When travelling, your hotel should be a home from home and following our simple tips and advice will ensure your hotel stay is safe and enjoyable;
Donโt just chill out – Before kicking back and enjoying your stay, read up on the hotel guest manual in the room to familiarise yourself with the fire drill and fire exits, which will ensure a safe hotel stay, just in case. And on a less serious note, check out the meal times and onsite facilities.
Donโt skip the local amenities – Do a quick scout of the local neighbourhood on foot as well to check of the local facilities such as a pharmacy, convenience store etc.
Donโt drink from the glasses โ You know the little glasses that most hotels provide in the bathroom? Well think about how many people may have used those before you! Especially if you happen to be staying at one of the worst hotels in the world, these may have just had a cursory rinse between guests. This is where plastic disposable beakers really come into their own!
Donโt mess with the minibar โ Just reading the prices on most minibar lists is enough to make you wince! Well if you go poking around and set off the automatic sensors that indicate products have been used, youโll have a lengthy task convincing the staff that you havenโt consumed or tampered with the goods.
Donโt choose a hotel on price alone โ Weigh up cost versus location, facilities and ratings. Research your location and property for previous guestsโ feedback. And if a good nightโs sleep is your primary goal check that your chosen hotel doesnโt have a nightclub on site and isnโt next to the worldโs busiest motorway. If in doubt pack earplugs and make full use of the โdo not disturbโ sign.
Donโt miss out on the freebies โ See what extras your hotel offers which are all included in your stay. If breakfast is included, make sure you get up early enough. If Wi-Fi is included make sure you take full advantage of it. The only exception is the in-room toiletries and bathrobe; the toiletries are usually cheap refillable products anyways and the cost of the bathrobe will find its way onto your credit card!
Donโt scrimp on insurance โ Even if youโre on a staycation, travel insurance is strongly recommended. Itโs well worth it should something untoward happen and bear in mind that if youโre deemed to be acting irresponsibly (excessive drinking etc) your policy may be invalidated.