If you’re planning a getaway—whether it’s a city break, a coastal escape, or a cheeky staycation—there’s a simple trick that could transform your hotel experience, and it won’t cost you a cent extra.
That’s right, you don’t need to splash out on a suite or sign up for a loyalty program to get a little luxury. The secret? It’s all about asking for the right room.
Now, we know what you’re thinking: ‘Aren’t all hotel rooms pretty much the same?’ Not quite! Even in the most uniform, chain-style hotels, there are subtle differences between rooms—sometimes in size, sometimes in layout, and often in the little extras that make a stay memorable.
So, what’s the magic room you should be requesting? According to Lee Davey, General Manager at Rydges Melbourne, it’s the humble corner room. ‘They’re often far quieter, away from the elevators with less foot traffic passing by,’ Lee explains.
That means a better night’s sleep, less disturbance, and a little more peace and quiet—something we can all appreciate, especially if you’re after a relaxing break.
But the perks don’t stop there. At Rydges Melbourne, Lee recommends the west-facing deluxe corner rooms for their stunning sunset views over the city skyline and Chinatown. Prefer to wake up with the sun? The east-facing corner rooms offer beautiful sunrise vistas of the Dandenong Ranges. Not a bad way to start (or end) your day!
And it’s not just Lee singing the praises of the corner room. Jamie Fraser, owner of Wedderlie House, backs up the tip: ‘Corner rooms are often slightly larger than standard rooms because of the building layout, and they usually only share one wall with another guest.’ That means more space to stretch out and less chance of being disturbed by noisy neighbours.
Even if you haven’t specifically booked a corner room, don’t be shy about asking for an upgrade when you check in. ‘Just ask at the front desk whether anything better is available,’ Lee encourages.
‘We’ll always check. No guarantees, but we’d rather explore the options than have you wonder what might have been.’ It’s a classic case of ‘if you don’t ask, you don’t get’—and you might be surprised by how often hotels are happy to accommodate your request, especially if they’re not fully booked.
Want to boost your chances of scoring an upgrade or a special room? Book directly with the hotel rather than through a third-party site. A hotel concierge said that direct bookings make it easier for staff to offer upgrades and extra perks. Plus, you’re more likely to get personalised service—something that can make all the difference.
But wait, there’s more! Many hotels offer little extras that most guests don’t even know about. Celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion? Let the hotel know before you arrive. ‘We’ve surprised guests with locally sourced treats from Koko Black, a bottle from Four Pillars, a local sparkling on arrival,’ the concierge shared.
‘It’s never cookie-cutter and we’ll tailor it to what you tell us.’ So don’t be shy—share your story and see what surprises await.
Travelling with grandkids or little ones in tow? Ask if the hotel offers in-room child-friendly amenities, like toys, activity packs, or special bedding. Many places are happy to go the extra mile to make your family feel welcome.
The bottom line? The real travel hack is simply to ask. Whether it’s for a corner room, an upgrade, or a little something extra, the worst they can say is no—but more often than not, you’ll find hotel staff are eager to make your stay special.
So, next time you’re booking a hotel, remember: don’t settle for the standard. Ask for that corner room, mention your special occasion, and see what magic the staff can work for you. You might just find your next stay is your best yet!
Key Takeaways
- Always ask for a corner room when checking into a hotel, as they tend to be quieter, larger, and might offer better views.
- Don’t be shy about requesting an upgrade at the front desk, even if you didn’t book a specific room type – hotel staff are often willing to check their options.
- Booking your stay directly with the hotel, rather than through a third-party site, can increase your chances of receiving an upgrade or special perks.
- Let hotel staff know if you’re celebrating a special occasion or travelling with children, as many hotels can offer tailored surprises and kid-friendly amenities if you simply ask.
Have you ever scored a great room or a special treat just by asking? Or do you have your own hotel tips to share? We’d love to hear your stories—pop them in the comments below and let’s help each other travel smarter!
