I’m a hotel worker — here are 8 secrets to a successful stay
Check out these tips before you check into a hotel.
Dani Quesnel — who, according to her LinkedIn, is employed by The Pearle Hotel in Ontario, Canada — shared her eight hotel do’s and don’ts in a new essay for Business Insider.
Don’t book with a third-party website
Quesnel, 23, says booking with a third-party accommodations site will “typically” give a customer less control over their reservations — and there’s not much hotel staff can do if a problem arises.
“Sometimes, the third-party sites overbook a room, forcing guests to scramble for alternative accommodations. Additionally, the rigid modification policies are inconvenient and sometimes lead to hidden fees,” Quesnel wrote.
“I still use these websites to find unique lodging options, but I strongly recommend booking with a hotel — whether through a phone call or the official website,” she added.
Always use the deadbolt
You can never be too cautious when it comes to safety in an unfamiliar territory.
Quesnel emphasizes that a keycard lock isn’t as reliable as it’s perceived.
“There were times I accidentally walked in on someone in a compromising position because there was a miscommunication as to whether or not their room was vacant. I also mistakenly gave guests keys to rooms that were already occupied,” she explained in her Business Insider piece.
“You can try to get a refund on your hotel stay, but you can’t make the housekeeper unsee your bare butt. Deadbolt your door,” she urged.
A former FBI agent recommends booking a room between the third and sixth floors, explaining that these rooms are low enough to the main floor for emergency access, but far enough from intruders who enter on the ground floor.
Follow hotel policies
Since most hotels will have a guest’s credit card on file, it’s important to follow their procedures, Quesnel argues.
“Most hotels have considerable monetary penalties for breaking these policies, so it could cost you hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars,” she wrote.
“Since the hotel likely already has your credit card information on file, it’s hard to stop them from charging you. Plus, you probably signed a waiver when you first checked in, agreeing to pay that money if you failed to comply.”
Inspect the room before getting cozy
It’s best to do a four-corner bed check before unpacking, Quesnel says in her Business Insider essay.
“I never forget to check the room’s cleanliness, make sure the hot water and HVAC systems work, or test the function of any electronics (TV, lamp, alarm clock),” she noted.
“It’s way better to identify these problems as soon as possible and get the hotel staff to solve them before you’ve settled in.”
Join a loyalty program
If you travel often, Quesnel says it’s best to stick with one hotel chain to enjoy the benefits of loyalty programs.
“Having a membership can also get you certain privileges, like free late checkouts,” she recommended. “Plus the staff are more likely to give you a free room upgrade or other perks.”
For its part, Marriott International reported having 164 million members in its Bonvoy loyalty program in the first three months of 2022, up 26% from the same period in 2019.
Other major hotel chains are reporting loyalty member gains as well.
Use the ‘do not disturb’ sign
“Using the ‘do not disturb’ sign is a great way to prevent hotel staff from bothering you. But it’s not just for privacy — it also reduces unnecessary housekeeping services, which promotes sustainability,” Quesnel shared.
“Plus, you’d be lightening the workload of the housekeepers, which is something you can feel good about,” she continued.
One frequent traveler recently went viral for putting a “do not disturb” sign on her hotel room’s door, locking it, and plugging the peephole with wet tissues so no prying eyes could see inside.
Check the amenities before booking
Don’t just assume there’s a pool or room service — especially if you’re basing that on the number of stars awarded to the hotel, Quesnel advises.
“A hotel’s star ranking doesn’t necessarily reflect the reviews of their guests — rather, it’s a reflection of the quality and quantity of amenities they offer,” she wrote.
“A two-star hotel is not likely to have a pool, spa, restaurant, or room service, so keep this in mind when choosing a place to stay.”
Remember to check out
Making that final stop at the front desk on your way out is a signal of courtesy that goes a long way with staff, Quesnel said.
“The purpose of the process is straightforward — it signals to the hotel staff that you’ve left, allowing them to initiate the preparation of your room for the next guest,” she reasoned. “If guests don’t bother to check out, the staff must physically visit each room to ensure it’s vacant.”
The Post reached out to Quesnel for comment.
