Whenever you travel overseas for business or leisure, staying in hotels or other accommodation would be part and parcel of trip. More than just a place to spend the night, your experience in these hotels can often make or break your entire trip.

Although it is the duty of the hotel staff to ensure that all your needs are well taken care of, it is also important that you play your part to make adequate preparations and exercise some good habits during your stay. Here are some helpful tips that you can follow to ensure that your future hotels stay is a pleasant and worry-free one.

Choose the right hotel

You should never underestimate the importance of choosing the right hotel. To do that, you have to consider your budget and purpose of visit to ensure that the hotel that you will eventually pick is the right fit for your needs.

For example, if you are travelling for business reasons, you might want to select a hotel that has the business amenities that you need. Researching the wide choices of hotels on the Internet is an essential step in finding the ideal hotel that would meet your expectations.

Keep in mind the check-in times

It is well-advised to take note of when your hotel’s check-in times are, so that you can make transport arrangements to arrive at your hotel on time. This is because if your hotel is booked over the capacity, it might be likely that your reservation might be given to someone else if you do not show up on time.

Hence it is a good practice to inform your hotel if you will be arriving late, so as to avoid any disappointment.

Safety considerations

Taking safety precautions should be a top priority during your stay. Be sure to lock your door at all times and do not open the door to anyone without checking their identity through the peephole.

You should also study the location of all safety exits and be familiar with evacuation procedures. When you venture outside the hotel, do not forget to stow away your valuables in the room’s safety deposit box.

Be polite

Good service in hotels often works both ways as you can usually expect better service if you are courteous to the staff who take care of you during your stay. It is also a good practice to tip staff members who render good service, to show your appreciation.

Establishing a good relationship with hotel staff is also helpful if you are a first time visitor to a country, especially if English is not commonly understood. These hotel staff can make good guides and assist in communication difficulties.

Checking out

Before checking out, ensure that your belongings have not been left behind in your room, especially in the drawers, cabinets and bathrooms.

Leaving your contact information with the hotel staff is also a good practice. This way, they can contact you if you have left any items behind or inform you about future hotel promotions.