Hotel is so much more than just a bed
Loyalty Program
Elite membership benefits really make all the difference in the world if you have traveled a lot and could use a little pampering or a little 'extras' you'd want from a hotel. What 'extras'? Well, you can get early check-in, free suite upgrades, or a nice welcome amenity upon check-in. These little extra touches definitely add up and makes your trip a bit more memorable and, yes, exclusive and personal.
Make Use of the Concierge
The concierge is your gateway to awesome local and regional entertainment, restaurant reservations, and other services that require local knowledge to produce optimal value. You can definitely avoid disappointment or even over paying for restaurants if you get in touch with your concierge ahead of time. Usually, the concierge possesses years of experience and tons of insider knowledge in the travel industry. Best of all, they have built up a large network of contacts which you can access for rare concert hall seats or tight restaurant reservations.
Get a Local Guide
Ask the concierge or Airbnb host to put you in touch with a local guide they recommend. Most concierges with at least a few years under their belt would know a local resident who is knowledgeable about local sights, sounds, and flavours to be your guide. These local guides would have the stories and the distinct local knowledge that would make your walking or driving tour so much more enjoyable and memorable.
Regardless of what online resource you use, nothing beats the stories, local commentary, and unique insight from a local expert guide.
Special Lodging
Sometimes, it pays to be on the lookout for special lodging options. No matter how much we like our hotel loyalty program, nothing beats a special accommodation to truly experience the local flavours, enjoy the local colours, and get a distinct vantage point. Some of our most memorable stays were at a special lodging like a riad in Fez, a cave hotel in Cappadocia, and a lovely Parisien apartment right at Rue Saint-Honoré in Paris.