Welcome to Part 2 of This Series

The first part was packed with great information, but now I’m going to show you how to handle some of the industry’s worst traits—like a pro. No more fuss. Let’s begin.

5. How to Book Joining Rooms Like a Pro

Your travel plans are... well, not going according to plan. You’ve got a family of four, but your kids are in their late teens—and sharing a room isn’t exactly ideal. Perfect!

Mom and Dad get their own room, and the two kids share one, too. Sometimes, it’s great to have joining rooms when this happens, but this option is harder to secure than you might think.

Often, the people who book this style of room do so to keep an eye on a loved one with medical conditions.

During busy travel seasons, these rooms are usually booked well in advance. If you’re the type of parent who hates the idea of having your kids down the hall instead of just a door away—no problem. Take a page out of the Pro Book:

Make those calls well in advance. Not every hotel offers this option, but it’s becoming more popular.

Call and book directly through the hotel with a real representative.

These types of bookings require a lot of delicacy, so I don’t recommend leaving it to chance with a third-party provider. If something goes wrong, the hotel may not be able to help you. As mentioned earlier, your legally binding agreement is with that third party—not the hotel.

Bottom line? Call the hotel directly.

Connecting Rooms: A Lifesaver for Families and Groups

Connecting rooms are a great solution for traveling families and larger groups. They work beautifully for wedding parties, families with medical conditions, touring bands, various types of reunions—or even adult siblings. I’ve seen plenty of older siblings still refusing to share a room. You’ve got to respect the rivalry, no matter how old they get.

Unfortunately, not all hotels offer this option…

“What do I do if they don't have this option available at all?”

Great question!

Your next best bet is to request adjacent rooms. I know it’s not the dream scenario, but these really are your two best options. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen families separated by entire floors because of last-minute bookings. It’s brutal—and during peak travel seasons, nearly impossible to fix.

Book like a pro.
Spur-of-the-moment trips are awesome if you’re single or don’t have specific needs. But when you’re a parent, traveling with someone with medical requirements, coordinating a large group—or anything more complicated—planning ahead is essential.

6. Sorry, No Name on the Reservation, No Room Key!

Imagine this: You’ve booked two rooms—one for you and your spouse, and one for your kids. You walk up to the front desk and ask for a key to your kids’ room, only to be told:

“Sorry, your name isn’t on the reservation. I can’t give you a key to that room.”

It’s frustrating, but here’s an important note:

Just because you’re their parent doesn’t automatically entitle you to access their room. Unless they are under 18.

Hotels take guest privacy seriously, and unless your name is explicitly listed on the reservation, even family ties might not get you through that door.

Hotel Security: Why Family Ties Aren’t Enough

Hotels are required to follow strict security policies—family ties don’t override those obligations.

I’ve received countless complaints about this over the years, but the truth is, the solution is much simpler than you might think.

So, how do you avoid the hassle without getting shut down at the front desk?

It all comes down to communication and preparation.

There needs to be a mutual agreement between all parties before your trip that it’s okay to share room keys. If everyone’s on board, go to the front desk and have the staff add your name (and your spouse’s, if applicable) to the reservation. Once your name is on file, you’ll be issued keys to those rooms—no problem.

Note: The hotel will ask for a valid ID.
This is especially important if your name is not the primary name on the reservation.

If you are listed as the primary guest on both rooms, you’ll have access by default. The key here is to take care of this step before arrival. Make the reservations, then call the hotel to have the necessary names added.

Do not wait until check-in when the lobby is crowded, emotions are high, and the front desk is juggling a dozen other things.

Expert Tip: Pro Moves Behind the Scenes

What I’m about to share doesn’t contradict anything above—it just gives you a deeper look behind the curtain.

Want the easiest way to make all of this go smoothly?

Speak directly with the staff ahead of time. Let them know your needs, your room setup, and your plan. Nine times out of ten, they’ll appreciate the heads-up and will work with you.

Seriously—always do this before you arrive. It’s far too easy for details to get lost in the chaos of check-in.

If I’m being honest, this topic could be its own full blog post—but I’ll spare you that. Just remember:

Talk to the staff. Explain your situation. Be clear about what you want. Odds are, you’ll walk away impressed with the service.

7. How to Pay for Someone’s Room When Your Name Isn’t on It

Few problems in hospitality irritate guests more than this one.

You want to pay for your friend’s room, but your name isn’t the primary one on the reservation—or even listed at all. Maybe it’s for a loved one, and you’re still told you can’t cover the cost.

This is one of those subjects that could be a blog post all on its own, but here’s what you need to know from the hotel’s perspective:

The FDIC has more red tape and suspicion than an irritable mother-in-law on your wedding day. Credit card fraud is on the rise, with scammers constantly finding new and clever ways to steal money.

Hotels lose 5–6% of their revenue each year to credit card fraud. That’s roughly $150–300 billion annually lost across the industry.

I imagine you can see why hotels are so cautious when it comes to payment methods. Even if they’re the victim of fraud, they can still face fines for processing unauthorized transactions.

So, what does this mean for you?

How do you navigate a sea of red tape?

You need a clear and unmistakable plan.

There are a few ways around this problem, but I’m only going to teach you one.

Why?
Because, to be very honest, the method I’m about to suggest is the most reliable, legally binding way to protect both you and the hotel.

Use a Credit Card Authorization Form

Think of this form as a skeleton key—it can open any door you need.

If you want to pay for any and I mean any reservation, fill out this form and it is one of the best defenses from you becoming a victim of credit card fraud or getting an awkward call

This document can be sent to you via email and can be signed online.

It will ask for your basic information, name, card type, number, etc. It takes roughly a minuet to fill out, sign, and email back to the hotel.

Pro Tip: Always, always do this before you get to the hotel and make sure the staff notated it on your reservation or the reservation you are paying for.

By now I am sure you are noticing a theme. Everything in terms of set up and prep should be done before you arrive at your destination. Dealing with things after the fact only complicate the situation and yes, there are often unintended consequences.

Side Note: Make certain there are enough funds on your card to cover the room and make certain there are no geological restrictions either. If your payment does not process successfully, the hotel will charge the original card on file.

Yes, those charges can be reversed, and your authorization form will still be valid, thus charging your card again, but this is a headache for everyone involved. The hotel will make the changes, you will be charged, and you’ll see that charge. The person you are paying for will not get their funds back until usually 3-5 business days depending on their bank.

That’s a big deal. I once knew a family traveling on a budget of $2,000. They had their room being paid for, but the people paying never informed the hotel staff of this and there was no credit card authorization on file.

They expected to use that card even though the names did not match the guest’s names on their ID. Do not do this. No hotel will take that chance, doesn’t matter what the relation is.

8. How to Set Housekeeping Expectations

I’ll admit, I’ve personally had this happen to me—and it can make your temper rise real fast!

Housekeeping coming and going can feel very intrusive and, frankly, aggravating. I’m one of those people who doesn’t want anyone in my room—period! Unless I’ve given explicit consent, I’d rather take care of my space myself.

If you’re like me, great—this section is for you. But if you prefer housekeeping every day, every other day, or on-demand, you’ll still find useful tips here.

I’m going to keep this one sweet and straight to the point, because there are various ways to handle this issue.

Understanding Housekeeping Priorities

First, you need to understand the level of priorities—and I’ll be honest, a lot of hotels fail to explain this clearly to their guests.

Housekeeping does not prioritize guests who are already in-house. That doesn’t mean they don’t care or won’t get to you. It simply means they must prioritize checked-out rooms first in order to prepare them for new arrivals.

See, you’re already in-house. Housekeeping usually has until later that day—or even the next day—to service your room, depending on your request. But they typically have until 3 or 4 PM to get all the checkout rooms ready for new check-ins.

Please keep this in mind. As I mentioned in Part 1 of this blog, housekeeping handles the dirtiest part of hospitality and are truly the unsung heroes of the industry.

What Can the Front Desk Do?

Many requests can be fulfilled by front desk staff: extra towels, new sheets, soap, shampoo, irons, humidifiers, etc. However, they can’t clean or prepare rooms to guest-ready standards.

Why not? Because many properties require in-house certifications for that level of work—including passing room inspections.

Most front desk agents aren’t trained for that. That said, here’s a little bonus tip: you can ask the front desk manager if any of the staff have housekeeping certification. In most cases, the answer is no—but sometimes, they do. I was one of the few in the industry who was trained and certified.

How to Set Housekeeping Expectations

So, how do you set your housekeeping expectations? Should you use the “Do Not Disturb” door hanger?

Honestly, unless you’re sleeping, I don’t recommend relying on it. I’ve seen those get missed too many times.

Instead, add all your housekeeping requests directly to the reservation notes. Set all of your expectations at the front deskwhen you check in.

Why?

Because those notes are handed off to the housekeeping manager, who then distributes them to the floor staff assigned to your room. In most hotels, the entire housekeeping team reviews those notes during the morning meeting—and the information is logged on a rooms list for the housekeeper assigned to your room.

The Power of a Paper Trail

Another benefit? If the housekeeper fails to follow through, there’s a written trail linked to the front desk. Now, you’ve got the front desk manager on your side if something goes wrong.

This keeps all parties aligned and transparent. If something isn’t done, you’ll know whether it was due to a lack of communication—or someone dropping the ball. Either way, there’s accountability.

And remember, you can always add additional notes or change notes. I strongly recommend doing so if your needs change. Check in with the staff to ensure housekeeping is aware of any new requests.

What This Does Not Entitle You To

Do not be the kind of guest who catches a housekeeper mid-task, sees something wasn’t done, and starts yelling:

“See, see! I told you! This hotel doesn’t care about its guests!”

That’s not the way to handle it. Respect goes both ways.

Believe me, this is a fast way to have your reservation terminated—and for other guests to start talking about you.
And yes, that really does happen.

Just like you, housekeepers are human. They will make mistakes. Sometimes it's due to carelessness, but more often, it’s simply a result of the demands of daily operations. Sometimes they just can’t get to you in the time frame you prefer.

What you’re asking for will most likely get done that day—but being graceful about it goes a long way.

Far too often in hospitality, there’s this unspoken (and unfair) notion that hotel staff are robots—there to do the bidding of the “real” humans inhabiting the hotel.

I assure you; they are not. Just as I mentioned in the first part, these are real people with real emotions and think the world of you. Leverage that relationship and build upon that. The better experience you have the more likely you are to go back to that property.

9. How to get discounts, upgrades, vouchers for the restaurant and more.

This is one of the best parts about hospitality. Not just for you but also being the staff.

The trick is simple: start with a story, then follow it with a question.

For example:

“I’m booking a room for my honeymoon, and I was wondering… do you offer any special vouchers for the restaurant?”

Is it really that simple? Yes!

Some properties keep a binder of printed vouchers just for this purpose.
These can include things like:

Discounted room rates
Restaurant discounts
Buy-one-get-one offers
Deals on spa services, shuttle rides, and other on-site amenities

It’s especially helpful when these vouchers are printed and ready to go—particularly for amenities on property like a spa, restaurant, or shuttle service.

Why does this matter?

Because it’s like flashing a backstage pass.
Think about it: is it easier to explain that “some guy at the front desk said I could get a discount”—or is it better to present a printed voucher as proof?

You get it.

For properties that don’t use physical vouchers, you can still ask the front desk to inform the amenity directly—whether it’s the spa, restaurant, or anywhere else—so they know you’re good to go. If you’re offered a special at the spa, make sure the front desk communicates that to the spa team before you head down.

One Important Note:

If a property doesn’t have a physical document or voucher, and the staff gives you a verbal special—like 50% off your honeymoon dinner, valid tonight only—always confirm with the hotel staff again before you go.

Why? Because they may have gotten swamped, and by the time you return, the rush may have just ended. Details like that can get lost in the shuffle unless you double-check.

Additionally, make sure you remember the name of the person who made the offer. Sometimes a newer agent might promise something they aren’t supposed to. That doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll lose the offer—it just helps build credibility if there’s ever a question about it later.

Now, don’t abuse this.

If you have something special going on, the hotel may genuinely want to help make it more memorable—but keep your requests modest, and don’t keep inventing scenarios to get more perks.

Use the "30 Rule"

When asking for what you want, stick to the 30 Rule:

“You have 30 seconds, don’t suck, and tell your story.”

Here are a couple of examples:

“My husband’s birthday is this Friday, and I want to surprise him at your restaurant. Do you offer vouchers or special discounts for this? I’d really love to celebrate at your hotel.”
“My wife and I just found out we’re expecting our first baby. I’d love to upgrade to a nicer room, but I’m on a budget. Are there any complimentary upgrades or discounts you’d be willing to offer?”

Folks, it really is this simple.
Hotels want to make your stay special if they can.

**What Not to Do**

If the hotel offers you something nice, remember they’re being gracious. Don’t try to negotiate the outcome like it’s a game show.

If what they offer is good, say thank you and take it.
If it’s not quite what you hoped for, it’s okay to ask if there’s anything else they might be able to do—but don’t shoot for the moon. Grace and gratitude go a long way in hospitality.

10. How to Negotiate:

As the image above suggests, this can be intense—but there’s a better way. And while I’m going to seem like I’m contradicting myself, I promise it’ll make sense.

A moment ago, I said to keep your requests modest and not shoot for the moon. Well... I do want you to shoot for the moon—in order to obtain a modest success.

Let’s say you want 25% off your dinner because you're celebrating a birthday or anniversary. That’s a pretty big discount. Most places only offer between 10–15% off.

You could give your 30-second pitch and say something like:

“It would mean a lot to me if I could celebrate at your hotel. May I please have 40% off the dinner?”

The staffer may reply:

“I can do 20%, ma’am.”

You follow with:

“Boy, that’s a really good offer! Would it hurt anything if I asked for a little more help with this request?”

Chances are, the staffer will respond:

“Yes, ma’am, how may I help you further?”

Then you say:

“To seal the deal for me, could you please make that 25%? It would really mean a lot to me and my wife.”

If the staffer agrees, this is the time to flood them with gratitude and personal details.

Example:

“Thank you so much! You have no idea what this means to me. My wife has been wanting to dine here for months, and I finally have the time to make it happen. I just needed a little breathing room in the budget for a greater experience—and you just made that possible for us!”

This kind of genuine appreciation helps solidify the agreement—and sometimes, the staff may even surprise you with small additional gifts or perks. Why? Because you’ve established a personal and emotional connection with them and the hotel.

Important Note: Be sincere. And remember—even if you do everything right, there’s no guarantee you’ll receive anything. These are insider tips to help you get more out of your trip, not magic words set in stone.

I know we’re at the end of this top 10 list, but I promised you a bonus tip that I believe is key for handling conflicts. It’s also another way to get what you want—without being “that guest.”

Bonus: How to Win Conflicts and Get Upgrades

So, maybe this is you. All dressed up, looking sharp, ready to go out to dinner—when suddenly, a pipe bursts in your room and now you’re soaked.

I’ve actually seen something like this happen. A well-dressed woman got pushed into a hotel pool by some kids who weren’t paying attention. Why was she dressed so nicely by the pool? I have no idea. I just know she climbed out and stormed back into the hotel—dripping and furious.

Alright, so your stay isn’t going as planned.

Maybe you got the wrong room type. Maybe housekeeping didn’t meet expectations. Or perhaps you requested special amenities—like chocolate-covered fruit and champagne in the room—that never arrived.

Stuff happens. Now you’ve got to get it sorted out.

When the hotel fails to deliver on basic expectations—like friendly service, standard housekeeping, or simple follow-through—it’s okay to be upset.

But what you shouldn’t do is… well… be that guy.

There is a more graceful way to handle conflicts. So, let’s begin with a little wisdom in the form of a DOs and DON’Ts list.

DON’Ts

1. Don’t assume every bad thing that happens to you was somehow premeditated by the hotel staff.
Accidents happen. Pipes burst. Rooms get double-booked. It's not personal—so don’t treat it like a conspiracy.

2. Don’t take your anger out on the staff.
The front desk agent, concierge, or housekeeper didn’t cause your issue. They’re the ones who can help fix it—so stay calm and let them.

3. Don’t make pointless threats like, “I’m going to leave a terrible review.”
Unless the property is truly awful, your angry Yelp post is likely to be drowned out by glowing ones. Believe it—I’ve seen properties that absolutely don’t deserve their high ratings… but they have them anyway.

4. Don’t make a scene and threaten never to return.
Trust me, that’s not a threat to the hotel—it’s a blessing. If you become disruptive, the hotel may gladly take you up on that promise.

5. Don’t try to strong-arm the staff into a deal or an upgrade.
If you get aggressive, they’re well within their rights to cancel your reservation, refund your money, and ask you to leave.

6. Don’t keep an attitude after the problem has been resolved.
You may be allowed to stay this time—but once you check out, don’t be surprised if the manager informs you that you’re no longer welcome back.

7. Don’t ever assault the staff.
I’ve personal experienced this, It’s not fun. And it has consequences. Do not do this.

Important Reminder: Hotels often have their own form of internal law enforcement—whether it’s security, direct ties to local police, or formal procedures for disruptive guests. Poor behavior can get you walked off the property.

Bonus Don't: For the love of all that is holy, do not be the “Come on, man!” guy.
Don’t whine about your situation and end it with “Come on, man!”—it’s a dead giveaway that you’re the male equivalent of a Karen being told “No.”
Don’t be that guy.

Follow these tips for what to do instead.

DO:

1. Do make sure that whatever happened, the first thing you do is talk to the front desk.
They’re your primary point of contact and the best starting place for any resolution.

2. Do explain your problem in detail—and do it politely.
Remember, they have no idea what’s going on until you explain it clearly.

3. Do be discreet.
Share your concern calmly and in confidence. Allow the staff the opportunity to make things right for you.

4. Do ask for a manager if the regular agents don’t have the authority to resolve the situation.
If a manager isn’t available, kindly ask them to call one.

5. Do work closely with the staff to resolve the issue.
Don’t sit on your hands—but don’t nag either. Stay involved, follow up respectfully, and keep communication open.

6. Do calmly negotiate a solution.
No, not a financial settlement. For example:
Let’s say you checked into a room that wasn’t cleaned, but the hotel’s computer system shows it was cleaned. Politely explain the situation and request a different room. If you have a lot to move, ask for assistance with your belongings.

7. Do negotiate compensation when the issue is major.
If it’s something significant—like bad housekeeping, excessive noise, or poor communication that’s costing you time or money—this is the right moment to discuss a bigger discount, a comped night, or even a free upgrade.

The first interaction you have with staff sets the tone of your character and who you are, plus how you will be treated.

Summary: Travel Like You Mean It

You don’t have to be a hotel manager to travel like one.
Small changes in how you book, communicate, and interact with staff can completely transform your stay.

Want better treatment? Show better behavior.
Want insider perks? Act like someone worth sharing them with.

The road to becoming a hospitality MVP starts with one thing: not being that guest.

Follow the Illuminated Narratives blog for more unfiltered, behind-the-scenes content that helps you travel smarter, live better, and (maybe) laugh at yourself along the way.

Because travel is more than just a destination—it’s a reputation.
Let’s make yours a good one.

A Brief Intro About the Author

Ian Potoski spent multiple years in the hospitality industry, gaining experience across a wide range of hotel environments—from small 62-room boutique properties to high-end luxury resorts with over 100 rooms.

His career touched nearly every aspect of hospitality:
In-house restaurants, bars, concierge services, spas, wedding venues, boardrooms, even high-end retail boutiques.

Through it all, Ian has witnessed both the best—and the worst—of humanity in hospitality. From flawed travel plans to how guests treat staff, he’s seen the common mistakes travelers make, and he knows the difference a little insider knowledge can make.

Having worked in roles spanning the front desk, housekeeping, maintenance, sales, and banquets, Ian developed a 360-degree understanding of how hotels operate—and how guests can navigate them more successfully.

Now, as an aspiring copywriter, Ian shares those insights to help travelers like you get the most out of every stay—while avoiding the pitfalls that turn a good guest into a cautionary tale.

Because at the end of the day, travel should be memorable for the right reasons.

Written by: Ian Potoski, Owner/Operator of Illuminated Narratives
Co-Authored by: Solace, AI colleague with no Diamond Status—just impeccable insights

Confessions of a Front Desk Survivor: 10 Hotel Hacks to Not Be That Guest (Part 2)