You’ve got tons of choices when it comes to staying in a hotel on vacation. It’s important to choose the right one if you want to make the most of your stay.

For example, if you’re staying in Nashville, the Gaylord Opryland Hotel is a great choice if you want to be near the Grand Ole Opry to attend multiple shows. Stay at the Kinnitty Castle Hotel in Ireland if you want a stunning castle experience, or choose a Holiday Inn if you’re just looking for a quick place to crash while you’re on the road.

A resort swimming pool at twilight

Although many hotels offer their own set of great benefits, it’s also true that many hotels offer some of the same perks to their customers. You just have to know what those perks are!

No matter where you’re staying, these tips will ensure you make the most of your hotel stay.

Take Time to Lounge by the Pool

Vacations can be busy. For many families, that means leaving the hotel early in the morning and not returning until late at night. You don’t want to miss out on experiences you’re looking forward to when you’re on vacation, but don’t forget that the hotel has experiences of its own. That’s definitely the case if it has a pool.

Relaxing by the pool can be just what you need during a busy vacation. It gives you a chance to recharge, and it’s a must-stop if you’re traveling with children. It comes included with your stay, so you might as well take advantage of it!

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

You’re really missing out if you aren’t taking advantage of free breakfast in the morning. It’s a great way to save a little cash and make sure you’re full before you leave the hotel so you aren’t spending your money on expensive breakfast items.

However, did you know that some hotels offer free dinner too? If your hotel has a restaurant, do not be afraid to ask if other meals are included with your stay. If not, there’s a chance that coupons are available that will make a meal more affordable.

Even without a discount, restaurants attached to the hotel can be extremely convenient. It’s a much more relaxing way to grab a bite to eat after a busy day.

Ask About Shuttle Services

One of the most stressful things about traveling is getting around when you get to your destination. Avoid trying to navigate the city in a rental car and skip dragging your luggage on public transportation by asking the hotel for shuttle services.

A shuttle really is the best way to get from the airport to the hotel, and most hotels that are located near the airport will have it as an option.

If you plan on driving your own car or a rental, pull up to the front door and ask the front desk if they offer valet parking. That way, you can unload your bags at the front door and someone else can park the car.

Ask for Extras

It isn’t just what’s in your room that you can get for free when staying in a hotel. There are a lot of perks you probably don’t realize are available!

Just a few things you can ask the hotel for include:

  • Extra pillows, including body pillows
  • Access to Netflix and other streaming services
  • Plastic bags
  • Pens and notepads
  • Herbal tea, in addition to coffee
  • Headphones
  • Earplugs
  • Toiletries, like mouthwash and toothpaste

Not all hotels offer these perks, while some offer other perks instead, so it never hurts to ask!

Let Them Know If You’re Celebrating

It’s always a good idea to let the hotel know if you’re celebrating when you book your stay. The obvious occasion would be to tell the front desk if you’re on your honeymoon, but don’t sell yourself short. The hotel will do something a little extra special for many different kinds of occasions!

Let them know if you’re celebrating your birthday, an anniversary, or a special milestone. You could find yourself with a free bottle of champagne, beautiful flowers in your room, or special coupons that you wouldn’t normally get if you were staying at the hotel for any other reasons.

Making the most of your hotel stay starts with choosing the right hotel, but no matter what hotel you choose, you can bet the staff there will go above and beyond to make sure your stay is pleasant. With these tips, you can make sure that’s the case!