Traveling, by its very nature, is subject to unexpected occurrences that may force us to extend our vacation period. Various factors can come into play, such as rescheduled flights, misplaced passports, or even a sudden health concern that necessitates additional rest.
In situations where your vacation extends, you are invariably required to lengthen your stay at your hotel accommodation. Fortunately, almost every hotel will accommodate such requests unless during peak times like holidays.
In this article, we will navigate the steps necessary to successfully extend your stay at a hotel, offering clarity and practical tips along the way. Here are those steps:
Before you extend, it is wise to explore hotel booking platforms like Booking Com, Agoda, among others. This way, you can confirm whether your current hotel has full occupancy or still has vacant rooms.
Moreover, these applications will offer insight into the room's price and any discounts that may apply if the booking is made through the app. Be sure to remember or note down the price for later comparison.
The next step involves contacting the hotel's reception to express your intention to extend your stay. You can either phone them or visit the reception desk in person.
The reception staff will then verify room availability and any other necessary information. You can expect one of the following responses after they've checked the room status:
If your current room isn't booked for the next few days, you're usually allowed to continue your stay without moving. This is the most convenient option as it saves you the hassle of changing rooms.
If your room has a booking by another guest, the receptionist will suggest extending your stay in a different room. Typically, they will first offer a room similar to your current one. But if that's fully occupied, they might offer a room that's a category higher or lower than yours.
During peak times like Christmas, New Year, or Eid, the hotel might be fully booked, and they may not be able to accommodate your extension request.
Once it's confirmed that you can extend your stay, the receptionist will inform you of the applicable rate. This could vary from your initial booking rate, possibly higher or lower.
Now, compare this rate with the one you noted down from the hotel booking application. If the rate offered by the receptionist is cheaper, opt for that, and vice versa.
However, bear in mind that booking through the app might necessitate a room change, so weigh your options considering both cost and convenience.
After you've decided on your preferred option, convey your choice to the receptionist. If your stay continues without any changes, there's usually no need to visit the front desk again.
On the other hand, if your room key data needs updating, you will have to bring the access card to the front desk for reactivation. Without reactivation, the card may be disabled from opening your room or accessing the hotel elevator.
Similarly, if your extended stay requires a room change, visit the front desk to return your old room key and collect a new one.
The final step involves payment. Some hotels may ask for immediate payment upon confirming your extension, while others may permit you to settle the extension fee during your final checkout.
The hotel usually accepts various payment methods such as cash, credit or debit cards, or even bank transfers. Make sure to ask the receptionist about the available payment options to avoid any last-minute surprises.
So, that covers the necessary steps if you're interested in prolonging your hotel stay. If the hotel isn't at capacity, your extension request will likely be granted without issue.
However, extending your stay at the same hotel isn't the only viable option. An alternative solution might be to explore other nearby hotels. This approach is particularly useful if you're seeking a more affordable rate without straying too far from your current locale.
