Just recently Uncle Brad Takei posted a link for 11 Handy Hotel Hacks (or let's be honest, whoever does his FB page did) This is the link http://www.destinationtips.com/advice/11-handy-hotel-hacks-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-stay/?listview=3&utm_source=tse&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=TSE001_DST_0000000_AL_XXX&utm_content=inf_4_3166_2&tse_id=INF_7c904a8dad6c4ea2bd50999432e023dc

I would suggest that only some of these are actually helpful, the rest could get you in real trouble or on the "no stay " lists.

I am going to go through and give my response to each one. 
 

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1. Offer a Review
If you are hoping for a little something extra, such as free breakfast or an upgraded room, it might help to drop the review line. Simply saying something like, “Are you on TripAdvisor? I would love to write a review” might just get you some sort of perk, depending on what the hotel has to offer. It’s worth a shot.

Don't EVER drop a hint that you will write a favourable review in exchange for something. TripAdvisor ect all have systems where properties can report guests for this type of behaviour. In some places this is also against the law, it's black mail sure and simple. Also would YOU want to stay somewhere where the is a chance the only reason it sounds so good it that somebody wrote a review due to bribery?

 

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2. Free Mini Fridge

Some hotels charge extra to have a mini fridge in your room, often with a cheeky “delivery fee” tacked on, too. This can be around $20 extra per day, which adds up considerably. Here’s a hack that might let you get one for free. Simply tell the check-in agent that you have some dietary restrictions or medication that requires refrigeration and, viola, they might comp you a free fridge as a customer courtesy. If you’re not comfortable with a little white lie, use buckets of ice to chill your beverages, restaurant leftovers and snacks.

I am only aware of Australian motels/hotels but fridges are standard. If you are staying somewhere that doesn't have a fridge chances are you are in a low budget room and if you want a fridge pay the extra folks. I must admit though I hate staying somewhere when the fridge is tiny and it's stuffed full of snack bar items. I usually contact reception and ask for it to be removed from the room. I have never been charged for this.

 

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3. Slip Them a $20

Although it’s akin to taking a bribe, slipping your hotel clerk a $20 is one of the best ways to get what you want. You have to be subtle and swift about it, however. When taking out your credit card for the room, remove a folded bill along with it and ask, “Do you have any complimentary upgrades available?” Chances are, if they can swing you a perk, they will, and the money will be exchanged as a “tip” for good customer service. If they can’t, they shouldn’t take the cash. This trick doesn’t work everywhere, but it is widespread in places like Las Vegas.

Once again bribery or maybe that's just my Aussie take on it. If somebody asked me to do this and flashed around (or were "subtle and swift" about it) I would be highly embarrassed (for them). You would be better off asking very politely if there was a a complimentary upgrade available. I detest when people say "no need to put it on the books, I'll pay cash" thanks for implying that my morals are so low that I would defraud the taxation department. 

I also detest people who ask me to change their invoices to reflect a higher tariff or to add their breakfast to their accommodation tariff. No I will not help you cheat your employer. God!! Mind you I do word it differently than that.

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4. Keep the Power On

Some hotels have converted to a “green” system that connects your room to electricity only when you are in the room with your key card inserted in the slot by the door. This means when you are out of your room, there is no air conditioning, no heat and your gadgets aren’t charging. We’re all for being eco-friendly, but sometimes this is inconvenient. Try sticking a different card into the slot – an old credit card, a loyalty points card, even a business card works sometimes. That way you can return to a warm or cool room with fully charged electronics after a day out on the town.

I have stayed at a few places that have this sort of system and I actually hate it. However usually these places give you multiple key cards so there is no need to use something else. Remember if you wreck a card slot by stuffing something else in you will be responsible for the cost of getting it fixed, plus any excess due to the  room being out of  service. 
If the accommodation place doesn't provide an additional card, close all windows and draw the drapes and this will assist in the room maintaining the temperature it was. Change your electronics when you come back. If you have let  your phone run down, ask the reception desk if you can recharge it with them, they won't mind.

 

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5. Book From you Mobile App
Last-minute hotel deals are found more often on mobile apps rather than hotel websites. Basic rates can be lower when you book through your mobile device, too. Always check the app and compare it to the online price before booking. A little thumbwork can save you a lot of money.

Yep this one is a goer!!! Use those aps or even last minutes sites. We personally don't have different rates with different places, however many places do and you can save a fortune. Also make sure you read the fine print on these sites carefully, you don't want any surprise extras on your bill at checkout.

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6. Call the Hotel and Book Directly

Often calling the hotel and asking for their best price results in a lower rate and a better room. When you book online or through a consolidator, chances are the least desirable rooms are automatically assigned to you. If you call the hotel branch directly, though, you can speak to a live agent (or go up the ladder to talk to the hotel manager), inquire about the rooms available and ask if they have any unpublished rates. You will often get a better price as the hotel doesn’t have to pay third-party commissions. This also gives you the opportunity to let the hotel know about any special occasions or requests you may have. Granted, they can’t accommodate everything, but if you don’t ask, you don’t get.

This one is a bit mixed. Most places the hotel manager will not lower the rate for you if there is no alternate rate available. Most 3rd parties change a commission of anywhere from 12% up on bookings to the accommodation provider so indeed some places have a slightly lower tariff for direct bookings. We don't assign the worse room like this suggests, however I have heard horror stories so ..... I always encourage guest to contact us and book if they have special requests. This enables us to get the full picture of what is required and the guest can make an informed decision on whether to book or not if we can not accommodate their requirements. 

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7. Cook Your Own Food

Want to be a real thrifty traveler? Use standard hotel room appliances like the coffee pot, tea kettle, hair dryer or iron to cook some basic meals. Boil up hot water in the coffee pot or kettle to make instant oatmeal, boiled eggs, soup, ramen noodles, pasta, steamed vegetables and the like. You can use the coffee pot “hot plate” to make quesadillas or warm up canned goods. Use the iron to make grilled cheese sandwiches or to press paninis (cover in foil first). Of course, there are other meals you can make without heat – a jar of peanut butter and a loaf of bread can go a long way. Don’t make anything too messy or smelly or anything that might be a fire hazard, but avoiding restaurants and room service can make a big difference to your travel budget. Most hotels will loan you cutlery and dishes for in-room use, or you can pack a few plastic or disposable plates and utensils from home.

Oh god no, what the fuck was the author of this thinking!!!!!!11!!!!!!! Do I really have to tell people what is wrong with this?

Yes bring your own crocker and cutlery if you haven't booked a room that supplies all this.

 

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8. Join the Loyalty Programs

This is one of those no-brainer handy hotel hacks that anyone who travels more than once a year should use. Join the hotel loyalty program, whether you think you will stay there again or not. It doesn’t cost you anything, and points usually don’t expire, so it’s worth the few seconds it takes to sign up. Every time you do stay, you will earn points and be considered a preferred customer. You might just score small perks like free bottled water, free Wi-Fi access or a late check out for your perceived loyalty. If you stay enough, you will eventually earn elite status. That may get you benefits like early check in, free breakfasts, room upgrades and more.

These can be worth your while if you are a frequent traveller. The one I joined was useless to us as it cost a fortune and we were rarely able to use it. That is more our issue than the loyalty program though.
Weight up the pros and cons and if it is worth it go for it.

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9. Sleep in Longer

No one wants to pay for late check out if they are only planning to spend an extra hour sleeping in or killing time before a flight. You might be able to avoid it by being a little sneaky. Simply place your “do not disturb sign” on the doorknob and work it to your advantage. At some point around the standard checkout time, a housekeeper will come knocking on the door. Tell them that you are just finishing up and will take off the sign when you are out. Then drift back to dreamland or continue packing for an hour. Most housekeepers will work on other rooms and won’t return for a while. Don’t push this for more than an hour’s grace time, however, or you might be charged.

This will not work. The housekeeping staff do not usually control your check out costs. If the motel has a late check-out policy you will get charged. If you need a late check out ring reception before check out (not 5 minutes before either) and ask if it is possible. If it is possible ask how much and depending on the place will depend on how it goes. I usually don't change a late check out if the guest has made an enquiry and offered to pay. It's the ones that roll out 20 - 1 hour later without notice and expect if for free that get my back up. I will change you, it is exceptionally rude and disrespectful of you to do this. 

 

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10. Send Feedback Directly to the Manager

Find out who the manager of the hotel is and get his or her email address. This is who you will want to send your comments to, as they have the power to make executive decisions on customer service issues. Whether you are looking to send a complaint or a compliment, you might just get some sort of discount or upgrade for your current or future stay. In a similar vein, complimenting a staff member to the manager will be noted and might just score you some perks during your stay.

Again this is a bit mixed. All feedback should be passed to the manger even if it's not addressed to them. I doubt if the management will offer perks for doing it though. Yes the staff will appreciate your praise, and they might go that little extra in their service, but once again I doubt they will be able to do too much for you. Then again you might get the "better" of two options if you also proved to be a pleasant guest in all other areas. If you left your room a mess, were rude to the gardener or any thing else being nice to one staff member won't get you much credit. 

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11. Get Local Tips from the Staff

Sure, the hotel concierge is a great source of information on local restaurants, clubs, theater and attractions. However, they may also be getting kickbacks for recommending certain venues to you. If you want a real unbiased suggestion of where to go or what to do, try striking up a casual conversation with the bellboy, bartender, waiter or check-in clerk. Their insights and opinions might be a little off the beaten track than the usual tourist fodder, which is usually a good thing.

I certainly hope staff are not getting "kick backs" for offering recommendations, however this may explain a lot of places policy of not doing recommendations. Nothing wrong with asking the staff for their views, however it's also just as easy to use an ap and find some reviews.



OK that was long winded tl:dr (is that how you write that?) Don't be a dick and be nice to everybody and flush the bloody toilet.

Housekeepers tip: Check the bottom of the bed for those items of intimate apparel (ie your knickers) before you leave. They often get kicked down in the tuck in line. 

Edit was due to riffles .