John Gil, Hyatt Centric Chicago general manager: “Reaching out to a hotel ahead of arrival is always a great idea”
Making a reservation may seem like all you need to do when planning to stay at a hotel. But experts suggest contacting the establishment before you arrive.
Having everything in order before you set off on holiday or a business trip can save you a lot of time and headaches. This includes everything from making sure that your suitcase isn’t overweight and your carry-on doesn’t have any banned items that could get you held up at TSA check points to ensuring that all your documents are in order.
However, there is one thing that most of us probably never think of, contacting the hotel that you will be staying at before you arrive. You made the reservation, so what’s the point?
Travel tip that is “always worth the time and effort”
Travel writer Melissa Klurman explains in Reader’s Digest that reaching out to the hotel you’ll be staying at ahead of your arrival by email or phone is “always worth the time and effort.” Not only can doing this speed up your check-in but also improve your stay at the hotel.
Klurman typically reaches out to the property where she’ll be lodging two or three days in advance of getting there. She says that this is something that people with disabilities or those traveling with children should definitely have on their travel check list.
Her recommendation is backed up by those in the business like John Gil of the Hyatt Centric Chicago O’Hare. “Reaching out to a hotel ahead of arrival is always a great idea, especially if there is anything that can help make the stay more comfortable or personalized,” he says.
Why you want to contact a hotel before you arrive
People with disabilities can make sure that they will be getting a room adapted to their needs and that it will be available upon arrival.
For travelers toting children with them, especially if they are very young, can make sure that the hotel has your request for a cot or crib and ask that they have it set up to save you the hassle of doing so yourself. This can be especially helpful if you will be arriving past the child’s bedtime.
You can also enquire about any special amenities the establishment has for young ones and you may find that they will leave a special welcome present for the tike.
Likewise, if your little one is of the furry nature, you can make sure that all their needs are met and amenities are there when you walk into the room.
“Guests often contact us in advance for practical needs, such as requesting a crib, extra pillows or accessibility accommodations,” Gil says.
People staying at a resort will definitely want to make reservations for any special activities, meals, or spa sessions the property has to offer. Klurman advises doing this as soon as you make your reservation for the room to get the best time slots.
Sharing your preferences or that you have a special celebration can be rewarding
Beyond that, you can make sure that you are put in the best room available within the category that you’ve reserved, and perhaps by chance an upgrade if you ask nicely. If someone in your party will be celebrating an anniversary or a birthday, by letting the hotel know you may find a surprise special treat like cake, decorations, or perhaps even a bottle of bubbly.
“It’s also helpful to share preferences, like needing a quieter room, a higher floor or celebrating a special occasion,” Gil shared. “While certain room types or upgrades may be tied to availability, letting the hotel know your preferences early allows the team to do their best to accommodate whenever possible.”
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