How many times have you stayed in a hotel Caernarfon room, but not made the most of your time there? If it’s anything like the number of times I’ve done it, it can be hard to make the best use of your time when you’re away from home, but with the right ideas and tools, you can make your next hotel stay more productive and enjoyable than ever before. Here are 10 ways to make the most of your hotel stay!
1) Use your booking site
If you’re using a booking site like Expedia, Travelocity, or Kayak, do some research before you arrive at your hotel. You might find that there are other options within walking distance that could save you money or time. If those hotels don’t suit your fancy, contact hotel sites directly to find last-minute deals.
2) Pay attention to hotel photos
Of course, you want a room with a nice view. It makes you feel like you’re somewhere other than in a city that has been hosting people since before God was born. So pay attention to hotel photos. If it looks like a place your mother would tell you not to go if she saw it on TV, don’t stay there. The right view can make all the difference—the hotel doesn’t even have to be particularly nice for an amazing location to make up for its shortcomings.
3) Check for online reviews
Before booking a hotel room, it’s a good idea to check for online reviews. These reviews can be found on sites like TripAdvisor and Yelp, as well as directly on each hotel’s website. Read these reviews before you book your stay; they may offer tips and suggestions that will make your trip more enjoyable—and you can often find great deals based on positive (or negative) feedback from previous guests.
4) Book early
It sounds counterintuitive, but booking a hotel stay on short notice doesn’t always mean you’ll be spending less. While hotels are generally willing to negotiate on prices for last-minute reservations, booking your stay weeks or months in advance can lock in low rates that won’t go up until checkout day. If you see an amazing deal online but aren’t ready to commit, don’t panic—you have options.
5) Book late if you can
Hotels fill up fast during holiday weekends, so if you don’t have your heart set on a specific property, it can be worth waiting until you know your dates are locked in before making a reservation. This will help ensure that hotels near Caernarfon are available when you need them.
6) Get a free upgrade
As you walk up to check-in, ask if there are any upgrades available. If they know you’re coming—perhaps by seeing your name on a reservation list—they may be able to offer you something better than what was initially booked. It never hurts to ask!
7) Be interested on arrival
When you’re staying in a hotel, you have access to lots of facilities, but it’s easy for those facilities to become wasted. Take advantage of everything—if there’s a gym, use it; if there are free newspapers and magazines, peruse them; and so on. Hotel stays are opportunities that can often be taken for granted. If you want to make your stay worthwhile then take every opportunity that is presented to you.
8) Know your local neighbourhood before you go
Hotels may seem like they have everything you need, but that’s not always true. It never hurts to check a hotel’s website beforehand and see if there are specific requests—like a favourite brand of coffee or extra towels—you can make in advance. If you have children travelling with you, let them know what is available so they don’t feel bored or unsafe.
9) Use your facilities well
Hotel stays are typically very short—often just one night, sometimes less. If you’re looking for an affordable way to visit a city or if you need lodging while travelling for work, make sure you make great use of your hotel’s facilities. Bathtubs are perfect for soaking sore feet, televisions can be used as quiet distractions when other guests arrive late at night.
10) Take advantage of food and drink vouchers
While you’re in a hotel, take advantage of food and drink vouchers. The last thing you want when travelling is a grumbling stomach—it’s not only uncomfortable, but it can also lead to feeling very sluggish. Many hotels offer free breakfast during your stay, which is a good way to start your day and refuel before heading out for sightseeing. Some hotels will even give you vouchers for local restaurants where you can get discounted meals at night – the wine is often not included, but that’s always worth paying for!