Who doesn’t want to feel like a VIP for a day or two?
When you book good hotel accommodation, you’ll feel special the moment you walk right in. The hotel staff will greet you with bright smiles, carry your luggage to your room, and cater to your needs 24/7. But if your idea of “feeling like a VIP” involves complimentary wine, an intimate dinner setting, a bigger room, free meals, and high-end spa services, you might want to take the extra steps.
Of course, we would never recommend you to act like an ill-mannered guest in front of the hotel staff, demanding luxury services you’re not entitled to. There are a couple of tips you can use to upgrade your hotel experience and make your stay extra special —a hotel stay that’s fit for a VIP.
1. Mention a special occasion
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Are you traveling for your birthday? Are you and your partner celebrating your 10th anniversary? Or perhaps, you’re booking this lovely hotel in Kilkenny for your honeymoon? Make sure you let your hotel know in advance of your stay.
Hotels love it when you choose to celebrate with them, so they might do something a little extra to make your stay memorable. They may initiate extra efforts such as decorating your room, giving you a hotel room upgrade, gifting celebratory freebies like wine, champagne, cupcakes, and chocolates, and offering some of their services at a discount. These are their ways of saying, “thanks for spending your special day with us.”
2. Book directly with the hotel
Booking directly makes you a high-value hotel guest. If you want discounts, then go ahead and book with third-party websites, which drive the prices down. But if you want to say in the best rooms in the house, book via the hotel’s own website.
A couple of hotel insiders revealed that they reserve the best rooms (large rooms, rooms with a view) for guests who booked directly with them.
3. Return to the same hotel
Loyalty pays off. If you’re a frequent traveler, you may want to stick with one property. Hotels like repeat clients and they’ll make sure you’ll get the best experience each stay. You may also sign up for the hotel loyalty program, which increases your chance of getting a room upgrade and special treatment.
Just let them know a couple of weeks in advance. It gives them time to get the word out across their group of staff.
4. Or mention your status with other hotels
If it’s your first time in that particular hotel property and you’ve had experiences with a couple of other hotel chains in the past, you may subtly let your hotel know. You may say something like, “I normally stay at other hotels and this is my first time here, so I’m looking forward to a great experience.”
5. Travel during the off-peak season
Aside from better rates and fewer crowds, booking your stay during the off-peak season can also increase your chances of getting a room upgrade. During off-peak seasons, they have more rooms available, empty restaurants, and available spa appointments. And since the business is slow, they’re more likely to devote their exceptional service to a few guests they have in the house.
6. Dress well and be a mannerly guest
While we’re not saying hotels discriminate or treat guests differently, the way you present yourself and communicate with the staff tends to impact the way they treat you. Make the extra effort to dress smart. Stand tall and walk confidently. Speak clearly and politely. Lastly, be respectful to everyone.
7. Treat the staff equally
The hotel staff won’t likely forget two types of guests: those who are rude, loud, entitled, and scandalous, and those who radiate positive energy and treat the staff with the utmost respect. You might want to be remembered for the right reasons.
Befriend the staff. Greet them. Smile. Ask how their day is going. Share your plans. Ask for advice. Say “please” and “thank you”. You can even go out of your way by bringing small presents for them.
8. Tip everyone
Let’s be honest – it’s always a hundred times better when there’s money involved. Don’t forget to tip the bellman and the housekeeping staff. Even a small, decent amount can go a long way. It can land you a room with a view, a large bathroom, and other simple luxuries.
9. Complain politely
Should you encounter problems during your stay, don’t hesitate to seek someone who can find solutions. Speak with the manager, not with the front desk personnel who simply can’t do anything. Managers know that a lousy stay or review could harm their reputation, so they’re more than willing to do whatever they can to make your stay better.
But if you have to say it, be concise and keep a calm tone. Don’t demand things or threaten them with a bad review. Start your complaint with some positives then mention a few minor or major issues that keep you from having a perfect stay. Depending on your hotel, the manager may give you small tokens to make it up to you, like a bottle of champagne, cake, or free massage.
Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a travel and lifestyle writer. Aside from taking vibrant street photos, you can find her writing articles about travel, food, and lifestyle. To know more about hotels and travel blogs, you may visit Pembroke Hotel Kilkenny.
