Traveling can be an exhilarating experience, but it often comes with its fair share of challenges, especially when it comes to accommodation. Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or a first-time traveler, understanding the various special requests that hotels can accommodate can make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable.
What special requests to ask for at hotels? The answer is: that special requests at hotels can greatly improve your stay, making it more comfortable and personalized. Consider asking for things like a room with a view, a higher floor (to reduce noise), extra pillows or towels, early check-in or late check-out, hypoallergenic bedding, or even a mini refrigerator in the room. Always be courteous when making requests and remember that hotels will do their best to accommodate you, but it is not always possible to offer guarantees.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the different types of special requests that hotels can accommodate, giving you valuable information and tips to ensure your needs are met during your stay.
What Special Requests To Ask For At Hotels
Special hotel requests are those personalized preferences or needs that you communicate to hotel staff beyond the standard room reservation.
These requests can encompass anything from simple additions to your room to upgrades and fixes that make your stay more comfortable, convenient, or memorable.
Special requests show hotel staff that you are not just a room number, but a guest with individual needs. It allows the hotel to go the extra mile, creating a feeling of hospitality and care.
Here are some special requests you can make to hotels.
1. Room Location And Features
Your hotel room can significantly affect your overall stay, so special requests regarding its location and features are among the most common. Consider these:
Room preferences
- Upper floor rooms: These tend to offer better views and tend to be quieter due to less foot traffic. If you’re a light sleeper or value panoramic views, asking for a higher floor is a smart request.
- Rooms with views: Whether you crave a cityscape, ocean view, or poolside perspective, hotels often have rooms facing various directions. Please specify your preference for a room with the view you desire.
- Quiet Rooms: Light sleepers or those seeking quiet should request rooms located away from noisy areas such as elevators, ice machines, or street-facing sections. A quiet room can make a big difference in your rest and relaxation.
- Connecting rooms: Are you traveling as a family or group? Connecting rooms eliminate the need to book separately and offer additional space and comfort, ensuring your loved ones are close by.
2. Dietary Restrictions And Preferences
When traveling, it is essential to take into account any dietary restrictions or preferences you may have. Hotels are becoming more welcoming to meet the diverse needs of their guests. Whether you have food allergies, follow a specific diet, or have religious dietary requirements, it is essential to communicate your needs in advance to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Vegetarian/vegan options
With the growing popularity of plant-based diets, many hotels now offer a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options. From delicious meatless main dishes to dairy-free desserts, these options suit those following a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.
According to a report by Plant Based News, the global vegan food market is projected to reach $24.3 billion by 2026, reflecting the growing demand for plant-based options in the hospitality industry.
Allergen-free rooms
For people with severe food allergies, hotels often offer allergen-free rooms. These rooms are meticulously cleaned to remove any traces of common allergens such as peanuts, tree nuts or gluten. According to a study by Food Allergy Research & Education, approximately 32 million Americans have food allergies, making allergen-free accommodations a necessity for many travelers.
Religious dietary requirements
Hotels are also increasingly aware of religious dietary requirements. For example, many hotels offer halal or kosher dining options to accommodate guests who follow Islamic or Jewish dietary laws. Some hotels even have dedicated kitchens or separate dining rooms to ensure proper preparation and serving of these meals.
A Statista survey revealed that 23.2% of the world’s population identifies as Muslim and 0.2% identifies as Jewish, highlighting the importance of addressing these religious dietary needs.
3. Practical Amenities
Sometimes it’s the little things that make a big difference in your hotel stay.
Here are some practical amenities you can request to improve comfort and convenience:
- Extra pillows, towels or blankets – everyone has their preferences when it comes to comfort. Whether you like a mountain of pillows, extra fluffy towels for a spa feel, or need an extra blanket for warmth, don’t hesitate to ask!
- Mini fridge or microwave – These amenities are incredibly useful, especially for longer stays. A mini refrigerator allows you to store drinks, snacks, or even leftovers, while a microwave allows you to heat up meals or prepare quick snacks. This can save money on dining out and offer flexibility.
- Crib or folding bed: Are you traveling with small children or need extra sleeping space? Most hotels can provide a crib for babies or toddlers, and many offer rollaway beds for extra guests. Be sure to specify your needs when applying.
4. Special Meal Requests
Beyond dietary restrictions and preferences, hotels often accommodate special meal requests. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, have specific dietary goals, or simply have a particular craving, many hotels will be happy to accommodate your requests.
From personalized birthday cakes to low-carb or high-protein meals, the hospitality industry strives to create a personalized and memorable experience for every guest.
Remember, clear communication is key when it comes to dietary needs and preferences. Please feel free to contact the hotel in advance to discuss your requirements and ensure they can accommodate your requests.
5. Upgrades for Special Occasions (Anniversaries, Birthdays)
Whether you’re on a romantic getaway, celebrating a major milestone, or simply hoping for a more luxurious experience, these special requests can make your hotel stay unforgettable.
Complimentary Upgrade
While it’s not guaranteed, it’s often worth a try to ask politely about a possible free upgrade, especially if it’s available. Mentioning a special occasion (anniversary, birthday, honeymoon) or having a loyalty status with the hotel brand can increase your chances.
Romantic occasions
Flowers, chocolates, or champagne for celebrations: many hotels will be happy to arrange special touches for special occasions. You can have a bouquet of flowers, a box of gourmet chocolates, or a bottle of champagne waiting in your room for a celebratory welcome
6. Accessibility Needs
When it comes to travel, ensuring accessibility is crucial for many guests. Hotels that prioritize inclusive accommodation not only serve a broader range of guests but also demonstrate their commitment to providing an exceptional experience for all.
Accessibility needs cover a wide range of requirements and hotels must be well prepared to meet the specific needs of their guests.
Wheelchair accessible rooms
For people with mobility issues, wheelchair accessible rooms are a necessity. These rooms feature wider doorways, roll-in showers, lower countertops, and other amenities designed to ensure ease of movement and independence.
According to a CDC report, approximately 13.7% of adults in the United States have mobility disabilities, highlighting the substantial demand for accessible accommodations.
Adaptations for people with visual disabilities
For visually impaired guests, hotels can offer a variety of accommodations to ensure a safe and smooth stay. These may include braille signage, tactile maps, audio guidance systems and staff assistance with navigation.
Additionally, providing menus and other materials in large print or electronic formats can greatly improve accessibility. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 12 million people in the United States aged 40 and older have vision problems, underscoring the importance of addressing the needs of this community.
Adaptations for the hearing-impaired
Ensuring a comfortable and inclusive stay for guests with hearing impairments is another crucial consideration. Hotels may offer rooms equipped with visual alarms, closed captioning on televisions, and TTY (teletypewriter) devices for communication.
Additionally, training staff on effective communication techniques, such as facing the guest when speaking and providing written instructions, can greatly improve the overall experience. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, about 2 to 3 out of every 1,000 children are born deaf or hard of hearing, underscoring the importance of serving this community.
7. Special Services and Amenities
When it comes to making your hotel stay truly special, requesting unique amenities and services can go a long way. Hotels are often happy to accommodate guests’ preferences, whether for convenience, comfort or to celebrate a special occasion.
Early check-in/late check-out
If your travel plans don’t align perfectly with standard check-in and check-out times, many hotels offer early check-in or late check-out options. This can be especially helpful if you arrive early in the morning or have a late-night flight out.
According to a TripAdvisor survey, more than 60% of hotels offer early check-in or late check-out services upon request and availability. Just be sure to ask about any additional fees that may apply.
Exercise equipment in the room
For fitness enthusiasts or those who prefer to exercise in the privacy of their rooms, many hotels offer in-room fitness equipment rentals. This could include yoga mats, resistance bands, or even stationary bikes or treadmills.
Cribs or folding beds
Are you traveling with small children or an additional guest? Don’t forget to request a crib or rollaway bed during your hotel reservation. Most hotels offer these services for free, but it is always best to confirm availability and associated costs beforehand.
According to Hotels.com, about 75% of hotels offer cribs and rollaway beds, making them a popular request for families and larger groups.
How To Make Special Requests
How you approach making your special request can significantly influence the likelihood that it will be fulfilled.
Here’s what you need to know:
How to make your request
Telephone: Calling the hotel directly will allow you to chat and clearly explain your requests. This is great for explaining the reasons for your requests or if they are a little more complex.
Email: Email provides a written record of your request, which is helpful if you have made arrangements well in advance. Consider sending an email to the hotel’s general inquiries address or reservations department.
In-person: Speaking to front desk staff at check-in is ideal for immediate needs or special requests that are easier to explain in person.
When to apply
At the time of booking: This is ideal for important requests such as room upgrades, specific views, or arrangements for special occasions. You can often add a “special requests” note during the online reservation process or call the hotel’s reservation line directly.
Upon arrival: This works well for practical needs like extra pillows, and appliances, or to take care of any unexpected problems in the room. You can speak personally with the reception staff.
Tips for Success
Be polite – a simple “please” and “thank you” make a big difference. Remember, hotel staff want to help, so address their requests courteously.
Explain your reasons: If possible, briefly explain why their request is important to you. Mentioning a special occasion, a specific need, or even just expressing your excitement about the stay can encourage the hotel to go the extra mile.
Offer flexibility – Be open to alternative solutions if your initial request cannot be met exactly. For example, if the ocean view room is not available, a partial view room may be possible.
Conclusion
Traveling should be a stress-free and enjoyable experience, and understanding the various special requests that hotels can accommodate is a crucial step in ensuring your needs are met. From dietary restrictions and accessibility requirements to room preferences and unique amenities, hotels strive to provide personalized experiences that meet the diverse needs of their guests.
By communicating your specific requests in advance, you can ensure a comfortable and smooth stay, allowing you to focus on creating lasting memories and fully enjoying your travel adventures.
Remember, the key to a successful hotel stay lies in clear communication and understanding the variety of options available to you.
Happy travels!
FAQs
How do hotels usually respond?
Reputable hotels will usually try to offer an alternative solution when they cannot accommodate your specific request. This could mean a room with a similar view, a slightly later check-out time, or comparable amenities. A good hotel will explain why your request cannot be fully accommodated, showing transparency and encouraging understanding.
What to do if your request is rejected?
Express your understanding and avoid getting angry. Hotel staff likely have valid reasons for not being able to honor your request. See if there are alternative arrangements that might work for you. If not, adjust your expectations accordingly. Focus on enjoying your trip! A small hiccup with a special request shouldn’t overshadow your entire hotel experience.
Should I tip for special requests?
While not required, a small tip is a great way to express appreciation to hotel staff who go out of their way to help you with your special requests. This can be especially appropriate when it involves additional work, such as putting up decorations or organizing unique services.
Are there any requests you should avoid completely?
Avoid requests that are unreasonable (such as expecting a penthouse suite upgrade when you booked a basic room), that disturb other guests, or that violate hotel policy. Focus on requests that are realistic, and respectful, and enhance your stay without causing inconvenience.