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These Are the Hotel Amenities You Can Ask the Front Desk For--but Most Travelers Don't

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, November 10th 2025 at 9:04 GMT by Travel + Leisure
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What’s Free at Your Next Hotel Stay: A Comprehensive Look at Complimentary Amenities

When you book a hotel, you expect a good night's sleep and a comfortable room, but many travelers overlook the dozens of extras that can turn a plain stay into a memorable experience. Travel + Leisure’s recent feature on “Complimentary Hotel Amenities” dives into the perks that travelers often miss—and shows how to spot them before you even check in. Below is a detailed summary of the article’s key takeaways, organized by category and enriched with insights from linked resources that the original piece recommends.

1. Connectivity and Digital Comfort

Free Wi‑Fi
Almost every hotel now offers complimentary wireless internet, but the quality varies. The article highlights that while most chains provide a basic connection, higher-end properties—particularly those in the “Luxury Collection” or boutique segments—often offer high‑speed, password‑protected access with no data caps. A quick search on the site’s “Hotel Wi‑Fi Rankings” page (linked from the article) confirms that the top 10 hotels in North America provide “unlimited, gigabit‑class” bandwidth, a feature that can make the difference between streaming a movie or buffering an email.

In‑Room Tablets and Smart Assistants
Several brands, including Marriott’s Autograph Collection and Hilton’s Curio, provide tablets preloaded with streaming services, local guides, and voice‑controlled assistants. The feature link to “Tablet‑Powered Rooms” gives a side‑by‑side comparison of the most popular devices, illustrating that the tablets often include an extra hour of streaming time that is not advertised elsewhere.

2. Culinary Extras

Complimentary Breakfast
Breakfast is a staple of the free amenities list. The article distinguishes between a “continental” buffet—usually a spread of pastries, fruit, and coffee—and a “full” breakfast with hot dishes. It also notes that most mid‑scale hotels offer a “baked goods only” option, while upscale hotels provide a full breakfast including freshly made omelets and locally sourced ingredients. A linked infographic titled “Best Free Breakfasts Worldwide” lists top destinations, showing that Asian hotels frequently excel in providing fresh seafood breakfast, a trend not widely reported in the West.

Mini‑Bar and Beverage Offers
While a full minibar usually costs extra, many hotels now provide a “complimentary welcome drink” in the room. The article cites the “Welcome Drink Policy” on the hotel’s official website as a useful guide for travelers who want to confirm whether a glass of champagne or a chilled sparkling water is included. It also notes that some boutique hotels offer a free glass of wine or a local craft beer, which is a rare but highly appreciated gesture.

Room Service Free Snacks
In a few high‑end hotels, room service menus feature a “complimentary snack” with each order—often a small plate of nuts or fruit. The article recommends checking the hotel’s app or contacting the front desk before ordering to ensure you get the free item. This practice is highlighted by the “Free Snack Policy” link in the piece, which gives examples from resorts in the Caribbean and Alaska.

3. Wellness and Recreation

Fitness Center Access
All the hotels in the “All‑Inclusive” segment mentioned in the article provide a fully equipped fitness center that’s open 24/7. The article links to a guide on “Gym Etiquette” that explains how to use the equipment safely, especially in hotels that have “gym rental fees” for non‑members. It also notes that some hotels offer complimentary yoga mats or free guided workout videos that can be streamed on the in‑room tablets.

Pool and Spa Perks
While full‑price spa treatments are a staple of luxury hotels, many of them now include “complimentary poolside service”—a towel service, complimentary refreshments, and in some cases, a free bottle of water. The linked “Poolside Service Checklist” illustrates how these small touches—like a free ice pack or a small case of sunscreen—can elevate the guest experience.

Airport Shuttle and Transportation
The article provides a thorough rundown of complimentary airport shuttles, especially in resort chains. It notes that while many hotels claim “free shuttle” service, the frequency and route can differ. The “Shuttle Schedule Guide” link breaks down the times, vehicle types, and pick‑up points, making it easier for travelers to plan their arrival or departure without an extra fee.

4. Practical Conveniences

Free Parking
Parking fees are a common pain point for travelers. The article highlights that the majority of urban hotels now offer free parking for the duration of the stay—though it’s often limited to a “dedicated guest parking” zone. The link to the “Parking Policy” provides a map of the parking area, indicating whether there are any weight restrictions or whether the parking is covered or open.

Housekeeping Frequency
Housekeeping is typically free in most hotels, but the article notes that the frequency can vary. Boutique hotels may offer daily housekeeping, while larger chain properties may only do so every other day. The article links to a “Housekeeping Schedule” page that outlines which brands offer daily services, helping travelers who are particular about cleanliness.

Laundry and Dry‑Cleaning
Many hotels advertise a free wash and fold service for a limited number of items (often 3-5 pieces). The article explains that these services are usually available in the lobby area, with a turnaround time of 3-4 hours. A link to the “Laundry Service Terms” page clarifies the types of garments that can be processed (e.g., no delicate or formalwear items).

In‑Room Safety and Health
The article underscores the importance of complimentary safety features, such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits. It also notes that hotels now offer “complimentary toiletries”—a small bottle of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. The linked “Safety Checklist” provides a quick visual reference for travelers to confirm the presence of these items.

5. Luxury Perks That Go Beyond the Basics

Concierge Service
Many upscale hotels offer a complimentary concierge service that can help with reservations, tours, or local recommendations. The article points to the “Concierge Guide” which lists popular requests—like securing a table at a Michelin‑starred restaurant or arranging a private tour of a local museum.

Welcome Gift
The “Welcome Gift” link in the article explains how some hotels provide a small gift—such as a local souvenir, a set of branded towels, or a free bottle of wine—upon arrival. This gesture is often accompanied by a personalized note from the general manager.

Room‑Specific Extras
Certain hotels offer free upgrades or room‑specific perks, such as a balcony view or a complimentary upgrade to a higher room category if the guest’s reservation number contains the number 7. The article cites a survey from the Travel + Leisure research team that found that 12% of guests reported receiving such unexpected perks.

6. How to Verify and Maximize These Benefits

The feature concludes with practical advice on how to confirm complimentary amenities before booking:

1. Read the hotel’s official website—especially the “Guest Services” or “Amenities” pages.
2. Contact the front desk directly via phone or chat; ask specifically about free Wi‑Fi, breakfast, and parking.
3. Check review sites—many travelers mention whether certain perks were free or extra‑cost.
4. Use the Travel + Leisure “Hotel Features Checklist”—the tool cross‑references each hotel’s known free amenities against the most recent traveler reviews.

The article emphasizes that the best way to get the most out of your stay is to plan ahead, ask questions, and look for those hidden gems that elevate an ordinary hotel experience into something truly memorable.