Adding Things To The Comment Box When Making An Online Hotel Reservation?
 

Does it do any good to add anything, like requests, when making hotel reservations in the comment box on the online reservation/confirmation?

If so, what are some effective things to request or say?

Thank you.

I'm not sure how often it comes in handy, but I've used it to explain that I really need a non-smoking room as I'm allergic to cigarette smoke. It might not make any difference, but so far I have yet to be told that "we only have smoking rooms left" when I show up.

Maybe it only helps me psychologically (which is still a good thing)!

When I was still working and travelling a lot, when I knew I was going to check in very late, I liked to alert the hotel that I might not get there until 10, 11 or 12pm.

Whether it made them less likely to give away a room, I don't know, but at least they couldn't say I didn't warn them.

Location request
 

In larger properties, I normally request a room well away from the elevators. Usually I get it.

I always use the box to point out my status and to nicely ask for an upgrade. Something along the lines of "I am gigormoushotelchain titaniumplus, please upgrade if possible." They should figure this out from my status on the account, but I figure it can't hurt.

I imagine it sometimes helps, and sometimes doesn't

I normally just write "thanks :)"...

You mean the hotel can see what I write in that box?! :eek: :( ;)

I usually leave it blank. If I want a room near someone else on a separate reservation, I'll indicate so.

When traveling outside the US and there is no check-box for "non- smoking," I always write in "non-smoking, please."

They generally don't have non-smoking rooms in these places, but I figure it can't hurt to let them know there is a market there. ("This is France, we don't have non-smoking rooms.")

I've used the box, on rare occasion, to write Hold For Late Arrival if my flight is due in to that city much after 9PM.

I have added comments. On one or two occasions, they haven't read the comments. I have discovered if I need something, I have to contact the hotel directly before I arrive.

I can only speak to hilton chain properties, but it is DEFINITELY read in this chain. I have one hotel I stay at regularly that we even have a joke with the box, I put in "chocolate chip cookies please" and they bake them and have them waiting in my room for me with a note each time, this last visit I didnt put it in (the website wasnt letting me use the box) and they actually asked why didnt I ask for the cookies. At other properties when I have mentioned "strong internet signal" they have commented on it when I checked in (that they had tested the room). So yes, they do seem to get read. I also typically ask in the summer to have the AC on before arrival and that seems to work too.

I've worked for Westin, Omni and Four Seasons, and I can attest that those comments definitely ARE read. We did our best at all hotels to accomodate; very few people actually fill those little boxes in, so if it says something we paid attention!

NOw when I travel, I ALWAYS put in a friendly little note, something like "Celebrating our 5th wedding anniversary, so a room with a view would be appreciated - thanks!" or "Daughter Catrin celebrating 5th birthday" - whatever occasion is most appropriate for the time of year. We've gotten cakes and signed cards from Mickey Mouse at Disney World, champagne and strawberries in London, a box of Fauchon chocs in Paris, upgrades all over - fantastic! It even works when traveling on business.

If you want something special, just ask!

I will request a crib if traveling with lil'jneugeba, and it usually works. Also, I will make a special note if I am on a late arriving flight.

I have added a standard comment to my travel site profile that inserts into every hotel rez: "Quiet room opposite highway, please"
The joints I stay at are always on a highway, and surprisingly, the request is almost always honored.