Hack your Hotel – read this before you book

Maybe it's that trip around the corner, a weekend away with a loved one, or the spontaneous click of a "Confirm Booking" for some last-minute R&R.

No matter the reason, there’s something undeniably exciting about looking forward to a trip - away from the cooking, cleaning, laundry and your to-do list.

But before you book your next getaway, SAIT Hospitality and Tourism Instructor Andy Wilhelm has a few keys to unlocking a better stay.

Before making his way to SAIT, Andy spent 15 years in the hospitality industry, getting his first gig when the luxurious Fairmont Château Lake Louise came knocking at his college door in Ontario. Since then, he’s been around the world for work, seizing an opportunity in Singapore through Fairmont and making waves on cruise ships - before sailing back to Canada to pursue a master’s degree.

Andy loves to travel. Pair that with experience working in the industry, and he’s got tips and tricks to share with you.

Map it out before you book

Andy uses Google Maps to zoom into the area where he plans to explore and selects the most appealing accommodation for his needs. Google Maps is a great way to determine what the location looks like and how walkable things will be.

Determine what you hope to do and see, and find accommodation near the items on your wish list. Then, book the highest-rated hotel in the area within your budget.

It's also crucial to know what's going on in the city. For example, if you tried to book a room during Stampede, you would have spent a much prettier penny in Calgary. A concert, a special visit or an event can all cause the prices for accommodations to increase. Booked solid, the service at these hotels may also dip, given how busy they'll be.

Andy's wisdom is not booking far in advance, but rather knowing what’s happening at that time of the year in your desired destination.

Do research elsewhere - but book directly with the hotel

Use third-party sites like Expedia or TripAdvisor to consider your options, but you will find better cancellation policies through the hotel, says Andy. If you find a better price on a third-party site, give the hotel a call. They’ll usually honour the lowest price to save on the high commission rates of third-party sites. There may be an exception with hostels, particularly if they’re booked through third-party sites.

If you're flying to your destination, Andy recommends Skyscanner.ca to locate cheaper flights (their calendar shows which days the prices are most affordable). But again, book directly with the airline to benefit from better cancellation policies.

A few green flags to consider when booking

Before you book, take a look at reviews - lots of them. Star ratings aren’t the only indicator of a hotel's value. Andy also likes to get his friends' advice. Why would a pal steer you wrong? Listen to personal recommendations!

To get a faster check-in, Andy recommends signing up to a hotel’s loyalty program if they have one. You can also make a reservation with the loyalty number, which provides the hotel with the information they need without asking - such as a credit card on file. Hotels with mobile check-in means you can do so before arrival, and simply stop at the front desk to collect your keys.

Ask and you shall receive - depending on your budget

Most hotels will have the toiletries you need. Money talks, so if your budget allows, dream big.

When he worked at Lake Louise, Andy was able to provide access to a closed restaurant patio for a couple hoping to sip a glass of wine near Lake Louise, making their romantic experience extra special.

Andy recalls a story of someone requesting a roasted pig, and their wish was granted, even within a short window of time.

Remember, it never hurts to ask.

Treat yo'self

Andy wants you to remember the why of the experience. It's not a home away from home. It's a special experience, somewhere different, no matter if it's in a five-star room or a 16-bed dorm. Don’t treat it like home. Treat it like you’re spoiling yourself - it's a break from the rush.

"The first thing I’m going to do is put on a bathrobe and slippers and just relax," says Andy. If those aren’t already in the room, he’s making the request.

Experience what the hotel is all about. Go have a full two- or three-hour meal in the restaurant. Do things you cannot at home. Order room service, if you can. Eat it in bed. Embrace the view.

Lastly, he says, don’t forget to request a late checkout.

Don't ignore hostels

A stay at an inexpensive hostel may provide a unique experience from a five-star hotel, but not necessarily less special if you’re interested in making new connections.

"The best experiences I've had are ones where I immediately met someone from a different country. I have the best conversation, decide to go out on the town and have the greatest memory with a complete stranger," says Andy.

If you're a solo traveller, hostels are a great way to meet people of all backgrounds and who hail from different parts of the world.

For safety, ensure you're booking hostels with good ratings. Read reviews online, or ask for recommendations from other travellers. Look to see whether they have security cameras and lockers to store more valuable items. Travel insurance can also provide peace of mind. Make sure the single-item limit will cover the value of your most-prized possession should it go missing. You can often book a private room, similar to a hotel, if that’s your preference.

At the end of the day, you’re practicing the art of making memories.

Remember that. Kick back and enjoy the moment.