While hotels all offer the same thing (a safe place to spend the night), they can vary greatly, from location to amenities to size and more. In this two-part blog, our EWR Airport parking company shares some tips you may not know about hotels:
You can still work out
If you’re into fitness, you probably don’t want to quit cold turkey while you’re on your vacation or business trip. These days, many hotels have their own gyms that you can use for free. If they don’t, they may still have fitness equipment (dumbbells, exercise balls, yoga mats, etc.) that you can borrow.
There are benefits to staying outside the city
Heading to a major city? If you’re looking for a hotel in the heart of everything, you’re likely going to pay a high price for a room. Instead, book a hotel just outside the city and near a subway station or bus stop. This lets you save money while having easy access to the exciting parts of the area.
You may be able to get a free upgrade
If you arrive at your hotel and have a moment alone with the concierge, don’t be afraid to ask if there are any free upgrades available. The hotel might be empty enough (or you might just run into a friendly concierge) to offer you a complimentary upgrade. And if not, at least you asked.
Wifi may not be a given
Before you choose a hotel, check to see if they offer wifi and if so, make sure that it’s free. Some hotels either don’t have wifi access or if they do, they charge you to use it. Some are even sneakier and let you use the wifi for free only if you’re a rewards member.
Corner rooms are usually larger
If you want a room that’s slightly larger but don’t want to ask for an upgrade, ask for a corner room. These rooms tend to offer more space than hallway rooms (and you may even be a little more secluded).
There are different kinds of free breakfast
If a hotel advertises “free breakfast,” make sure you understand what kind of breakfast is being offered. If it’s continental, it usually means muffins, bagels, fruit, and cold cereal. If it’s a hot breakfast, you may find eggs, waffles, potatoes, and more traditional breakfast offerings. Keep in mind that some hotels may offer breakfast, but it might not be free. For example, hotels with restaurants usually have breakfast, but you have to pay for it.
Surfaces aren’t as clean as you think
When hotel rooms are cleaned, sheets are changed, towels are replaced, and toiletries are stocked, but surfaces may not always be wiped down. To make sure your room is as clean as possible, keep a pack of antibacterial wipes with you and wipe down surfaces when you arrive.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of our blog series!
