Checking in at a hotel should be quick enough, but certain details and services vary from one property to another. Preparing and informing you can facilitate the procedure, whether you are in Italy or abroad, in a hotel belonging to a large chain or in a small boutique hotel.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Inquire about the hotel
Step 1. Search for information on the internet
Before booking, do a search on the hotel online, where you can see the rooms, the place where it is located, the services it offers and so on.
If you cannot use the internet, call the hotel to inquire about the location, level of tranquility, distance from restaurants, and so on
Step 2. Find out about the cancellation policy
It can happen that you have an unexpected event, so read the cancellation policy of the hotel and calculate any costs.
Some hotels and hostels offer very few services. You may need to bring drinking water and bedding, so be prepared well
Step 3. Download and print a map of the area where the hotel is located to find your way around an unfamiliar place
- Bring a map of the neighborhood where the hotel is located and a map of the general city;
- Decide if you will reach the hotel by taxi, by renting a car or by public transport;
- If you want to reach it by car, find a parking space available before departure; also inquire about costs and location. Try to always have a map available.
- If you travel by taxi, make a rough estimate of the time it will take to get to your destination, especially if you go abroad, that way you will not be fooled.
Step 4. Confirm your booking a few days before arrival:
is always recommended.
- If you have made any special requests (such as adjoining rooms, certain types of beds, a room in a quiet part of the hotel, a cot, etc.), please remind the receptionist.
- Confirming your reservation in advance prevents the hotel from making mistakes, and you'll have your back if the property does something wrong. In that case you can negotiate with a clear conscience to get a nicer room!
Step 5. Find out about the check-in time
Most hotels, especially the smaller ones, have specific hours.
- If you have to wait a long time between arrival and check-in time, call ahead and ask politely if it is possible to do it earlier or at least leave your bags. You will be able to explore the area.
- If you check-in late, especially in a small hotel without a 24-hour receptionist, please let the staff know your arrival time to agree.
Step 6. Make sure the name on your ID, credit card and passport matches, otherwise it may be difficult or impossible to check in
Method 2 of 2: Check In
Step 1. Go to the reception, which is the space used to welcome guests and to officially check-in
Step 2. Have ID (such as driver's license or passport), booking confirmation and one or more payment instruments (preferably a credit card with sufficient funds) on hand
- If you are staying abroad, the receptionist usually makes a photocopy of the front page of your passport, but may also ask you to leave it at the reception for the entire stay.
- It may be useful to print your booking confirmation, especially if you got the room at a special rate or with a promotion.
- If you don't have a reservation, be prepared for a rejection if the hotel doesn't have any rooms available. Ask the receptionist to suggest alternatives.
- Most hotels withhold the amount of money needed to pay for the stay, plus a daily percentage for any additional costs, so don't use a debit card.
Step 3. Find out about the services offered by the hotel
Make a note of the breakfast room and time, internet access and password, work areas, lounges, bars, restaurants, gym, spa and so on, to make your stay more comfortable.
Step 4. Ask questions
The receptionist or concierge can give you a map and recommendations on where to go and what to do in the area.
Step 5. Receive the key
In some cases it is electronic, in others traditional. Sometimes the key is needed to activate the electricity in the room.
Ask if you have to leave the key at the reception - if it is the only one available, this is standard procedure
Step 6. Tip the usher if he is carrying luggage
Sometimes the usher has a trolley and a lift at his disposal, other times he has to carry his luggage up several flights of stairs. Tip him accordingly
Step 7. Take a look at the chamber
Before you unpack and get comfortable, check it out to make sure it offers everything you were promised, that it is well stocked and that there are no bad smells, stains or bugs on the bed.
- Check that the room is clean, with enough towels and bathroom supplies.
- Check the closet to see if the hotel has extra blankets and pillows available.
- If you are dissatisfied with the room's location, smell, or level of tranquility, politely ask to be moved. When they can, hotels try to help guests. If the property can't give you a similar room, ask to be moved to a nicer one or one with a view.
Step 8. Unpack and make yourself comfortable
Relax, take a shower and get ready for whatever awaits you!
Advice
- Ask the receptionist or concierge what his name is and try to remember his name.
- If you can, tip the cleaners. When was the last time someone made your bed every day?
- If you are abroad and need to speak another language, spell the words well and use simple terms to facilitate communication and make it more efficient.
- Print the booking confirmation, but also the map of the city where you will be staying and the hotel district.
- Find out about the hotel's laundry service - it can be quite useful if the journey is long or if you get dirty.
