Well, reading through advice on enjoying hotel I just felt I can highlight something with the experiences. I haven?t though traveled much and so less of stay at hotel. But yet whatever mistakes I have done gives a lesson every time.
Some points to consider especially When you are in a different city/country
Try to spot distance between your hotel and station, airport, bus depot etc and the easiest way to get there that is taking cab, bus whatever. This will aid you when you want to travel somewhere from your hotel. You can also find out this information when you need but think of it when you have an emergency, you may not have time to hunt information.
I would say if possible you must find out that beforehand before even traveling to that city. From your friends or relatives who has visited the same place/ hotel.
It will help you to get to hotel easily and moving from hotel to basic places.
Next when you book your hotel on spot or advanced, you must ask for the serving timings etc. Sometimes you may be amazed to hear something like ?sorry we don?t serve at this time? you assuming something can turn to be wrong anytime (have experienced this) some hotels have timings for hot water facility also. Imagine in a cool climate when you are tired and want to have a hot water bath you hear ?sorry no hot water at this time? you cant change rules but if you know before hand you can be in better shape.
Other important things to know
Ask for reception number where you can call and take a business card (beacuse you cant call at reception extension when you are away from hotel and you have to make a call from outside- you obviously need a proper number)
Cleaning time (so you know in advance when the cleaning guy comes- make sure you arent in bathroom and come out in towel ;)
Charges for extra bedding
Facilities like medical/first aid
Laundry charges
transport facilities
Menu (so that you know in advance what breakfast/food is better for you)
Next very important part which we miss is the gym, yes can you imagine I stayed in a hotel at Bangalore without knowing for 2 days that there is a gym????? and then when I came to know how sad I was that I couldn?t use it for so long. Other things are Jakusi and spa etc something we all want to use when we pay for it. Am I right? Something which is more important then going for site seeing. At least I believe that?s important and we don?t have the time and leisure to go for it on routine time.
Find out discounts if any like if its 31st Dec some discounts may be available or some free party etc. you never know.
Overall there may be many things, which I have not thought of ever. The best idea is to keep asking and asking. There is no harm in asking questions. There is always an advantage. Maybe you know something which can help you in next visit or you can write on mouthshut.
Cheers
Rachana Pandya.