Free Services and Compliments
You Can Get at the Hotel
Almost always, when we’re traveling, we happen to forget some necessary items in the rush. Don’t run to the stores right away. We’ll reveal some things that are generally provided for free upon request in hotels. You know the saying – “You don’t get what you don’t ask for.” Here’s what you can get without additional payment:
Item #1
Toothpaste and Toothbrush
Some of the most commonly forgotten items are toothpaste, toothbrush, and razor. Smaller hotels don’t have the practice of placing toiletries for your teeth and beard in every room, but if you ask at the reception, 99% of the time they will give them to you for free. We can also add here that if you run out of shampoo or soap provided in the room, you can ask for more.
Item #2
Sewing Kit
Anyone can have a button pop off, a hem come undone, and need sewing supplies. If there isn’t one in the hotel room’s closet, again, ask the staff at the accommodation. Even if they don’t have a whole kit, they will surely find you a needle and thread.
Item #3
Coffee Anytime
You’re a tea and coffee lover and drink them at any time of day or night. Many hotels now provide a kettle for hot water (sometimes even complimentary tea and coffee). If it happens to be missing in your room, they will certainly assist you with this as well.
Item #4
Bathrobe or Standard Towel
You like to be comfortable when you get out of the shower, and a standard towel isn’t enough? Ask for a bathrobe and slippers. Unlike SPA hotels, city and cultural destinations don’t usually stock them. They mainly keep them available only for guests who specifically request them. So try your luck, you’ll probably be successful.
Item #5
Extra Blanket
Everyone is different. Some people are warm when the room is 22 degrees, others need it to be at least 28. So, if you’re one of the latter and need an extra blanket, ask for one. If your pillow is too soft, low, high, or firmer than comfortable, just ask for a different one. Always seek solutions to your inconveniences during your stay, instead of complaining after you leave. This way you’ll see how professionally and kindly the hotel staff will treat you. Give them a chance to show how much they care about any arising situations. A good team always finds solutions in favor of the guest.
Item #6
Phone Charger
You return to your room after a long workday, your phone battery is almost dead, you look for the charger in your luggage and… surprise! You forgot it. Don’t panic! The reception will help you (they probably have a dozen clients who haven’t asked for one or thought it would be cheaper to buy a new one). If you’re in a country where you need a transformer (adapter), there will surely be a solution. In many hotels, they can also lend you a computer for work if needed. They won’t refuse office services like printing or scanning documents either.
Item #7
Iron
You have an important business meeting during the day, but your lucky shirt is very wrinkled? No problem. Say you need an iron and you’re done. First, check if there’s one in the closets. They might even surprise you by offering to iron it themselves.
Item #8
Map of Attractions
Going to a new place with the goal of exploring the most attractive spots? Ask for a map of attractions. Not only will they provide one, but they will probably also advise you on a convenient and enjoyable route. Often, they even offer free guided tours. Don’t forget to ask about them. Even though it’s free, the guides are very dedicated and eager to tell you about the history of the place (if you’re happy, you can always show your appreciation with a small gesture).
Item #9
Umbrella
You know the phrase “There’s nothing better than bad weather.” Yes, that’s true if you’re in a mountain house, drinking tea, and watching the romantic rain or snow from the second-floor veranda. But, if despite the weather, you have work to do, it can’t make you happy or stop you. You didn’t anticipate it and there’s no umbrella in your luggage… Don’t worry, but again, ask the reception for assistance. They might have one with the hotel’s name on it and give it to you as a souvenir (especially if you’re a regular guest at a five-star establishment).
Item #10
Games for Children
You’re traveling with your treasures (your children) and it’s important for them to have something to do during their stay. Hotels are increasingly focused on taking care of their young guests. Often, if there’s no kids’ corner, various alternatives are offered. For example, coloring and drawing books, puzzles, chess (for young and old), group games like Monopoly or cards. They will surely come up with something for a pleasant pastime (after all, a tablet also works, but we recommend the above-mentioned activities as more suitable and developmental).
Item #11
Disinfectants
The entire tourism industry is making exceptional efforts for the safety of its guests. Uncompromising standards and measures are maintained. Therefore, if you need a mask or disinfectant, they will certainly provide them to you FREE OF CHARGE. We hope this will soon be history, but we will continue with the high requirements for cleanliness and safety (not that it was any different before).
Item #12
Sweet Compliments
As a compliment, especially in 4 and 5-star hotels, you can also expect surprises like a free bottle of water, tea, and coffee in the room. Chocolates, biscuits, or a fruit bowl. Appreciate these gestures because nothing is a given or mandatory. All colleagues who do this simply want their guests to feel special and satisfied that they chose them.
Item #13
Dishes and Cutlery
If you’re on a longer business trip in one place and you’re tired of eating out all the time (and it’s not the most budget-friendly option), you can ask for a microwave, some dishes and cutlery, and possibly a higher table (so as not to make crumbs on the bed). Unleash your culinary skills. Use the opportunity to learn a new, easy, and delicious recipe. There are accommodations that also offer the service of procuring various products and goods for you if you don’t have the time or don’t know where to get them. We can add here that they can also help you find bus, cinema, theater, or concert tickets.
Item #14
Meeting Expectations
Sometimes you might not like something about the booked room. Expectations might have been different from reality (our team tries very hard in this regard to avoid discrepancies, and on the contrary, to pleasantly surprise you). In such cases, you have the right to request a room change, and often, if the team is responsive (and there’s availability, of course), they offer to accommodate you in a more luxurious room free of charge as compensation for the inconvenience. They might even give you a voucher for other services they offer, such as the fitness center, solarium (if available), or a complimentary drink. Every arising issue is an opportunity for the hotel to win you over with the way they respond.
