A Simple Hack Gets You Free Drinks And Snacks From A Hotel, Per A TikToker
When traveling, it can sometimes feel like every little thing costs a fortune, from exorbitant airline baggage policies to overpriced meals in touristy neighborhoods. Thankfully, you may be able to save some money by nabbing free snacks at your hotel. TikToker @thejuliabaird shared in a clip that she's often treated to food and drinks at her hotel when she travels, a perk she receives even without joining a hotel rewards program or having friends in hospitality.
According to the video, the content creator gets a little help from her mom to score complimentary treats. "Every time I'm traveling, my mom calls the hotel to, like, do something special for me, even if it's, like, not a special occasion," she explains. The TikToker then shows a tray of goodies left on her hotel room bed, containing popcorn, fruit, sparkling water, and other snacks. "Look at this — literally from my mom for free," @thejuliabaird says. "Not only did I get free snacks, but they also wrote me a little card!"
@thejuliabaird My mom always makes travelling feel special – even when she's not with me 🥹 #traveltips #hotelperks #travelhacks #hotelhack
Yep, sometimes all it takes to get VIP treatment on a trip is to simply ask for it. Or, rather, all it takes is having someone call the hotel on your behalf to ask for it. While the TikTok clip emphasizes having your mother contact the hotel, the hack would likely work just as well using your father, friend, or significant other.
What to say to score complimentary hotel goodies
In a follow-up video, @thejuliabaird offered more details about her hotel snacks hack and how her mom pulls it off. Her mother, speaking from behind the camera, reveals that she calls the hotel and tries to "build rapport" with the person on the phone. She then shares a little information about herself before requesting that a small gift be sent to her daughter, who will be staying at the hotel.
Critically, the TikToker's mother doesn't ask for anything specific. "I just ask if they can do something," she shares. To bolster her request, she'll be up front with the hotel about special occasions, such as an anniversary or holiday, that would warrant a free gift. Often, the result is a treat or beverage left in the room when her daughter arrives.
It goes without saying that lying to pull off the hack isn't a good idea. If you don't have a special occasion to celebrate, simply asking politely may be enough to do the trick. As @kass.inc commented on the video, "I used to work at a hotel and would give out the free snacks/waters to whoever asked for one or whoever was nice to me so this def works."