What to Do When
Our guide to helping you know what to expect. Common FAQs answered here so that you also know how we and the hotel can help you after you book
.
Before You Go
For additional details on all of our offerings, please visit our comprehensive Services Page.
Itinerary
You want to make dining and activity reservations
The hotel concierge is your go-to for on-site and offsite activities and reservations. Many hotels also now offer online activity booking. You’ll reserve in one or both of these ways.
Concierges often have established relationships with restaurants, theaters, and attractions. They keep track of your itinerary and can help you troubleshoot issues should they arise.
VIP
You worried the hotel won’t have your amenities recorded
Don’t worry! Your VIP amenities are automatically attached to your reservation when we book. There is nothing extra that you need to do.
However, I do recommend you clarify how to use the benefits at check-in. For example, ask where the included breakfast restaurant is and the dollar amount you will receive for breakfast. This will help ensure that you spend and sign to your room correctly.
TECH
You use the hotel app (if available)
Please download the hotel app and check that your reservation is loaded so you can manage your reservation. Some hotel apps, like Four Seasons, allow you to begin chatting with the hotel and concierge team as soon as your reservation is linked. You can chat with Marriott properties, for example, usually after check-in.
arrival planning
You want to check in early
If your arrival time earlier than standard check-in time (usually 3 or 4 p.m.), we should let the hotel know so that they can try to prepare your room for early check-in. VIP guests get priority for special requests like this. That being said, early check-in is subject to availability.
If you haven’t yet provided your check-in time, you can let us know or let the hotel know through their app or concierge if you are already in communication with them.
arrival planning
You want to store bags if your room isn’t ready
Go ahead and leave them with the bellman. The hotels we book you into will store your bags if your room isn’t ready. There is no cost for this other than if you feel compelled to tip your bellman.
transportation
You are driving — understand parking fees
The cost of parking is not usually included unless specified in your rate. You’ll want to understand the parking options (valet, self-parking, or both) and whether electric car charging is available. This information is usually on the hotel website, or feel free to ask us or the concierge.
Transportation
You are flying and need airport transfers
If you haven’t already arranged airport transfers, the concierge is your go-to. They will need your airline, flight number, and arrival times. They will also track your flights for delays, but please let them know if you’ve had a change in flight numbers or a significant arrival time change. Hotel transfers can typically arrange car seats.
arrival planning
You want to change or cancel your reservation
Please let us know if you want to cancel or change your reservation. Also, let us know if you happen to do either directly through the hotel so that we can adjust our records.
transportation
You are driving — understand parking fees
The cost of parking is not usually included unless specified in your rate. You’ll want to understand the parking options (valet, self-parking, or both) and whether electric car charging is available. This information is usually on the hotel website, or feel free to ask us or the concierge.
When You Arrive
Yay! It’s time for vacation.
check-in
Your room isn’t ready
The hotel will store your bags, and you can use the facilities fully no matter what time you arrive on the day of check-in.
In the unlikely event that your room isn’t ready until significantly after normal check-in, please let us know if you’re unhappy with compensation for the inconvenience provided by the hotel.
check-in
You check-in with the app and bypass the front desk
Unless there is a line or you’re in a hurry, I typically don’t recommend skipping the front desk. Your personalized check-in is when staff typically
I recently tested this at a Waldorf Astoria. Since I booked myself in as a Hilton for Luxury guest, I knew what the benefits were. As a result, I did not receive a welcome letter.
If you skip the front desk and don’t want to stop by, call down to clarify how and when to use your VIP credits. If they have a letter for you, they can send it up to your room (and slip it under the door if you have the do not disturb sign-on).
Check-In
You want to change your room
You wish to upgrade your room category: Simply ask the reception if there are any rooms available for upgrade. The supplement for the upgrade can be paid at the hotel. Should you have any issues, please contact us.
There is an issue with your room: Any issue with the quality of a room should be escalated to the hotel for them to assist. It is recommended that you call reception and express your concern and ask for assistance in finding a suitable solution. Regardless of the outcome, please let us know so that we can collaborate with our partner to avoid any future instances of a similar nature.
arrival planning
You want to extend your stay after checking in
The front desk staff handles checked-in reservations. You should be able to shorten or extend your stay directly through them. They’ll sometimes ask that you contact us to do it in which case we’d be happy to.
Itinerary
You want to change your dining and/or spa reservations
Go ahead and leave them with the bellman. The hotels we book you into will store your bags if your room isn’t ready. There is no cost for this other than if you feel compelled to tip your bellman.
Security
An item is missing from your room
We do not recommend bringing valuables during travel, as a myriad of scenarios could occur. However, if you do choose to bring valuables, it is encouraged that you use the safe provided in the room (and set an alarm to remind you to remove all items).
If anything goes missing from your accommodations, you should immediately notify the reception and request to file a claim with the local authorities. If you have insurance on the item, you should file the claim as soon as you realize the loss.
At or After Check-Out
The final details.
Accounting
You see an error on your folio (final bill)
The hotel concierge is your go-to for on-site and offsite activities and reservations. Many hotels also now offer online activity booking. You’ll reserve in one or both of these ways.
Concierges often have established relationships with restaurants, theaters, and attractions. They keep track of your itinerary and can help you troubleshoot issues should they arise.
Security
You leave an item at the hotel
Hotel security keeps lost and found items from hotel rooms and around the hotel. There are fairly strict protocols for returning items to guests, so be prepared to pick up the item or pay to have it shipped to you.
You should call the hotel immediately to report your lost item and see if they have found it.
Survey
You want to let us know about your stay
We want to know everything, positive and negative. We will send you a survey a day or two after you get home. Please let us know what you thought about the hotel, nearby activities… anything you want to share!
Add Exclusive Amenities to Your Reservation at Thousands of Hotels Worldwide
Reserve your next hotel using our new online booking tool available to you 24/7. It gives you access to all of our VIP preferred partner programs where amenities can include:
Request the Password Now
To comply with hotel program terms and conditions, you will need to request a password to use the tool. It will be sent to you immediately. The hotel booking tool is called TravelWits.
The Booking Tool Link
If you already have the password, click below to get to the Travelwits booking portal.
Partner Programs You Can Book
The list of hotels worldwide who offer VIP programs and amenities is very long. Below, you can find some of our participating brands.
Brands with VIP Amenities
Nearly all luxury hotels within the brands mentioned below will participate in these VIP programs. Some also participate in Virtuoso. Typical amenities include daily breakfast for two, a USD 100 hotel credit, room upgrade subject to to availability, preferred check in and out times, and more.
Which Rates to Book for San Diego Hotels
Booking engines like this can be a little nuanced so here’s a cheat sheet for which rates to book at the San Diego hotels we book more. Again, check deposit, cancelation and occupancy policies before you book.
