10 Things To Do at the Start of Your Hotel Stay

Guangzhou Marriott China Hotel

Usually when we arrive at our travel destination we get the key to the hotel room, drop our bags, and head off to see the sights or go to the business meeting.

However there are some important things (in no particular order) to do on arrival so that the rest of your trip can be enjoyable

1. Let someone know you arrived, and where you are.
It is a good idea to let someone know back home that you arrived safely. Let them know how to get in touch with you if needed by giving them your hotel phone and room number etc

The Grand China Hotel Guangzhou

2. Check the weather.
Look outside and see if the sun is shining or if it is pouring with rain. Check the internet or newspapers for the weather forecast for the next few days. This will help you to decide what type of clothing to wear, what activities to do, and what type of transport will be best.

3. Read the hotel guide book.

Search around the hotel room for the hotel guide book. This will tell, you important information about hotel facilities, room service, opening times etc. Essential reading in the first part of your hotel stay.

Beijing Courtel Hotel Rooms

4. Secure your valuables.

If you are travelling with any valuable items it is a good idea to lock them in the room safe or secure them in some way. A holiday or business trip can be ruined by the loss of something valuable.

5. Grab something to eat

You are probably hungry after your travelling. If you haven’t done any previous research on to what eating spots are in and near the hotel, find out what is available. There may be an all day/night dining room open in the Hotel, or you may have spotted one with a block or twos walk on the way to the hotel. If it is morning, go have tea or coffee and breakfast foods (pancakes, pastries, etc.); if it is evening, have a proper dinner; if it is nighttime, maybe a cocktail and a snack

Jin Jiang Tower Hotel Shanghai

6. Reset your clock.
If you changed time zones while travelling, it is best to adapt to the new zone immediately. Change your time pieces to the local time zone if you haven’t already done so.

7. Explore the room.

Find out where the lights switches are, how to turn on the TV, how the air conditioning works etc. It is best to do this now rather than late at night on returning from you evening outing. Discover what complimentary toiletries and refreshment are provided, wand what ones you need to pay for.

Astor House Hotel

  Shanghai

8. Get outside.
Go for a walk, familiarize yourself with the surroundings and get some fresh air and exercise. Do this again the morning after you arrive; getting yourself out into the sunlight alerts your brain and body to what time of day it is. Take your camera with you and take a few pictures of your room and the local area you are staying in. Your family back home will appreciate seeing these on your return.

The Longemont Hotel Shanghai

9. Have a Hot Drink.

Sit down and relax for a few minutes with a coffee or tea you make for yourself in the room, or wander down to the hotel coffee shop, or a nearby one.

10. Charge your electronics.
When you arrive in your room unpack all your electronic devices, and using travel adaptors if necessary, plug them in so that they are fully charged.