Guests can enhance their stay without incurring extra costs by making specific requests, leveraging loyalty programs, or notifying the hotel about special occasions when booking. Hospitality experts suggest that proactive communication, both during booking and upon check-in, is key to optimizing the guest experience.

Before arrival

Guests can request a room with a better view without extra charge. *Photo: CNN*

Proactively contacting the hotel before check-in is an effective way to secure your preferred room without additional cost. Lizzie Davidson, Regional Director of Revenue at Thompson Houston, notes that informing the staff about special occasions, such as birthdays or anniversaries, "gives the hotel team more reasons to elevate the guest experience." She also advises guests to specify requests for high floors or scenic views when booking, allowing the operations department ample time for arrangements.

For a more spacious room, guests should prioritize corner or front-facing rooms over those near elevators or service areas. Karl von Ramm, General Manager of The Loutrel in Charleston, explains that hotel designs vary, so guests should review floor plans on the website or app to select a precise location. For those seeking tranquility, von Ramm recommends choosing rooms on higher floors and at the end of hallways to minimize street noise and disturbances from other guests at night.

Sarah Young, a senior travel advisor at Fora Travel, suggests guests also avoid rooms near the lobby or bar. Inquiring about any ongoing renovations is also crucial to avoid construction zones. Finally, if you desire a room with a sea or city view, proactively state this request early to increase your chances of a room upgrade before arrival.

Upon check-in

When staff are cheerful, you are more likely to get the hotel room you want. *Photo: Stockcake*

A polite and friendly demeanor during check-in can significantly increase your chances of receiving assistance from staff regarding upgrades or room changes. Arriving early also provides more options, as the hotel may not have fully allocated its room inventory.

If dissatisfied, guests should provide immediate feedback before unpacking their luggage, clearly stating specific reasons like noise or an unsatisfactory view to find an alternative solution.

Beyond sharing your trip's purpose, guests can maximize benefits through travel agents or loyalty programs. According to expert Sarah Young, travel industry professionals often leverage their partnerships to help clients secure "free upgrades or larger rooms," while major chains like Hyatt and Marriott Bonvoy also extend similar priorities to their members.

Tam Anh (according to Reddit, Quora, Southernliving)