Travelers are no strangers to the quest for value when it comes to their vacations. While the occasional surprise hotel room upgrade can be a delightful bonus, relying on serendipity is not a sound strategy for ensuring the best accommodation deals. Savvy travelers have discovered ingenious methods to make the most of their hard-earned money, and here’s one you might not have considered: asking for a corner room.
It’s a common scenario: You book a hotel room based on enticing website photos, only to find that the reality falls short of your expectations upon arrival. While you could always opt to pay premium rates for larger suites with breathtaking views, that’s not always an appealing choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Fortunately, there’s a straightforward way to secure a more spacious room without incurring extra costs: simply request a corner room.
According to insights from the Daily Mail, many hotels are designed in such a way that corner rooms tend to be slightly more spacious than their counterparts, all without being officially classified as luxurious suites.
Essentially, guests in corner rooms end up paying less per square foot than those staying in the middle of the hallway. It’s a win-win situation, offering you more room to relax without putting a dent in your wallet.
Asking for a corner room also has the advantage of being a courteous and reasonable request to make at the front desk. Unlike asking for a free upgrade, which can be dependent on hotel availability and occupancy, requesting a corner room is typically seen as a straightforward inquiry. Of course, it’s essential to be considerate, especially if the hotel is fully booked, but in many cases, your request will be accommodated.
Corner rooms often boast more significant square footage and extra windows due to their structural layout. As hotels.com points out, these rooms are known for providing the most space and natural light while also offering a quieter atmosphere.
Choosing a corner room can make you feel like you’re staying in a more luxurious accommodation without the premium price tag.
Another pro tip for optimizing your hotel experience is to request a room on a higher floor. In many hotels, the suites and premium rooms are situated on the upper levels. While you might not score the presidential suite, you’ll still benefit from being further away from street-level noise, contributing to a more peaceful stay.
Building a friendly rapport with hotel staff can significantly enhance your hotel experience. When you arrive at a busy hotel, showing empathy and patience during check-in can create a positive impression.
Being polite and friendly with reception staff can lead to unexpected perks like late checkout, complimentary breakfast certificates, wine, fruit baskets, or waived minibar charges, making your stay more enjoyable.
A savvy money-saving strategy is to book your hotel at the last minute. Online platforms like Hotels.com now allow reservations up until 5 a.m. for the same night, often leading to significant cost savings.
Checking in late can also work in your favor, as popular standard rooms may be sold out. This increases the chances of receiving an upgrade to a higher room category, enhancing your stay without extra cost.
Therefore, when you’re planning your next getaway and aiming for a comfortable and spacious hotel room without overspending, keep these practical tips in mind. Requesting a corner room and opting for a higher-floor location are excellent ways to maximize your hotel experience without stretching your budget.
Building friendly relations with the hotel staff and considering last-minute bookings can also help enhance your stay while keeping costs in check. By following these strategies, your vacation budget will stay intact, and you’ll savor a more enjoyable and economical stay.
**Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. When booking through one of our links, we earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running.
