In Website Descriptions they often show you a wall, a lamp, or a decorative night stand. I want to know the square footage, pictures of the bathroom, bedroom, sitting area and the external view.  

• 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 *

• 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.