Hotels are my second home, and traveling monthly for the past six years has taught me a thing or 20 about creating the best possible stay. Next time you book a room, work these VIP tips at accommodations ranging from Airbnbs to boutique hotels to resorts.
1. Always celebrate something
Pick an occasion: a birthday, an anniversary, your kid's first tooth, etc. Life should be celebrated in both the magnificent and the mundane, so whatever it is, tell the concierge in advance. Remember that {most} hotels are in the business of "blessing" guests, and more often than not they will send a platter of fruit or a flute of bubbly to mark the occasion.
Last month at the Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay {more details on Thursday}, we told the hotel it was Baby Styler's 6-month birthday. In response, they gave him a book, a stuffed animal and a birthday card signed by the GM. On the opposite end of the luxury spectrum, when we rented a basic vacation home a few years ago in Australia, Mr. Trip Styler told the hosts it was his birthday, and they left us bottle of Prosecco.
2. Always request an early check-in and a late check-out
Hotels can't always accommodate early arrival or late departure requests based on their room inventory, but sometimes they can—especially in low season. I mean, who doesn't want a few more hours to hang by the pool? This is especially relevant for a trip style = weekend getaway when you want to maximize your down time.
3. Always look the part
If you want that potential upgrade, make sure you upgrade your outfit AND your luggage.
[photos by @tripstyler]