Travel and hotel hacks from an actual hotel company, ONYX Hospitality Group

Everyone has their hacks and tips, but when someone in the actual business gives the advice, you listen.

Whether you’re travelling for business or taking a well-deserved break, make the most out of your time abroad with ONYX Hospitality Group’s handy hotel hacks as you gear up for your last 2017 getaways. Here are our 8, easy hotel stay hacks:

GETTING AROUND – Finding your way back

It can be overwhelming traveling to a city where most don’t speak the same language and this tip helps you overcome the language barrier. At check-in, ask reception to pass you the hotel’s card with its name and address stated in the local language. If you do ever get lost, just jump into a cab and show them the card.

ROOM RAIDER – What’s my room number?

Forgot your room number after a long day out? It’s safe to say that almost every hotel now uses key cards but most don’t indicate your room number. Snap a shot your room door upon arrival and keep it for reference. This is should hopefully prevent you from mistakenly trying to open another guest’s room instead!

SCORE A DEAL – Sign up and click ‘Follow’

The best way to get news on hotel deals is by following hotel brands on their social media platforms and signing up for their e-newsletters. This means less stress during the trip planning as all you have to do is check your inbox or news feed to figure out which deals work best for you, making it a win-win for the wallet. Also, if you are a frequent traveller, it’s worth signing up for hotel loyalty programmes.

ONYX for example, has ONYX Rewards where stays at the properties will earn you points which you can convert into room upgrades and free nights.

You will additionally get early access to sales events and receive member-only offers. Start following Amari and OZO on Facebook, sign up for Onyx’s newsletters here and join Onyx Rewards to be in the know.

NETFLIX & CHILL – Your very own home cinema

One of the best things about a hotel room is being able to watch TV in bed. Take proper advantage of your hotel room’s widescreen TV during your next hotel stay by packing a HDMI cable so that you can connect the TV to your laptop, close the blinds, snuggle in bed with some snacks and indulge in a Netflix binge.

INSTA-READY OUTFIT – #OOTD

No matter how carefully you pack your clothes, wrinkles are inevitable and you don’t want to be spending your holiday ironing. A quick fix to this is to hang the clothes in the bathroom while you take a shower and the steam should help smooth out the fabric.

SNOOZEVILLE – Getting a good night’s sleep

At Amari’s properties, you will be spoilt for choice by the seven different types of pillows offered, from buckwheat pillows to contour massage pillows and non-allergenic pillows. If you are traveling with children, getting them to fall asleep in a new environment can be difficult. Try bringing along sleeping aids like a favourite pillow case or blankie to provide something familiar and that should help them fall asleep quicker.

TAKE CHARGE – Plug it in

It’s a frustrating moment when you’ve realised that you’ve forgotten to pack a power plug adapter. Fret not, most TVs now come with a USB port so all you have to do is connect your USB cable to the TV in your room and you’ve got yourself a charger!

INSIDE SCOOP – Get to know the locals

Want insider tips on the city? Speak to the local hotel staff and ask them for their personal favourite spots to uncover some great off-the-beaten-track gems. When staying at an Amari property, look out for our Amari Hosts. They’re a great resource and will be able to recommend the yummiest street food hawkers, hidden locations to take that enviable holiday snap as well as tips on where to get the best bargains.

Amari and OZO which have a network of properties in Asia including Thailand, Sri Lanka and China are currently offering several packages to help with the planning of your last getaway for 2017. Here are some no-to-be-missed offers:

• Escape Package at OZO Chaweng Samui – Includes a special dinner prepared by the resident chef at STACKED, round-trip transfers to and from Samui International Airport, and a full-day snorkelling trip to Koh Tao. The package is available for a minimum three-night stay in a Dream Room starting at 18,600THB++.
• Hot Deal Package at OZO Colombo Sri Lanka – Includes a free room upgrade, early check-in and check-out and USD$20 dining credit for each guest. The package is available for a minimum two-night stay in a Sleep King starting at USD$134++.
• The Great Escape Package at Amari Johor Bahru – Includes 15% discount on F&B, 15% off spa treatments and round-trip transfer to Johor Premium Outlet. The package is available for a minimum two-night stay in Superior King starting at RM826++.
• Hot Deal Package at Amari Koh Samui – Includes a complimentary room upgrade, round-trip airport transfer, daily breakfast and 20% off F&B. The package is available for a minimum four-night stay in a Superior Garden Wing King starting from 19,000THB++.

Here are some photos from one of the ONYX Hospitality Group’s hotels, the OZO Chaweng Samui: