7 Ways To Make The Most Of Your Hotel Staycation
It’s staycation season and here are some ways to maximise your holiday away from home at home.
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We’re so close yet so far from interstate travel, so in the meantime, don’t let your leave days go to waste; Pack your bags and treat yourself to a staycation!
Read More: 5 Staycations Spots For Your Weekend Getaway In Selangor!
I’ve always been a fan of staycations, even before Covid times, because it gave me a chance to relax.
Face it, even at home, there’s always something that needs to be done and as creatures of habit we never just take a step back to give ourselves that well-deserved break.
It’s another ballgame if you have kids, live with extended family or have housemates.
So if you really want to treat yourself, what’s an extra few hundred ringgit for something as priceless as a break?
Here are seven tips to make the most of your holiday at ‘home’ with a hotel staycation:
1. Book a hotel that offers early check-in/late check-out
Hotel check-ins are generally around 2 or 3 pm which leaves only half a day for you to enjoy your hotel stay, only to wake up in the morning and check out by 11 am.
In most hotels though, early check-in and late check-out are subject to availability and the chances of being granted one is higher on weekdays and/or off-peak season.
2. Celebrate your “birthday” or “anniversary”
Upon making reservations at your choice staycation spot, do let them know if you or someone in your party is having a birthday, or if you’re celebrating an anniversary.
If you’re lucky, they may upgrade your room or even provide you with a cake or fruit basket.
No guarantees though, but it doesn’t hurt to try. Of course, don’t just tell them and expect to receive something in return. You have to make the effort to score that freebie by asking.
3. Take advantage of any shuttle services
Check to see if your hotel has a shuttle service that takes you around to places. Not only do you save on petrol and the effort of driving/parking, but you also get to explore shops and areas that you normally wouldn’t.
4. Make no plans
This one is easier said than done and in a way defeats the purpose of creating a list of ways to maximise your staycation.
The key here is to just go with the flow and do what you feel like doing.
5. Make full use of the hotel facilities
Hotels are more than just a comfy bed and a pool to dip your feet.
Most have a gym you can break a sweat in too. And if your staycation spot is located at a resort, there’s bound to be activities you can partake in.
Just based on the spots we listed here, some of the resorts have a fruit and vegetable orchard, a farm, jungle trails and more.
6. Support your local hotel and spend from within
Hotels have been one of the hardest hit by the pandemic.
Read More: More Than 120 Hotels In Malaysia Forced To Close Because Lockdowns
You’ve already done your part to help by staying with them, why not spend within the hotel premises too?
Do you know what sounds like a hoot? Room service!
7. Try something new
Last but not least, try something you wouldn’t normally do when you stay at hotels.
For me, I’ve never been to the spa at a hotel I’ve stayed at cause I always thought I could get something better (and cheaper) outside. But I’d never know unless I tried, and so should you!
Of course, my ‘something new’ may differ from yours, but it could be anything – like using the business centre to write yourself an e-mail about what an awesome time you’re having.
Still on the fence?
People still argue that staycations are useless and what’s the point of shelling out hundreds of ringgit for something that’s essentially an expensive sleepover at someone else’s house.
The difference really between a staycation and a vacation is that the latter gives you a chance to experience new cultures, food, and scenery.
Without going on a staycation, you already get your local culture, food, and scenery. But what you receive on a staycation is the kind of luxury and service only a hotel can offer.
Enjoy!
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