What special requests to ask for at hotels? The Answer is – Special requests at hotels can greatly enhance your stay, making it more comfortable and personalized. Consider asking for things like a room with a view, a higher floor (for reduced noise), extra pillows or towels, early check-in or late checkout, hypoallergenic bedding, or even a mini-fridge in the room. Always be polite when making requests, and remember that hotels will try their best to accommodate you, but guarantees aren’t always possible.

What Special Requests to Ask for at Hotels

What are special requests at hotels?

Special requests at hotels are those personalized preferences or needs you communicate to the hotel staff beyond the standard room reservation.

These requests can encompass anything from simple additions to your room to upgrades and arrangements that make your stay more comfortable, convenient, or memorable.

Special requests demonstrate to hotel staff that you’re not just a room number, but a guest with individual needs. It allows the hotel to go the extra mile, creating a sense of hospitality and care.

Why making special requests can enhance your stay

Here’s why you should consider making special requests during your hotel stays:

1. Personalized Comfort: Special requests let you tailor the room to your liking. Whether you need extra pillows for a good night’s sleep, a room away from the elevator to avoid noise, or a microwave to heat up snacks, these small touches personalize your space.

2. Celebrating Occasions: Hotels frequently assist with special occasions. A bottle of champagne on arrival for an anniversary, a birthday cake delivered to your room, or flower arrangements can create unforgettable moments of celebration.

3. Addressing Specific Needs: Special requests are crucial if you have specific needs like dietary restrictions, allergies, or accessibility requirements. Communicating these needs lets the hotel make the necessary adjustments for a comfortable and safe stay.

4. Increased Satisfaction: Studies often show a connection between guests who feel their needs are ‘heard’ and higher overall satisfaction with their hotel experience. Making special requests fosters that positive relationship between the guest and the hotel.

5. Potential Upgrades: While not guaranteed, making polite special requests can sometimes lead to unexpected room upgrades or added perks, especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion or are a loyal customer.

Types of Special Requests

1. Room Location and Features

Your hotel room can significantly impact your overall stay, which is why special requests regarding its location and features are among the most common.

Consider these:

• Higher floor rooms: These often offer better views and tend to be quieter due to less foot traffic. If you’re a light sleeper or value scenic vistas, asking for a higher floor is a smart request.
• Rooms with a view: Whether you’re yearning for a cityscape, an ocean view, or a poolside perspective, hotels often have rooms facing various directions. Specify your preference for a room with the view you desire.
• Quiet rooms: Light sleepers or those seeking tranquility should request rooms situated away from noisy areas like elevators, ice machines, or street-facing sections. A quiet room can make a world of difference in your rest and relaxation.
• Connecting rooms: Traveling with family or a group? Connecting rooms eliminate the need for separate bookings and offer extra space and convenience, ensuring your loved ones are nearby.

2. 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 enhance comfort and convenience:

• Extra pillows, towels, or blankets: Everyone has their preferences for comfort. Whether you like a mountain of pillows, extra-fluffy towels for a spa-like feel, or need an additional blanket for warmth, don’t be afraid to ask!
• Mini-fridge or microwave: These amenities are incredibly useful, especially for longer stays. A mini-fridge lets you store drinks, snacks, or even leftovers, while a microwave allows you to heat up meals or prepare quick bites. This can save money on dining out and offer flexibility.
• Crib or rollaway bed: Traveling with little ones or needing extra sleeping space? Most hotels can provide a crib for infants or toddlers, and many offer rollaway beds for additional guests. Be sure to specify your needs when making the request.

3. Upgrades and Special Occasions

Whether 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 room upgrades: While not guaranteed, politely inquiring about a possible complimentary upgrade is often worth a try, especially if there’s availability. Mentioning a special occasion (anniversary, birthday, honeymoon) or having loyalty status with the hotel brand might increase your chances.
• Flowers, chocolates, or champagne for celebrations: Many hotels are happy to arrange thoughtful touches for special occasions. You might request a bouquet of flowers, a box of gourmet chocolates, or a bottle of champagne awaiting you in your room for a celebratory welcome.

How to Make Special Requests

The way you approach making your special request can significantly influence the likelihood of it being fulfilled.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. When to make your request

At the time of booking: This is ideal for major requests such as room upgrades, specific views, or arrangements for special occasions. You can often add a “special requests” note during the online booking process or call the hotel reservation line directly.

Upon arrival: This works well for practical needs like extra pillows, appliances, or addressing any unexpected room issues. You can speak to the front desk staff in person.

2. How to make your request

Phone: Calling the hotel directly allows you to have a conversation and explain your requests clearly. This is well-suited for explaining reasons behind your requests or if they’re a bit more complex.

Email: Email provides a written record of your request, which is useful if you’ve made arrangements well in advance. Consider sending an email to the hotel’s general inquiry address or to the reservations department.

In-person: Speaking to the front desk staff upon check-in is ideal for immediate needs or special requests that are easier to explain in person.

3. Tips for success

Be polite: A simple “please” and “thank you” make a big difference. Remember, hotel staff want to help, so approach requests with courtesy.

Explain your reasons: If possible, briefly explain why your request is important to you. Mentioning a special occasion, 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 can’t be met exactly. For example, if the ocean view room isn’t available, perhaps a room with a partial view is possible.

What Does It Mean If A Hotel Can’t Accommodate Your Request

While hotels generally try their best to accommodate special requests, there are times when this may not be possible.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

Availability limitations: The most common reason for not fulfilling a request is simple availability. If the hotel is fully booked, they might not have rooms with your desired specifications or the resources to accommodate certain requests.

Room type limitations: Not all room types offer the same features. If you’ve booked a standard room, it might not be feasible to upgrade you to a suite or add appliances not typically found in that room category.

Hotel policies: Occasionally, hotels have policies that might restrict certain special requests. For example, some hotels may have rules about noise levels, room occupancy limits, or pet accommodations.

Unexpected situations: Unforeseen circumstances like maintenance issues, overbooking, or sudden room changes can sometimes limit a hotel’s ability to honor a previously agreed-upon request.

How Hotels Typically Respond

Reputable hotels will usually try to offer an alternative solution when they can’t meet 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 met, showing transparency and fostering understanding.

If your main request can’t be fulfilled, the hotel might offer a complimentary breakfast, a small welcome gift, or other perks to make up for the inconvenience.

What to Do When Your Request is Denied

Express your understanding and avoid getting upset. The hotel staff likely have valid reasons for not being able to honor your request.

See if there are alternative arrangements that could work for you. If not, adjust your expectations accordingly.

Focus on enjoying your trip! A minor setback with a special request shouldn’t overshadow your entire hotel experience.

Conclusion

Special requests play a significant role in personalizing your hotel stay and making it a more comfortable, memorable experience.

Don’t be afraid to ask! Making special requests in advance or upon arrival greatly increases the chances of the hotel being able to cater to them.

Clearly and politely convey your requests, offering explanations when possible, to help the hotel understand your needs and be more likely to accommodate them.

Understand that hotels will always do their best, but be realistic and remain flexible in case your requests can’t be met precisely.

Always show gratitude for the hotel’s efforts to make your stay special, even if all your requests aren’t completely fulfilled.

FAQs

Q: Should I tip for special requests?

While not mandatory, a small tip is a great way to express appreciation for hotel staff who go out of their way to assist with your special requests. This can be especially appropriate when it involves extra work, like setting up decorations or arranging for unique services.

Q: Are there any requests I should absolutely avoid?

Avoid requests that are unreasonable (like expecting a penthouse suite upgrade when you booked a basic room), disruptive to other guests, or violate hotel policy. Focus on requests that are realistic, respectful, and enhance your stay without causing inconvenience.

Q: Can I guarantee my special request will be fulfilled?

Sadly, no. Treat special requests as preferences the hotel will try to accommodate, not guaranteed promises. Factors outside the hotel’s control can sometimes interfere.