The service at the hotel you just stayed perhaps was not really good. Your friend’s experience at the same property, on the other hand, was encourging. Why the disparity? It may be more than chance. While good service at a hotel, even a pricey one, isn’t a guarantee, there are a few ways to increase your odds of getting treated well. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, shares some of these ways.
Choose the right property
Good service is in the eye of the beholder and, as a result, choosing the right hotel goes a long way in your interpretation of service. It’s possible to spend N100,000 a night in two different hotels and have completely different service experiences because these hotels have different service philosophies. Hence, ensure that you choose the right property to avoid stories that touch!
Reach out in advance
Getting in touch with your hotel in advance of your stay can go a long way towards a sterling service experience. Let them know why you’re coming, and what kind of experience you’re looking for.
Do not keep quiet when things go wrong
If your room service order took more than an hour to arrive, or housekeeping missed cleaning your room, you should lodge a complaint to a superior. These things happen, even at the best hotels, and informing the hotel’s manager immediately when something goes wrong will help you get a quick resolution.
Book through a travel agent
A travel agent like Jumia Travel can often get their customers hotels at the best rate and even free breakfasts. It is worthwhile.
Be realistic with your expectations
Have it in mind that most luxury hotels have a service culture, while budget and mid-level properties often don’t. It’s therefore unreasonable to stay at a three-star property and expect the staff to run around for you because they’re not necessarily trained in providing individualized service. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a good experience at a budget hotel. You should just be reasonable with your desires and demands before you book.
