Solo Travellers Reveal Clever Hotel Booking Strategy for Extra Benefits
Solo travellers are being praised for sharing a clever piece of advice that involves booking hotel rooms for double occupancy even when staying alone. This strategy, according to experienced lone guests, can unlock a range of lucrative perks and added flexibility during stays.
The Lucrative Reason Behind Booking for Two
One avid traveller explained on a Reddit thread that selecting the 'two-person' option when booking a hotel room alone allows single guests to enjoy twice as many benefits. These can include double the amount of welcome drink vouchers and extra breakfast choices, making the stay more enjoyable and cost-effective.
In their post, the solitary adventurer said: 'I book hotel rooms for 2 people, even when I'm alone. In a lot of Accor properties this gives a bit more flexibility.' Beyond scoring additional refreshments, the savvy traveller noted that booking for two simplifies hosting non-guests in areas typically restricted to paying customers, such as hotel lounges or rooms.
Real-World Experiences and Success Stories
Many solo travellers have chimed in with their own positive experiences using this hack. One person shared a story from Tulum, Mexico, where they booked a room for two and were told by a waiter that they could order two breakfast items since they were paying for two meals. They did this every day and left a generous tip in appreciation.
A parent added that they upgrade their child to an adult when travelling alone for similar reasons. Another former student detailed how they paid just an extra $5 per night to upgrade from single to double occupancy in the US, gaining access to a sumptuous hotel buffet and inviting friends for meals that would otherwise cost $18 for outside diners.
Important Considerations and Warnings
However, travellers have also highlighted crucial caveats. The original poster warned: 'Doesn't work everywhere, but I've found it useful. Just double check the rate first: some hotels price differently for 2 guests.' Others pointed out that in some countries, like Japan, rooms are often charged per person rather than per room, which could negate the benefits.
One Redditor emphasised: 'Make sure you check that there isn't a price difference between booking for 1 or 2 people. In some countries it's pretty common to be charged less for the same room if you're solo.' Despite these warnings, the advice has been well-received, with many praising it as a 'quality' tip that reminds travellers to always check the fine print.
Community Reception and Practical Applications
The Reddit thread saw widespread approval, with one user noting: 'This is good advice. I could have taken my friend to the lounge for free when I visited if I had set my room for double occupancy, but I didn't.' The hack effectively removes the 'awkwardness' of inviting outside guests under strict single-occupant policies, offering a simple workaround for those looking to enhance their travel experience.
Overall, this strategy showcases how solo travellers can maximise their hotel stays by thinking creatively about booking options, though it requires careful research to ensure it's cost-effective in different locations.
