One thing made these hotel stays so special
Plus a few ways to unlock more value from your next stay
Travel prices in Europe and worldwide keep increasing since 2019, some research shows. And with prices raising so sharply, guests expect more from their stay.
As an insider and regular traveler, over the last years I’ve experienced many types of accommodations, from resorts to boutique hotels, lodges, refuges -you name it.
Yet only a few really impressed me, regardless of the price, amenities or rating.
In fact, most of the times it was just one thing that made all the difference between an exceptional and an average hotel experience.
What was that one thing?
It was just one short moment going beyond my expectations, often enough to elevate my entire experience as a guest.
In a way, hotel guests can influence that. For example, by doing more research before booking an accommodation, or making the most of every moment at a hotel.
Here’s an (unbiased) list of special hotel experiences -and some tips to help you find that special moment, too.
Enjoying breakfast in an awesome setting (Ilha Grande, Brazil)
During a trip to Brazil I spent a few nights in a small hotel on a a secluded island -just a few rooms immersed between jungle and beach.
Why do I remember that stay? Because of the ritual of breakfast, a combination of fresh fruits and local products, served under tropical trees, right by the beach.
An outstanding breakfast is what many guests nowadays expect from a hotel. But there’s another reason (often ignored) why you should be looking forward to breakfast: It’s a great opportunity to connect with local staff and ask for small insider tips that you won’t find anywhere else.
You won’t believe how many valuable suggestions I got during breakfast!
That “middle-of-nowhere” feeling (Lipez Sur Desert, Bolivia)
Imagine a small outpost in the middle of the desert, at an altitude of 4,800 mt (15,700 ft), surrounded by a hostile landscape where outside temperatures can drop to -20°C (-4°F) at night.
This is the Lipez Sur desert in Bolivia, between Salar de Uyuni and the border with Chile. You can only get here by off-road vehicles after several hours driving through stunning mars-like landscapes.
Definitely not the most comfortable place to spend a night (there’s no electricity nor heating after 9 PM and the rooms were freezing cold) -but its location was incredible.
Choosing the right location is perhaps one of the most important things when booking a place to stay. Yet sometimes, pictures and descriptions are outdated or inaccurate, because hotels don’t always keep them up-to-date.
So, how do you make sure an accommodation is really how you think it is?
Using the satellite view on Google Maps is a great way to get a clearer impression about the place where you’ll stay. It helped me avoid bad surprises, like:
Trafficked roads nearby
“Private beaches” that, in fact, were just a few rocks not suitable for swimming
Big buildings obstructing the sea view
Waking up by the sea-breeze (Mykonos, Greece)
I have some great memories from my trips to Greece -Yet waking up with this view from a boutique hotel in Mykonos, overlooking the sea and the town of Mykonos itself, remains one of the best ones.
The best part? I hadn’t even booked this room (it would have cost us twice as what we had paid). But the receptionist was kind enough to offer us an upgrade.
As a matter of fact, room you’ll get largely depends on the room category you’ve booked on the hotel’s website or via third party websites.
But there are ways to increase your chances of getting a better room for the same price. Here are some tips:
Join the hotel’s loyalty program before booking the room;
Ask for a nicer room at the reception (I never, ever use the words “room upgrade”);
If possible, travel during low season when more rooms are available;
Add a nice message to the hotel when booking your room.
The latter is my favorite and usually has a high success rate. Some travelers go as far as pretending to be on a honeymoon trip to get a room upgrade, even if that's not the case (with mixed results). But usually, just asking politely should be enough.
Share your experience: What made one of your last hotel stays really special?
About me:
As a skilled traveler and tourism professional I’ve experienced the world: From hiking the Andes to flying Business Class, from campsites in Serengeti to luxury resorts in Maldives.
In my career as a marketer I’ve driven brand collaborations, scaled up communities and websites and helped tourism companies reach international travelers.
Beating Jetlag is where my authentic experiences as a traveler and genuine curiosity as an industry insider come together for behind-the-scenes travel content and resources.
For quick travel tips and hacks you can also follow me on Instagram or Facebook.
Interesting. This is the second article I have read today about the use of Google maps, satellite and street view.
As a solo traveler, it cannot be overemphasized how important reviewing the area where you plan to stay is. This map technology is a great way to have a look at what your walk might be like and the neighborhood of your accommodation.
And yes, actually reading the full description of hotels and looking them up is a great way to improve the satisfaction of your experience.
Getting to know the staff can make all the difference.