If you cannot use the internet, then give them a call and ask them questions about the hotel’s location, noise level, walking distance to restaurants, etc.
Some hotels and hostels are really bare bones, and you might have to bring things like drinkable water and your own linens, so be prepared.
It’s a good idea to bring both a zoomed in map and a zoomed out map with your arrival location marked. Decide ahead of time if you will take a taxi, rent a car, or use public transportation from your arrival location to your hotel. If you are driving a car, make sure to locate accessible parking ahead of time for your vehicle, and note the cost and location in your planning. Also, bring a map. If you are taking a taxi, particularly as a tourist abroad, make sure you know approximately how much the journey from your arrival location to your destination should be, so you won’t get swindled.
Remind the front desk of what, if any, special requests you have made, (i. e. conjoining rooms, (non)-smoking rooms, quiet rooms, a crib, etc. ). **Again, this should be done at the time of booking the reservation. Just be sure that when your reservation is made you add the comments/requests. Often times guest reservations will be booked through a third-party or other travel agency (including if your travel manager books through your companies CRS channel) and the comments might never get added correctly. Confirming your reservation ahead of time prevents day-of-arrival mistakes on the hotel’s part, and covers you if they do mess something up. Then you can negotiate an upgrade with a clear conscience!
If you have a large gap of time between your arrival and the hotel’s check-in time, call ahead and ask very politely if you can check-in early, or at least drop your bags. Then, you can go explore and check out the area! If you are checking in very late, particularly at a small hotel without a 24-hour concierge, it may be necessary to communicate your arrival time to the concierge in order to make arrangements to receive you. [3] X Research source
If you are staying abroad, the concierge will usually either copy the front page of your passport, or keep your passport for the duration of your stay. A print out of your reservation confirmation can be useful, particularly if you secured a special rate or promotion. If you do not have a reservation, be prepared to be turned away if the hotel has no vacancies. Ask the concierge for suggestions for alternate hotels. Most hotels will place a hold of the full amount of your stay plus a percentage as incidentals per day, so it’s best to not give them your debit card.
Take note if you are expected to leave the key at the front desk, which can be standard procedure if there is only one.
Sometimes the journey involves a nice trolley and elevator; at others, the bellboy literally has to haul your luggage up numerous flights of stairs. Tip accordingly!
Check for cleanliness, sufficient bathroom linens and supplies. Check the closet for extra blankets and pillows. If you are displeased with your room’s location, scent, or noise-level, politely request to be relocated. Hotels will often comply if possible. If they cannot place you in a similar room, ask if they will upgrade you to a nicer room or a room with a view.
