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I looked around a bit for this question and didn't see it anywhere, but it's something I've never known.

A few friends and I are taking a trip soon, and I was wondering if it is common for hotels to offer an option for special requests when you book a room online. For example, if someone wanted to request a room away from anything noisy, like a wall next to a busy road or vending machines, would that be something to expect when booking?

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  • You can certainly ask, but I doubt any hotel will promise it...
    – Gagravarr
    Jun 25, 2015 at 0:32
  • Depending where you're booking, some (online) places do have such a request/comment box before you confirm
    – blackbird
    Jun 25, 2015 at 0:58

1 Answer 1

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Requesting specific criteria for your booked room is indeed a service provided professional travel agents. My employer's corporate travel agency (Carlson Wagonlit) for instance provide a common selection of special requests as shown the in the picture below. Choosing one of these only indicates a preference, not a guarantee, since it's highly dependent on the yield management system / occupancy at the hotel. (There may be specific exemptions on whether it's binding, usually for persons with physical disabilities for instance, who may need an accessible room.)

Hotel booking special requests

Providing this kind of choice is considerably less common with many consumer online booking tools. However, in most cases you can phone / contact the hotel following the booking and make the request.

Having higher tier status on a hotel chain loyalty programme - if it belongs to one - may also help your chances of having your request fulfilled.

That said, I've mostly found that hotel checkin staff will try to ensure your request is met. Reminding them of it helps.

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    Personally, when I request a special room (smoking room usually) and it is unavailable, I ask the staff to transfer me when they find one. Usually they will call me next day and inform me my request is available and I transfer. Jun 25, 2015 at 1:05

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