14 Hotel Perks You Didn’t Know You Could Ask For
Most travelers stick to the basics when checking into a hotel. Wi-Fi password, and maybe a free breakfast if they’re lucky. But what if I told you there’s a secret menu of perks hiding behind the front desk? From free phone chargers to surprise room upgrades, hotels have plenty of little-known extras that guests rarely take advantage of. Some will even provide a body pillow for extra comfort, or hand you an umbrella if the weather turns. The best part? You just have to ask.
Before you swipe your credit card for something you forgot, take a minute to see what your hotel has to offer. You might be surprised by what’s up for grabs. Let’s go!
A Room Upgrade—Without Paying Extra
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You don’t always have to spend a fortune to get a better room. If the hotel isn’t fully booked, politely asking for a complimentary upgrade at check-in might land you a bigger suite, a room with a better view, or even access to VIP amenities. Bonus tip: mentioning a birthday, anniversary, or honeymoon might just sweeten the deal.
Complimentary Chargers and Adapters
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Forgot your phone charger? Before you rush out to buy a new one, check with the front desk. Many hotels have a stash of left-behind chargers for guests to borrow. If you’re traveling internationally, some hotels even keep extra plug adapters on hand—just ask!
Special Pillow Menus
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Not a fan of the standard hotel pillow? Some hotels have pillow menus where you can choose from memory foam, down, hypoallergenic, or even body pillows. Fancy a lavender-scented pillow for extra relaxation? Yep, some places even have those too.
Bikes for Exploring
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Why pay for an expensive rental when many hotels provide free or low-cost bikes to guests? This is especially common in bike-friendly cities like Amsterdam, Portland, and Tokyo. A quick inquiry at the front desk could score you a fun, eco-friendly way to explore the town.
Forgotten Toiletries—Beyond Shampoo and Soap
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Sure, most hotel perks include basic toiletries, but did you know they might also have items like toothbrushes, deodorant, razors, and even feminine hygiene products? High-end hotels may even provide luxury skincare samples—worth asking about if you forgot your moisturizer!
Complimentary Snacks and Drinks
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Some hotels offer free snacks or drinks upon request, especially if you’re celebrating something special. Even if there’s no obvious perk listed, it never hurts to ask. Many boutique hotels stock local treats in the lobby or include complimentary coffee and tea beyond the in-room supply.
Workout Equipment in Your Room
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Can’t make it to the hotel gym? Some places let you borrow fitness gear like yoga mats, resistance bands, or dumbbells for an in-room workout. A few hotels even have fitness-themed rooms equipped with treadmills or Peloton bikes.
Late Check-Out (or Early Check-In) for Free
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Got a late flight? Instead of waiting at the airport for hours, ask if you can check out a little later—many hotels will extend your stay for free if they aren’t fully booked. Similarly, arriving early? They might let you check in ahead of schedule at no extra charge.
Complimentary Streaming Access
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Some hotels have ditched overpriced pay-per-view movies and now have free access to Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+. If you don’t see streaming services listed, ask the front desk if there’s a way to access them during your stay.
Room-Specific Requests (Like a Quiet or Corner Room)
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If you’re sensitive to noise, let the hotel know in advance. Requesting a corner room or one away from the elevators can make a huge difference. If you’re after a stunning view, a polite request might just land you the best spot in the house.
Free Slippers—And Sometimes Robes!
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Most hotels provide disposable slippers, and guess what? You can usually take them home! Some high-end hotels might have complimentary robes on the list, especially if they have the hotel’s branding on them. If you’re unsure, just ask before stuffing one into your suitcase.
In-Room Humidifiers or Air Purifiers
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Traveling somewhere dry or have allergies? You can find in-room humidifiers or air purifiers in some hotels to make your stay more comfortable. This is especially common in desert destinations like Las Vegas or high-altitude cities like Denver.
Free Laundry Bags (or Laundry Services!)
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Most hotels provide a laundry bag in the closet, and in many cases, you’re allowed to take it with you. Some high-end hotels even have complimentary pressing services for a few items if you’re in town for a business event.
Umbrellas for Rainy Days
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Caught in a downpour? Instead of buying an overpriced umbrella at a souvenir shop, check with your hotel. Many keep umbrellas on hand for guests to borrow, especially in rainy destinations like London, Seattle, and Tokyo.
Surprise Celebratory Treats
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If you’re celebrating a birthday, honeymoon, or anniversary, let the hotel know. Many will offer a little something extra, like a free bottle of champagne, dessert, or a room upgrade—just for mentioning your special occasion.