As with most things in life, it’s not until you find yourself without something that you realise how much you really need it. Case in point: certain items or features of hotel rooms.
This thought, like most of my other brilliant ones, came to me while in the shower. More specifically, the shower without any shelves in my most recent hotel room. Whoever knew shelves were so essential? Turns out they really do make showering a whole heap easier, as opposed to scrambling around, bottoms up, for your toiletries on the floor – a great mental image, I know.
Usually when you book a room, whether at a hotel, hostel or guesthouse, you’ll be asked for any additional comments or requests. If you’re anything like me you scroll past this in your haste to get the whole thing confirmed. But wait! While these requests are not guaranteed, they are worth filling out. As they say, if you don’t ask, you don’t get.
Here are five requests you should make when booking your next accommodation or room.
A quiet / dark room
Location, location, location! While you may not think about it prior to arriving, noise or light from the street below is all you’ll think about as these will keep you awake all night. Request a room away from the street or one that’s quiet and dark to ensure you get a good night’s sleep. Alternatively, you may like to request a room with a certain view.
Extra pillows and blankets
There is nothing worse than a pancake for a pillow. Your neck will tell you all about that the next day. Save yourself the hassle of waiting for additional pillows or blankets at midnight when all you want to do is sleep. Ask for them before you arrive.
A hairdryer
For obvious reasons. Saves you travelling with your own, too.
Wake up call
Particularly handy to request if you have an early meeting, flight or other engagement. You can never have too many alarms.
Airport transfers
Most places are happy to help organise your travel to their property. While it may not be the cheapest option, at least your transport is likely to know where they are going, and it will save you the time and effort of trying to sort it out yourself.
Other handy requests include:
- early or late check-in
- newspapers
- adapters or chargers, if you realise you’ve forgotten yours before you arrive
- a kettle, so you can make your own tea
- shelves in the shower.
Do you have any others to add to this list?
Related articles:
Hotel room fails
Hotel extras you actually need
Make the most of your hotel stay