After years of booking hotels for myself and my clients, I have learned that there is almost always more available to you than what you booked. Here is how to access it and how to get the most out of your travel with these luxury hotel hacks.

ONE — BOOK DIRECTLY WITH THE HOTEL

Online travel agencies like Expedia and Booking.com are convenient but they almost always offer the worst rates for upgrades and perks. When you book directly with the hotel you are typically eligible for room upgrades, flexible check-in and check-out, and complimentary amenities that simply are not available through third party platforms.

If you work with a travel advisor, this is amplified even further. I have preferred relationships with luxury properties around the world that unlock perks my clients simply cannot access on their own.

TWO — CALL THE FRONT DESK BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

A quick call or email to the hotel 24 hours before arrival can make a significant difference. Mention any special occasion. Ask about upgrade availability. Introduce yourself. Hotels are more likely to take care of guests who have already made a personal connection before they walk through the door.

THREE — ARRIVE LATE IN THE AFTERNOON

If an upgrade is available, hotels typically assign it when the previous guest has checked out and the room has been turned. Arriving later in the afternoon rather than the moment check-in opens gives the hotel more flexibility to offer you something better.

FOUR — ASK WHERE THE CONCIERGE EATS

This is the single best dining hack I know. Ask your hotel concierge where they eat on their night off. Not where they send tourists. Where they actually go. That answer is almost always where the best meal of your entire trip will happen.

FIVE — CHECK IF YOUR CREDIT CARD COVERS TRAVEL PERKS

Many premium travel credit cards include automatic hotel status, complimentary breakfast, and room upgrades at participating properties. The Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, and Capital One Venture X all cover Global Entry fees automatically and include hotel perks that most cardholders never use. Check your cards before your next trip.

SIX — USE THE DO NOT DISTURB SIGN STRATEGICALLY

If you want your room made up, take the sign off before 10am. If you want privacy, leave it on. Simple but worth knowing because housekeeping windows vary widely by property and missing it means an unmade room for the day.

SEVEN — PHOTOGRAPH THE ROOM WHEN YOU ARRIVE

Before you unpack anything, take a quick photo or video walkthrough of the room. This protects you in the event of any damage disputes at checkout and takes about 30 seconds. It is one of those habits that you will never need until the one time you really need it.

Savannah