Industry Secrets: What Hotel Staff Secretly Wish You Did and Did Not Do

“The word ‘hospitality’ in the new testament comes from two Greek words. The first word means ‘love’ and the second word means ‘strangers’. It is a word that means love of strangers.” –Nancy Leigh Demoss

It has been said that to a member of the hotel staff, hospitality is about making your guests feel at home—even if you wish they really were.

Even though your hotel staff operates in the industry of hospitality and is the business of making your stay as comfortable and pleasant as possible, this should not be taken to mean that they are wholeheartedly in agreement with everything you do. That being said, there are quite a few things a hotel guest would do that ruffles the feathers of hotel staff but needless to say, as you are the guest, they can hardly do anything about it—unless you would prove to be a nuisance not only to yourself and to them, but to the other guests as well. Unfortunately, some hotel guests expect to have even their littlest whims and caprices to be addressed by the staff given that they are paying a premium for their stay. However, hotel star, rating and caliber aside, hotel guests are not entitled to do a free-for-all in the hotel insomuch that there are still certain limitations to what you can do in your hotel room, its amenities and facilities—regardless of what you pay. You are still, after all, subject to the house rules and regulations of the said hotel that any kind of infraction you might do would be met with repercussions and consequences.

However, while there are fairly obvious things that you should do and not do (as listed in the hotel guidelines), there are some things that are not necessarily disallowed by the hotel but would nonetheless displease and annoy the hotel employees serving you—albeit, inadvertently on your part. These are the things you do at home that are nothing out of the ordinary but in a hotel would seem personal and should be refrained from being done—that is if you wish to form an amiable relationship with the staff. Remember, your stay would be so much more enjoyable and memorable when the staff likes you. It matters not whether you are staying in high-caliber hotels such as Seda Hotel Nuvali or elsewhere, the best way to elevate your stay is to ensure you form a good relationship with the staff that serves you.

In any case, here are some of the things you should do and do not do when inside hotels:

DO NOT: Order room service when you are not fully dressed.

…or worse, in the nude. It sends the wrong message to your hotel staff. More importantly, it would make them feel incredibly awkward around you. Delivering room service to people who are not half-way decently dressed is one of the surefire ways to grate the nerves of your hotel staff. Trust us when say this: You may think you have God-given abs, but your hotel staff would thank God if they never have to see it ever again. At the very least, put something on—even your bathrobe. Just make yourself decently covered before opening your door to admit room service.

 

DO: Make small talk with them whenever they are in your room

Most hotel guests are unaware of this, but hotel employees follow a particular protocol when they come up to your room. Five-star hotel chains take it up a notch by having the staff follow a particular script when greeting you. However, while it might sound generic that does not mean they do not wish to engage in small talk. Even something as nonsensical as the weather would be a good topic to discuss and is an excellent way to engage with them. You can even ask them for recommendations or tell them about your stay. In that way, they would be able to gauge just how happy you are with your experience.

 

DO NOT: Use anything from the mini bar if you do not have to

Apart from the obvious that you would need to pay for whatever you take in the minibar, it is quite difficult to find some of the snacks contained within it. The mini bars in each hotel room can sometimes contain an array of various snacks of which your hotel staff is in charge of restocking. In this regard, they would then have to review a master list in every single room of the thousand rooms in their hotel every single thing to figure out if there is even anything missing. And it does not stop there; the process is overly long and takes way too much time from the hotel staff. So, unless you absolutely have to, try not to take anything from the mini bar—or at least keep it to a minimum.

 

DO: Tell them where they can improve

Criticisms are always welcome but know where to draw the line between constructive criticism and overly critical ones. If you are unhappy or unsatisfied about something, do not be afraid to speak up and let the staff know why you are discontent or in what area they are lacking. Just tell them nicely and they would be more than happy to do something about it. Tell them whenever they are in your room or you can address it to the front desk. Make yourself heard, it makes your stay more pleasant and improves the quality of service rendered to you.

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Eight Incredible Hacks to Keep in Mind if You Wish to Score the Best Deals in Hotels

“Once the travel bug bites, there is no known antidote and I know that I shall be happily infected until the end of my life”-Michael Palin

 

We all want to treat ourselves once in a while—particularly when we are on vacation.

Unfortunately, the best hotel rooms come at an exorbitant price tag insomuch that we would reconsider finalizing our booking and just saving most of our travel budget on other activities. However, while most five-star hotel rooms come at a premium, there is absolutely no need for you to overpay just for a single hotel room. After all, if you are privy to the booking tricks and tips, you can easily find the best room rates and enjoy your accommodation without being much of a burden to your pockets. Hotel booking hacks include the timing of your reservation, finding discounts, saving up on coupons and a whole lot more. Knowing how to use them and when would definitely work to your advantage.

In any case, if you are planning a trip soon, do not break the bank by taking a gander at this list which would help you save bundles the next time you wish to stay at a hotel.

 

Check business hotels

Hotels can come in a variety of forms. There are some that choose to capitalize on marketing themselves as a resort hotel and would cater mostly to a vacationing clientele while there are those that are poised as premier venues for business conferences such as Seda hotel. If you wish to score a great deal, book a business hotel—especially during the summer season. Business can often be rather slow during the summer months which means hotels can give travelers better deals who are on vacation.

Ask if you can have a corner room

While asking for a corner room would not automatically mean more savings, it does give you more square footage for practically the same price as a regular room. Corner rooms are typically stationed away from elevators and staircases which would mean you are ensured of maximum privacy. Plus, you are less likely to get disturbed by the sound of footfalls and noise. Be mindful to ask for a corner room discreetly and only when there are no other guests waiting to be assisted.

Check-in towards the end of the day

You can easily snag an upgrade if you choose to check in towards the end of the day. By this time, hotels would already have most of their regular rooms booked and are likely to offer you upgrades at a cheaper price that are still available.

Call the hotel directly

While this is largely case to case basis, you would certainly have a better chance of getting a free or discounted upgrade if you talk to the people who are working directly at the property. Going through hotlines and booking apps would not guarantee you the same thing and may even require you to pay extra. Furthermore, if you are a regular client at a hotel, it would be wise to establish a friendship with the staff as you can significantly increase the perks you get.

Book within the cancellation period

Sometimes, waiting at the last minute pays. In the case of hotel bookings, waiting until the cancellation period can help you snag better deals. Typically, hotels would allow for anywhere between 24 to 48 hours to cancel a booking. When this occurs, canceled rooms would be available at a much lower price.

Bundle your hotel and flight booking

You would be surprised at how much you can save by booking your flight and hotel accommodation together. Not only would this mean more savings in your hotel room, but on your flights as well. In this regard, you would have more of your travel budget to spend elsewhere.

Sign up for loyalty programs

If you have already been frequenting a hotel then it would make more sense if you just signed up for their loyalty program. Signing up for a hotel’s loyal program gives you access to a myriad of perks that run the gamut from free upgrades to even free stays. To make the most out of it, ensure that you stick with it.

Sign up for alerts and price drops

Visit the hotel’s websites and sign up for their newsletters. In this way, you will immediately be notified if there is an ongoing promo of their rooms or if there are price drops and the like. This is especially useful to prospective travelers who do not have the time to keep a close eye on prices.

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Industry Secrets: What Hoteliers Do Not Want You to Know

“Great service creates great guest advocates for your hotel. Give guests great service and they will have a great reason to tell others how great your hotel is!” –The Appraiser

 

Much like any other industry, hotel chains have a few secrets of their own too—and more often than not, these are something they would not likely wish for you to find out. After all, any hotel–whether that may be a five star one such as Seda Hotel Nuvali or a relatively obscure one that has only earned a couple of stars—is so much more than just a place to stay the night.

From what the front desk staff knows about you to getting a free room upgrade, here are some of the most surprising and interesting hotel secrets and hoteliers you do not want to know:

 

Your secret affair is not exactly a secret

More often than not, front desk employees are well aware if the woman you are bringing into your room is not your wife. This is especially true if two different women check in with you at night and in the afternoon.  Regardless of how discreet you think you are being, a front desk staff would know better. It is not that they approve however, they just do not care. You might want to keep that in mind the next time you try to come up with a bumbling excuse of why you are paying in cash in a city you are supposedly living in.

You can get a room upgrade without paying for the exorbitant price tag

Although this is purely case-to-case basis and would usually depend on how lenient or stringent hotel policies are, it would still be worth the try. True enough, hotel rooms differ in size, amenities and their resulting price categories. If you wish to have a better room without forking up for the hefty price tag, call the reservations desk and ask if a corner room is available. Corner rooms are usually situated as far away from the elevators which would mean that you would virtually hear no pinging bells and there would be less noise from footsteps. Furthermore, the views are better seeing as they are usually a lot more spacious. Technically, however, these rooms are not actually categorized as an upgrade, so you would virtually get the same room for the same price. However, if they are priced higher than an ordinary room, explain that you are a light sleeper and would need to be in a room away from street noise and heavy footfalls.

You do not have to pay for the bottled water

In some cases, this is no secret but some hotel guests would feel constrained to buy bottled water prior to checking-in to minimize the possibility of having to pay for the pricey bottled water inside the mini-bar. However, most hotels offer bottled water for free to their guests and would routinely refill them every single day so long as you ask for housekeeping. More importantly, the coffee and tea sachets found on your desk are yours free of charge as well so you might want to take advantage of that.

You can lounge around longer for free

Hotel checkout times would vary depending on the hotel establishment but more often than not, the 3PM check-in and 11AM checkout times are not as strict as some might think. In this regard, you can lounge around a little longer without stressing about checkout or just do some sightseeing before leaving. Depending on hotel policy, some might charge you a little extra for early arrivals and late departures, but most hotels would be receptive to extending an hour or two to accommodate you if the hotel is not full. Typically, they would be most lenient on the quietest days of the week wherein there would be a fewer number of incoming guests. With this in mind, choose the date of your stay wisely and you might not have to ask at all. However, always check rather than assume so that you would not be foisted with an additional charge by the time you check out and leave.

You can celebrate any occasion

Whether you are celebrating your first anniversary, graduation or even a promotion on your job, it pays to let the hotel in the know. To ensure you have a memorable stay, they would go to great lengths to set up your room and might even give you a free upgrade. Alternatively, they might send you some flowers, cake or wine. It never hurts to try. However, keep in mind that you are not advised to lie about your birthdays as they would likely see your passport the moment you check in.

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Hotel Room Safety: Five Ways to Keep Your Valuables Safe in Your Hotel Room

 

“Safety is a cheap and effective insurance policy”-Author Unknown

 

Whenever we are out on a vacation, we would always want to enjoy ourselves and make the most out of our sojourn.

Unfortunately, the worrywart in us keeps us from having an optimal experience as we tend to get anxious about the personal belongings we leave in our rooms. However, this is understandable and normal even as we could not shake off that feeling of losing valuable items and sensitive documents.

Regardless of the caliber and how esteemed your chosen hotel is, you can never be too sure. There is still a likely chance that you would be susceptible to theft.  Just how trustworthy is the staff? Is the safe truly secure or can it easily be unlocked by a spare key in the reception area? Unfortunately, you cannot also realistically expect yourself to be carrying your valuables with you at all times which means you are constrained to leaving them in the room. In this regard, it is best to maximize your personal belonging’s security as well as your safety by coming up with ways to better safeguard them.  Whether you are staying at a five-star hotel such as Seda Hotel Nuvali or elsewhere, it pays to be a little vigilant about the security of your belongings. Plus, it allows you to enjoy your vacation excursions better. Here are the ways you can better secure your belongings whenever you are checking into a hotel:

 

Lock your suitcase

The safest place to store your belongings will always be your suitcases. This means you should never make the mistake of unloading ALL of your things and stashing them inside hotel cabinets and drawers—regardless of the length of your stay. Always lock it either with combination or a key lock. If you opt for the latter, always make sure that the key is with you at all times. The only way you would ever lose your important belongings is if someone decides to steal the entire suitcase which is rather extreme and is not very likely to happen.

You cannot always guarantee the efficacy of the room safe in preventing your valuables from being stolen

Do not readily assume that room safe are always safe, so do not rely on them for your belongings. Remember, leaving anything in the safe would automatically imply that you are relying on the staff and accommodation’s trustworthiness considering that you have practically given them ready access to your cash. Furthermore, quite a myriad of stuff can happen such as the safe itself being broken or stolen entirely. It can also be jammed which means that you would lose access to your valuables inside.

Use the ‘Do not disturb’ sign

If you are rather leery about the staff and do not mind a disorganized and unkempt room (or can clean it up yourself), leave the “Do not disturb” sign on the door for the entire duration of your stay. Moreover, leave the TV on should you wish to leave for the day as it leaves the impression that you are inside the room which would effectively deter anyone from entering your room whenever you are not around.

Find good hiding spots

Your room has a myriad of hiding spaces where you can readily hide your valuables and personal belongings from anyone who might want to steal it. Money, along with a range of various documents can be hidden under the corner of carpets or even taped at the bottom side of some drawers. If you are really leery of the hotel staff, you can even choose to go as far as hiding it inside ventilator grates by unscrewing them. Basically, all you have to do is go for areas in the room that hotel housekeeping would not normally clean regularly or are too obscure. Moreover, you should consider putting your valuables in different places as splitting them around the room means that it is less likely for you to lose everything should anyone happen to steal from you.

Set the stage

Forget about calling for housekeeping and try to keep your room and items as organized and clean as possible. In this way, any disorder would look conspicuous. However, this should not be taken to mean as leaving valuables out in the open but to at least keep the room in an organized matter without any of your valuables in sight.

 

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Better Vacations: Five Things a Hotel Concierge Can Do For You

“The great advantage of a hotel is that it is a refuge from home life.” –George Bernard Shaw

 

More often than not, the hotel’s concierge plays a definitive and pivotal role in ensuring their guest’s optimal comfort during their length of stay.

Unfortunately, most travelers would regard them as little more than experts and stewards to approach for restaurant recommendations and tips for directions. In this regard, travelers are missing out on a lot of potential interesting offers and a myriad of services that would have otherwise been available had they asked. Depending on your hotel concierge’s expertise or competence, they can perform a range of services for you that extend beyond recommending an excellent Japanese restaurant nearby. In fact, they have an impressive set of skills that would help you assist with almost any travel problem you might encounter. With this in mind, you should use your hotel concierge’s influence and powers to your advantage.

Needless to say, your hotel concierge cannot do magic. So, you cannot reasonably expect them to solve all of your travel problems. Similarly, they are not on your every behest and would still have a range of hotel tasks to do each day. Regardless of how great a hotel might be, whether that might be Seda Hotel Nuvali or another hotel of similar parity, hotel concierges would still have their own share of limitations. To be on the safe side, it is best to be aware of what your hotel concierge can instead do for you:

 

Save you money

You might be skeptical but a concierge can actually give you a list of competitive rates—ranging from the cheapest Michelin starred restaurants to how you can get to places for a cheaper price. Furthermore, they know most of the pubs nearby and are aware of their happy hours. Similarly, they would know where you can avail of free tours and activities. Lastly, they would keep you from getting conned by a taxi driver by telling you the approximate fare it would take from most distances to the hotel.

 

Get you a ride when none would be available

Getting a ride during rush hours can be pretty frustrating. Waiting for a taxi in the taxi lane could take you hours and even requesting an Uber would be difficult. However, your concierge can ensure you would get a ride within minutes just with a phone call—even if you are not currently staying at the hotel. However, you do need to provide the concierge with a generous tip for their service.

 

Recommend fitness centers

More often than not, five-star hotels would already come with their own fully-equipped gym but in the event that it lacks the equipment you need or does not have a gym altogether, they can recommend you to a fitness center or an affiliated hotel with complete and better facilities. Alternatively, they might point you to the nearest running trail or furnish you with a list of fitness centers that are nearby that would offer daily or weekly walk-in rates for non-members.

 

Get tickets for you

If there is a sold-out show or concert you have been waiting to see, there is a likely chance that your hotel concierge can still manage to get you in. Of course, this is always a case-to-case basis but it would not hurt to try your luck with the concierge. More often than not, hotel concierges have already formed friendships and business relationships with brokers or are affiliated with season ticket holders who might not wish to attend the show or use their seats. Sometimes, they might even have tickets themselves in hopes of selling them to guests. However, know that there is a marked increased from its original rate considering that the concierge is already a third-party seller.

 

Help you celebrate

Sometimes guests would check in to a hotel for a specific occasion or event. They might either be proposing to a partner or celebrating a momentous event. If this is the case, your hotel concierge can help you make the event more special and unique by customizing the look of your room according to the type of celebration you are holding. They can even get you a photographer to document your proposal should you request for it.

 

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Hotel Hacks: Four Creative Ways to Maximize and Improve Your Stay

“The great advantage of a hotel is that it is a refuge from home life.”-George Bernard Shaw

Today, with the perpetual hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it can be quite the challenge to find enough time to pry away from our monitors and enjoy a weekend or even a day just to ourselves. As it is highly unlikely to book a week-long sojourn on such short notice, most busy individuals would go for the alternative which is to book short trips around town or book a stay in one of the city’s prestigious and luxury hotels. However, as the prices of these hotels are seldom at affordable rates, it would be understandable why most of us would regard them as lavish expenditures we pander ourselves every once in a while. In this regard, it would be very much understandable why individuals who elect to stay in luxury hotels in lieu of extended vacations would very much want to maximize their stay. After all, it is not a treat you get to indulge yourself in every single day, so making the most out of it and improving your overall stay would not only be reasonable but cost-effective as well. However, capitalizing on one’s stay can mean a variety of things for different individuals. For some it might mean taking as many of the hotel toiletries as possible, while for the rest it would mean taking full advantage of the hotel’s free breakfast buffet by partaking the feast on an empty stomach. Whatever your techniques might be and so long as it works would be entirely up to you.

However, if you wish to explore alternatives other than simply sneaking fresh rolls into your bag from the buffet then you might want to check this list out. So, if you have a projected stay in Seda Hotel Nuvali or elsewhere anytime soon, here are some of the ways you can maximize your stay:

1.) Arrive early, stay late

One of the best ways to maximize your stay is to arrive early and stay late. In fact, this is an elementary trick if you wish to extend your time and simply enjoy yourself amidst your hotel’s room splendid offerings of luxury. This is particularly useful for individuals who are staying in a hotel only for an overnight stay—which in retrospect, can seem rather short—especially if you arrive late. If you have a loyalty card, hotels will usually grant your request based on availability. However, if you are not part of any loyalty program, just be sure to check in early and request for a late checkout. At the very least, the hotel can grant you an extra hour at the most in checking out. Just be sure to give the reception staff a head’s up about your plans.

2.) Celebrate good times

Hotels are in the industry of service and considering that the competition is rather stiff, hotels—particularly luxury ones—capitalize on providing their customers with exemplary service. In this regard, they would always put their clients’ needs on the forefront of their considerations—a priority if you may. After all, one excellent way to ensure that a client would leave a good review or come back to transact business or stay with them again is to give them a memorable service. This means that usually, hoteliers have a flair for providing their customers with surprise and delight. With this in mind, you should book your stays in line with an important occasion such as an anniversary, birthday and the like. Just think of something worth celebrating and give your hotel receptionist a head’s up. From there, you can expect your room to be laden with a gift—may that be in the form of chocolate-covered strawberries, a bottle of champagne, a cheese plate or even a complimentary upgrade. Call in advance and let them know what you are celebrating. To ensure they got the message, casually mention it to the desk agent that you selected the hotel specifically for the occasion you are celebrating.

3.) Research beforehand

Before checking in, know what you can expect from your hotel and this includes what amenities you can use—especially those that you can use for free. Research in advance to avoid incidental fees and extra charges. Go to the hotel’s website beforehand and check out the perks you can avail of for free and the incidentals you have to pay for while you are there. To be sure, check with the agent you are speaking to or confirm with the receptionist once you arrive.

4.) Talk with conviction

Regardless of whether you are requesting an upgrade, lodging a complaint, asking for an extension or a room change, be sure you talk with conviction. Furthermore, you become so much more persuasive if you can speak the jargon as well. Hotel verbiage such as guest profile, occupancy, satisfaction and the like would guarantee you more results and would instantly give the staff the impression that you are a seasoned traveler who is well aware of your rights. However, this does not mean that you talk in a condescending manner. By all means, assert your rights but stay polite and courteous. Suggest a solution that you think is fair and see if this is something the hotel can work with. Remember to begin all of your requests with the person you are transacting with. If you are unhappy, escalate your complaints to the manager.

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