Husbands of London,

I don’t recommend lying, cheating and stealing but here are some tips that could boost your hotel stay if you know how to behave.

Unfortunately most people still believe husbands and feckless partners due to the kind of husbands you see on television (and maybe some real life examples!).  This works to the advantage of those of us who do go the extra mile.

So if you ever do take your wife on holiday or even just check into a hotel for a dirty weekend here’s how you play it to get free stuff from the hotel.

1. Never approach the reception desk to check-in with your wife.  Ask her to sit in the lobby and get comfortable whilst you handle things.
2. Be courteous and personable to the reception staff.  Most of them are bored out of their minds from repeating the same tasks.  People rarely ask those in the service industry how they are.
3. Explain that you’re trying to do something nice and special for your wife.  There are many obvious special occasions like her birthday or wedding anniversary, but sometimes just saying “she’s been stressed lately and I’m taking her away to relax” is enough to paint the picture of what you’re trying to achieve
4. Think about who you’re speaking to.  If it’s a male receptionist, he will automatically identify with you and will relate more with the task of pleasing your woman.  If it’s a female receptionist, she will most likely identify with your wife and appreciate the thought and sentiment of you wanting to please your woman.  Either way, they tend to be happy to go the extra mile for you.
5. Play a little dumb.  Here’s where the feckless husband routine helps you.  If you come in like you expect something they will make you spend your money.  If you ask questions like “Is there anything you could do to help me make it special for her?” then your selflessness will inspire them to help you.

Now, I must stress again that none of this is guaranteed and the hotel do not “owe” you any extras.  However, it’s always a good idea to ask.  It’s less likely to work in budget hotels.  However, if you’ve paid a bit of a premium for a nice hotel, they are more willing (and capable) to go the extra mile.

If you book Hilton hotels through the website, they tend to have a box for extra notes.  Feel free to write in there “It’s …….. anything you could do to make it extra special is much appreciated”.  Your receptionist will see this on their screen as they check you in.

Bear in mind, if the Mrs is taking you away for your birthday for example, she can do the same for you.

Since being married to Mrs GB, I have done this a number of times and we have received:

• a free dinner in Amsterdam
• a free dinner in Phoenix, Arizona
• an upgrade to a Suite in Las Vegas
• an upgrade to a Executive Suite in Dubai
• Free Cava in Barcelona
• Free Champagne and cake in Rotterdam
• Free Sparkling Wine and cake in Miami (Mrs. GB arranged it for my birthday)
• Free Fruit Platter and Cava in Mallorca

Have you ever blagged any freebies from a hotel?  What are your methods?  Share it with the lads below.

Mr. GB

ps. Make sure you sign-up to the Inner Circle mailing list to get the stuff that won’t be on the website!