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Hotels Give Out Freebies, if You Know How to Ask for Them
A little kindness can get you complimentary room upgrades, meals and more
Many hotels give out perks that guests may not realize they can request. The key is to know how to ask for them.
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A seasoned traveler likely knows about the little freebies hotels offer. A cup of coffee from the lobby urn. Or a small tube of toothpaste from the front desk, if you left yours at home. But many hotels will give out perks that most guests don’t realize they can request. The key is knowing how to ask.
If there’s no one waiting behind you in line, strike up a friendly, casual conversation with the desk clerk, advises Patricia Doherty, 78, a retired teacher and travel writer, and then come in with your request. “Don’t make any demands, but ask if there are any special programs for guests at the particular time,” she says.
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And this may seem obvious, but it isn’t to many harried and frustrated travelers: Just be nice. Harry Francis, director of lifestyle at Hotel Heron in Alexandria, Virginia, says attitude often makes the difference. “Hospitality at its core thrives on human connection,” he says. “When guests are kind, curious and engaged, staff naturally want to go the extra mile. That good energy tends to come right back around — sometimes in the form of an unexpected room upgrade.”
Bonus tip: If you are celebrating a special occasion, mention it. “If it’s your birthday, be sure to let us know,” Francis says. “Who knows? You may walk back to your room and find a bottle of champagne or chocolates waiting.”
Here’s what hotel insiders say you might be able to get — and when and how to ask:
Breakfast or meal credits
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Members can go to aarp.org/hotel-discounts to save on stays at hotels, including Wyndham, Choice and Best Western.
Many major hotel chains offer a free breakfast bar to guests. But when staying in a hotel that doesn’t, you might get a comped or discounted breakfast at the in-house restaurant — or possibly even room service — with a polite ask at check-in. Breakfast credits may also be available at some hotels, especially boutique properties. It’s always worth asking.
How to ask: “Would it be possible to have a breakfast voucher added to my room? I’d love to try your restaurant before heading out.” — Harry Francis
Snacks
While you may think this perk is reserved for club-level guests, some hotels also offer complimentary snack setups for others. At boutique properties, you might find a candy closet for guests to help themselves. Some upscale hotels have pantries on each floor that offer unlimited drinks and snacks such as nuts, chips, popcorn and candies.
How to ask: “Do you have any complimentary munchies or snacks?” — Susan Pearce, concierge at Henderson Beach Resort in Destin, Florida
Bottled water
Some hotel chains will offer free bottled water upon check-in to members of their rewards programs. But anyone can ask.
How to ask: “Could I please have a few complimentary bottles of water sent to the room?” — Ivanna Gonzalez, rooms director at the Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida
Alcohol
At some hotels, you might receive a welcome voucher for a glass of wine or a specialty cocktail, while others greet guests with a signature drink at check-in. But if it isn’t offered, you might never realize the option exists. It pays to ask.
How to ask: “Does your property offer any complimentary beverages at any time during our stay?” — Susan Pearce
Late checkouts and early check-ins
For an early check-in, it helps to explain your circumstances to the clerk, says Daniele Toniolo, a tour guide with JayWay Travel. For example, maybe you just arrived in town on a long flight and need to rest. For late checkout, try to make your request the night before so the staff has time to plan around cleaning schedules.
How to ask: “If the hotel isn’t too busy today, would it be possible to check out a little later?” Or “Is there any chance my room might be available for early check-in? No rush, just thought I’d ask.” — Harry Francis
Room upgrades
A better view or higher floor doesn’t always require elite rewards status. Sometimes it’s about timing — and kindness. Doherty says she’s been upgraded “without even asking,” simply because she was polite and rooms were available.
How to ask: “Just checking, are there any complimentary upgrades open at the moment? Totally fine if not, but figured I’d ask.” — Harry Francis
Borrow bars
The items you can get at hotel borrow bars technically aren’t freebies because you have to return them. But guests are often unaware they are available. If you need a curling iron, blender or phone charger, the hotel might have that in its borrow bar for you to use. Or ask the desk clerk what items they have. You might be pleasantly surprised: Some properties offer fun extras, such as board games and online video-game systems, while others up the ante with signature borrow-bar items, like GoPro or Polaroid cameras and boom boxes.
How to ask: “I forgot some toiletries. Can you provide me with a list of what you have?” — Ivanna Gonzalez
Resort perks
Also not technically a freebie, but often overlooked, are services included in resort fees. These can include complimentary bike rentals, yoga classes or a nightly social hour with wine and cheese.
How to ask: “Are there any resort perks or complimentary experiences available to guests that I should be aware of? I’d love to experience as much as possible during my stay.” — Ivanna Gonzalez
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