Hotel Hacks: Travel Experts Share Their Best Secrets

Savvy travelers know a few simple tricks can help make any hotel stay better. Whether you’re chasing a better view, more space, or extra perks, these expert-backed tips can help you get more comfort, convenience and value out of your next trip. 

Tap the Concierge

Many guests walk right past the concierge, not realizing these talented individuals are a wealth of local knowledge. Yes, they can help you book transfers and make dinner reservations, but they can also offer personalized recommendations that go far beyond the basics.

“We know the family-run mountain huts that don’t appear on Google, the quiet hiking trails with the best panoramic views, the ski routes that locals prefer on a powder day and the hidden corners of Andermatt that give a true sense of place,” says Tamas Papp, head of concierge at The Chedi Andermatt. “Guests sometimes try to plan everything themselves, only to discover later that a simple conversation with the concierge could have elevated their entire stay.”

Instead of, “Can you book this for me?” Papp recommends asking something along the lines of, “If you were spending the day here, what would you do?” 

The lobby of The Chedi Andermatt (Photo Credit: The Chedi Andermatt)

Beyond sharing their favorite hidden gems, concierges can also help unlock hidden perks you didn’t know existed. At Paris Marriott Champs Elysees, for instance, they can arrange priority access to the Eiffel Tower. Similar advantages can apply to iconic landmarks such as the Louvre or the Palace of Versailles, where concierge-arranged visits may include priority entry or tailored experiences not accessible to the general public, adds Jonathan Benhamou, the hotel’s chief concierge.

Booking through a concierge might also mean thoughtful touches like a free glass of Champagne upon arrival at a restaurant or preferred seating at a show, Benhamou adds. 

“Going through your concierge, regardless of the request, guarantees an extra level of care and consideration that you’re unlikely to receive when making reservations independently,” says Benhamou. 

The grand family suite at Paris Marriott Champs Elysees (Photo Credit: Paris Marriott Champs Elysees)

Learn About Timing

Even if you’re visiting a super popular destination during peak season, you can still find moments of calm—and your hotel can help.

“Timing is everything,” says Lachlan Walker, regional general manager for Fiji & Pacific for IHG Hotels & Resorts. “Simply asking when a space is at its quietest—spa, pool, restaurants—can dramatically elevate the experience.”

Use Pre-Trip Amenities

Your experience starts before you ever step foot inside a hotel. Ask about any pre-trip amenities that can help make your journey even smoother. Guests of InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, for instance, get free access to the Timeshifter app, which helps ease jet lag.

Join Loyalty Programs

Hotel loyalty programs are free and can unlock perks like Wi-Fi, late checkout, room upgrades and points toward free nights. Even entry-level members get perks, so it’s worth taking a few moments to sign up. 

Your behavior can also help you take even greater advantage of loyalty programs. For instance, some IHG Hotels & Resorts offer bonus points for members of IHG One Rewards who skip daily housekeeping during multi-night stays, says Walker. 

An overhead view of InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa (Photo Credit: InterContinental Hotels & Resorts)

Pack Smarter

If you’re staying at a beachfront resort, Walker recommends packing a small paint brush to quickly remove sand from feet, bags and camera gear. He also suggests tossing a few clips or pegs into your suitcase, to stop towels from blowing off sun loungers and for drying swimwear on the balcony. Walker says he also brings a small waterproof bag so he can squeeze in one final swim after checkout without worrying about wet clothes soaking his luggage. 

Jonathan Alder, owner of Jonathan’s Travels in Winter Park, Florida, always recommends packing a small, rechargeable handheld fan with a stand. “It’s easy to carry while sightseeing on hot days and just as useful if the hotel air conditioning isn’t strong enough or you run warmer than your travel companion,” he says. “Use the stand to place it on the nightstand while it charges and keeps you cool through the night.” 

Give Some Space

A large, multi-room vacation rental where everyone can stay together might seem like the best choice for a multi-generational group getaway. But Alder suggests his clients book individual hotel rooms instead.

“It may sound fun to share one large space, but with different age groups traveling together, everyone tends to appreciate having their own room and the freedom to relax or recharge as needed,” he says.

Maximize Value

Unless his clients are traveling for an extended period, Alder always recommends choosing a full-service hotel in a great location. The nightly rate may be slightly pricier, but the extra services add meaningful value. 

“The added amenities at hotels, especially when booking through a travel advisor, can help offset overall expenses, often including complimentary breakfast and spending credits,” he says.

Communicate Early and Often

Many travelers think their hotel experience begins at check-in, but it often starts much earlier—right when the reservation is confirmed. Reaching out in advance gives hotel staff a chance to tailor the stay in ways that might not be possible at the last minute, says Bruce Sung, front officer manager at Six Senses Kyoto.

A quick pre-arrival message can make a surprising difference. Letting the hotel know you’re celebrating a special occasion, that you prefer a particularly quiet room or will arrive jet-lagged gives the team time to prepare. Small details—like placing guests away from elevators, arranging an early check-in if possible or leaving a celebratory note in the room—are often easier to coordinate with a little advance notice.

“The earlier guests invite the team into the planning process, the more seamless and memorable the experience becomes,” he says. 

The view from the rooftop of Six Senses Kyoto (Photo Credit: Six Senses Kyoto)

Be Polite

It may seem obvious, but simply being kind and considerate can go a long way. A friendly attitude at check-in can sometimes open the door to small perks—especially if the hotel has extra availability that day.

“If you’re looking to upgrade [your room] at check-in, it never hurts to ask politely,” says Darryl Walker, commercial director for Europe, Middle East and Africa at Frasers Hospitality. “Availability permitting, the reception staff may be able to offer a good deal on the spot.”

While upgrades aren’t guaranteed, front desk staff often have some flexibility, particularly during slower periods. A courteous request—and a bit of patience—can sometimes lead to a larger room, a better view or access to extra amenities. 

Get Your Beauty Rest

Many travelers don’t realize how much of their stay can be customized. These days, hotels offer a variety of small tweaks designed to help guests feel more comfortable. One example is the “pillow menu,” a trendy offering that allows guests to choose from different options—such as memory foam, hypoallergenic or extra-firm—tailored to their sleeping preferences.

If you’re having trouble getting a good night’s rest, it’s often as simple as calling the front desk to try a different pillow. Some properties even offer additional sleep-focused perks, like mattress toppers, aromatherapy sprays, white-noise machines or blackout accessories, making it easier to settle in and drift off. 

Ask for Forgotten Items

These days, hotels don’t just carry extra toothbrushes in case guests forget theirs at home. Many properties quietly stock a range of useful items that can make a stay more comfortable or save travelers from an emergency shopping trip. A quick call to reception can sometimes solve problems you didn’t pack—or plan—for.

“Practical items like adapters, beach bags, yoga mats and toiletries are available if needed,” says Freddie Khoo, resort manager at Six Senses Laamu. 

An aerial view of Six Senses Laamu (Photo Credit: Six Senses Laamu)

Go Behind the Scenes

Have you ever wondered what it takes to keep a resort running smoothly? At Six Senses Laamu, curious guests can actually find out. The property offers behind-the-scenes tours that pull back the curtain on daily operations, giving visitors a new appreciation for the work that goes into a seamless stay, says Khoo.

Experiences like this aren’t always advertised prominently, but many resorts offer similar opportunities if guests ask at the front desk. For travelers who enjoy learning how things work, it can be a surprisingly memorable addition to a vacation.

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