Getting a good hotel room can be a big factor in determining how you enjoy a trip. Where you lodge will be determined by a few factors ranging from budget, location or destination to availability of hotel rooms. However, there are important questions you need to ask before actually booking a room. Here are five (5) questions you should ask to be sure you get the best room possible in the hotel of your choice.

It is vital that you get the front desk clerk involved in choosing the best room for you and not letting the hotel booking system choose it for you. The clerk works permanently in the hotel and knows the make up of the rooms. You should make specific requests at the check in counter and ask for initial inspection if possible. The questions below are a good way to go about it:

Is there wi-fi reception in this room?

Gratefully, more and more hotels are offering in-room wi-fi connection for free. However, we are in an era of “get what you pay for”, hence, a free connection could also mean weak or spotty reception. Since wi-fi is broadcast via wireless routers located in hotel corridors, the rooms closest to the routers get the best reception. Front desk staffers often know which rooms get the most complaints about poor wi-fi reception, so they can actively search for a room they know gets a strong signal.

Can I get a newly renovated room or one with a great view, a corner room, or a quiet room?

Simply asking for any of the above gets the hotel clerk involved in choosing your room. These features don’t usually affect the room rate, so by asking, you are likely to get the best room for the price you are paying.

How about an adjoining room?

This is very important because you need some quietude. Noisy neighbors can distract you if you’re working, taking business calls or meeting with clients in your room. This is also an important request if you are a light sleeper. If peace and quiet is important to you, ask the clerk for a non-adjoining room, that is, one without interior doors leading to an adjacent room.


Does this room have a well-fitted, well-lit desk and chair?

Some hotels have desks in every room that are suitable for working. Some don’t. By letting the clerk know that you plan to work in your room, you are more likely to get a larger or better room customized and set aside for business travellers — maybe even one on a special club or concierge level reserved for elite level members of hotel loyalty programmes or those on specially negotiated corporate rates.

How much will an upgrade to a bigger/better room or suite cost?

Hotel desk clerks are in the business. They are weary of guests asking for something for nothing. But by offering to pay slightly more than your reserved rate, you could end up with a much suitable room. The amount you pay will vary based on how busy the hotel is, and how many higher tier rooms are available. You’ll never know how much it will cost to get an upgrade unless you ask… so ask! Like they say, “you never know”, you might be surprised!

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