people care.

    one person who lived it

  1. Check power outlets for forgotten chargers before leaving a hotel room.

    It is easy to overlook chargers plugged in, leading to loss.

    one person who lived it

  2. If you suspect bedbugs in a hotel, report it immediately, ask for another room, and consider using insect repellent and a sleeping bag if no better options are available.

    To avoid using infested linens when no other hotels are available.

    one person who lived it

  3. If you find bugs at a hotel and move to another one, ask the new front desk if they offer a discount for guests fleeing infested competitors.

    one person who lived it

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