10 top questions about hotels you were too afraid to ask

IF you’ve ever left a hotel with the free slippers in your bag, there is no need to feel bad. But be warned: the bathrobes are still off limits.

They’re our home away from homes around the world but sometimes there are things we’re not too sure about when we check into a hotel. To help put minds at ease we’ve turned to the experts to get the answers.

WHY ARE HOTEL MINI BARS SO EXPENSIVE?

TravelManagers personal travel manager Gail Hughes says this one is all down to convenience.

“You don’t need to put on shoes and head outside the hotel to find a convenience store to buy a chocolate or if you feel like a drink in your room.”

That said, some hotels are starting to include the mini bar in the hotel room price. Ask the managing director of Melbourne’s Adelphi Hotel, Dion Chandler, about expensive mini bars and he’ll laugh.

“At Adelphi Hotel ours are free. Seriously. Take it all!”

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More like a maxi bar ... The Signature Mini Bar Trunk at The St Regis Kuala Lumpur.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I TAKE THE ROBE OR SLIPPERS HOME?

Hotel robes can be so comfortable and covetable that some hotels now have a note on the hanger to say how much you’ll be charged if you take one home.

As a general rule, if a robe slips into your suitcase it will turn up on your credit card statement. But the Grand Hyatt Melbourne’s general manager Ilan Weill says slippers are a different matter. “Perhaps a little known fact among guests is that if you used them, you are more than welcome to take your slippers home with you. We certainly do not reuse them.

“Personally, I love reusing hotel slippers, I use them to move around the aircraft when I travel, they’re very comfy.”

Meanwhile at QT Hotels & Resorts their “Desire” menu has prices for everything you might want to take home, including their black bathrobes, ceramic animals, cocktail shakers and bathroom glasses.

I’VE BOOKED AND PAID FOR FIVE-STAR ACCOMMODATION. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?

Luxury properties need to meet strict guidelines to keep their stars, which means guests can expect a certain standard.

“Offerings differ depending on the property type and location. However travellers can expect a high level of service, including indulgent rooms, VIP-style service, a decadent breakfast, fluffy bathrobes and pillows, along with many other perks,” Wotif.com travel expert Amanda Behre says.

“Some even offer personal butler services and pet-friendly room service menus.”

ARE CHEAP HOTELS ALWAYS BASIC?

That depends on your definition. While they may not have all the bells and whistles of a five- star hotel there are lots of cheap-and-chic budget options to be found as an increasing number of affordable hotels focus on Instagram-worthy design.

Behre says staying out of peak season and on the outskirts of known hot spots can help bag a bargain.

Meanwhile, capsule and pod hotels can be simple and stylish or clever and charming, and even some hostels like Valencia Lounge Hostel in Spain look more like boutique hotels these days.

Yes, they’re yours to take! Bathroom amenities (Malin + Goetz) at QT Hotels.

CAN I TAKE ALL OF THE AMENITIES WITH ME?

“As long as you don’t take the kettle, most hotels are fine for you to take the bathroom and coffee and tea amenities, including soap, tea and hair products.” Behre says.

“However, all hotels are different, so you should always check with reception if you are not sure.”

Weill adds that hotel amenities are a great size to travel with in your carry-on luggage. “On departure, you’re welcome to take home your amenities. We know many people like to collect them as travel prizes.”

WHAT ABOUT TIPPING? SHOULD I TIP HOUSEKEEPING OR SOMEONE WHO HELPS WITH MY LUGGAGE? AND IF SO, HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH?

“This all depends which country you are visiting,” Hughes explains. “Some countries such as Japan consider tipping rude. However, if you are travelling to Africa or the USA, where tipping is appreciated, you could tip housekeeping $US2-5 ($A2.60-6.50). This is at your own discretion and only if you are completely happy with the service.”

If you are going to leave a tip for housekeeping, it’s best to give a little each day as you could have different people servicing your room. And, as good housekeepers wouldn’t take money left on a counter, be sure to put it in an envelope or with a note saying thanks.

HOW CAN THE CONCIERGE HELP?

Chandler says there’s nothing a good concierge cannot help you with. “If anyone loves a challenge, it’s the hotel concierge. Tickets to a sold-out show? Not a problem for the concierge.”

A good concierge can create tailor- made travel tips just for you, get a table in that top restaurant, reconfirm your flights and transfers and much more.

Behre says there are great stories about what concierges have organised for guests. “From finding a last-minute ball gown, to sourcing wild goats milk for a guest’s bath, they have heard it all so don’t be afraid to ask.”

Wild goats milk for a guest’s bath? Last-minute ball gown? Hotels have heard it all.

WHY SHOULD I JOIN A HOTEL’S LOYALTY PROGRAM?

Most hotel awards programs are free to join and can offer immediate perks including free Wi-Fi and special member discounts. “QT’s loyalty program, Priority Guest Rewards, offers dozens of exclusive and exciting rewards including late checkout,” says Stephen Howard, PR director for QT Hotels & Resort.

“(That’s) not just at QT but at other hotels in Australia and around the world through the GHA alignment, and you can earn and redeem points with every trip.”

HOW CAN I GET EARLY CHECK-IN OR LATE CHECKOUT?

Being part of a loyalty program will increase your odds, as will asking when you book online rather than on arrival. “We always say yes if we can,” Weill says. “We are fortunate to have a very busy hotel, so unfortunately, this is not always possible.

“However, we would always find a friendly solution for anyone that needs a place to rest, change, do emails etc while they wait.”

WHY DO HOTELS PLACE A HOLD ON MY CREDIT CARD AND DO I HAVE TO AGREE?

Credit card pre-authorisations are a precaution hotels take to cover any possible incidentals including mini bar and breakages, and also let the hotel see if there are funds available on your card.

Chandler says if it’s the hotel’s house rule then you do need to hand your card over or find somewhere else to stay.

“Generally it’s for the hotel’s peace of mind. We always ask our first-time guests for a credit card pre-authorisation and ID. Once we get to know them as a regular, we relax our rules a bit.”

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