Insider secrets

Insider secrets
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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.

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Just show up

Just show up
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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.

Here are 21 more secrets hotels won’t tell you. 

Be nice

Be nice
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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.

On the other hand, these are 11 rude hotel habits you really need to stop. 

Tweet

Tweet
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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.”

Don’t ask about the best restaurants

Don’t ask about the best restaurants
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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.

These are the 15 things you should never, ever do in a hotel room. 

Request a late check-out early

Request a late check-out early
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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.

Bring binder clips

Bring binder clips
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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.

These are the first 13 things you should check for in a hotel room. 

Bring liquor

Bring liquor
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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.

Book well in advance – or at the last minute

Book well in advance – or at the last minute
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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.

Check social media

Check social media
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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.

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