Pre-Room-Booking Considerations

In Website Descriptions they often show you a wall, or a lamp, or a night stand.

Research, ask questions!

Style & age: Historic, modern, or newly renovated? Any current construction or renovations?
Building layout: Where are rooms relative to elevators, ice machines, rooftop bars, or event spaces (noise)?
Windows & outdoor space: Do windows open? Balcony/terrace? Sound-insulated glazing?
Orientation/view: City/park/water/courtyard; sunrise/sunset; avoid HVAC rooftops/alleys.

Neighborhood: Walkability, evening safety, proximity to transit, main sights, hospitals.
Transit/time: Distance to airport/train station; typical drive time at your arrival hour.
On-site logistics: Parking & EV charging availability/fees; valet vs self-park.

Exact room type & category + square footage (in ft²/m²). This is often omitted on reservation sites *
Floor: Preferred floor range; away from elevators/ice; corner room if quieter/larger. *
Bed configuration: 1 King / 2 Queens / Twins; sofa bed
Bathroom: Single or dual sinks, walk-in shower vs tub/shower combo, separate toilet, bidet, grab bars, shower bench on request.
HVAC & light: Individual climate control (this is critical especially in Europe), blackout curtains, quiet A/C. *
Allergies/comfort: Feather-free bedding, pillow menu, fragrance-free cleaning if needed.
Noise notes: Ask for room not over bar/restaurant; confirm quiet side.

Check-in / Check-out: Standard times; fee-free early check-in/late check-out options; luggage hold.
Housekeeping: Daily/opt-in; turndown; laundry turnaround times.
Facilities hours: Gym/pool/spa/club lounge; last seating for breakfast; room-service hours.
Smoking & pets: Policies, cleaning fees, floor assignments for each. If not requested ahead of time this can easily become an issue for non-smokers *
Deposit/holds: Nightly incidental authorization amount and when it releases.

Event calendar: Any weddings, conventions, or large tour groups during your dates?
Block impact: Which floors they occupy? Quiet-floor request.
Renovations: Any construction (areas, hours, dates)? Written assurance your room/floor is unaffected.

Rate type: Refundable vs prepaid; cancellation deadline ( date & local time).
What’s included: Breakfast for how many, club access, Wi-Fi tier, parking.
Mandatory fees: Resort/destination fees, service charges, city taxes. *
Guarantees: Written upgrade, view, floor, or amenity commitments where possible.

*Has occurred to us......NOT ANYMORE !

Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) (with Platinum/Centurion): daily breakfast for two, guaranteed 4pm late checkout, noon check-in when available, room upgrade on arrival (if available), $100 property credit, free Wi-Fi. Book via Amex to trigger benefits.
Amex The Hotel Collection (Gold/Platinum): $100 property credit + upgrade on arrival (2-night minimum).
Visa Signature / Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection: Breakfast for two, upgrade if available, late checkout on request, property credit (varies), best-available rate.
Mastercard World/World Elite (Travel & Lifestyle Services): Similar curated perks (credit, breakfast, upgrades) at participating hotels when booked through the MC portal/concierge.
Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection (Sapphire/Reserve): Breakfast for two, property credit, upgrades if available, late checkout (when available).
Elite status (Marriott/Hilton/Hyatt/IHG): Consider booking direct or via brand-approved programs (Hyatt Privé, Marriott STARS/Luminous, Hilton Impressario) to keep elite perks + get VIP amenities (often breakfast + credit) without losing points/elite credit.

Security: 24/7 staffed front desk, key-controlled elevators, in-room safe big enough for laptop.
Medical: Proximity to clinics/hospitals; note any refrigeration for meds.
Special occasions: Note celebrations; ask about amenities or quiet, scenic rooms.
Sustainability: Linen reuse, filtered water, bottle-free amenities if that matters to you.