Little-known tricks

Don't book a hotel until you know these 10 insider secrets!

If you're reading this, chances are you've stayed in a hotel more than once, right? We have news: no matter where it is in the world or how many stars it has, every hotel shares certain secrets, and today, we’re here to spill them! So, join us as we reveal 10 insider secrets and tips straight from hotel owners and staff.

Online hotel booking sites can be really practical and convenient. You can browse photos of the place, read reviews from other guests, and complete your reservation with just a few clicks. However, in many cases, it’s actually better to call the hotel directly if you’re hoping to get a better rate or a special offer. For the best of both worlds, check the hotel’s reputation online first, and then pick up the phone to book your stay.

Did you know you might get a better price depending on what time of day you call to make a reservation? Hotels often start the day with a set price list, but those rates can change as the day goes on. Around 4 p.m., rooms that haven’t been booked or were canceled at the last minute may drop significantly in price. So, now you know: waiting until late afternoon could pay off. Yes, you risk rooms selling out, but you might also get a great deal.

If security is your top priority, there’s something important to consider. According to experts, the safest hotel floors to book are typically between the 2nd and 6th floors. Why? Starting on the 2nd floor, you’re far enough from the street to reduce the risk of break-ins or incidents involving passersby. On the other hand, the 6th floor is high, but not too much, making it easier to reach the ground in case of an emergency or elevator failure.

If you’re hoping to truly relax and unplug, especially in a busy city hotel, higher floors are usually a good option. Being farther from street traffic and late-night noise means a quieter stay. And let’s be honest, the views from up there are often far more impressive.

When booking a hotel room, we usually focus on the basics: bed size, bathroom, and sometimes amenities. But we often forget that we can also request a room on a specific floor or in a particular location. While it always depends on availability and hotel policy, if they agree to give you a corner room, you’re in luck. These rooms often have the best views, thanks to larger windows, and sometimes even a small balcony.

Yes, most hotels do a thorough job cleaning the room, changing the sheets, and disinfecting the bathroom before a new guest checks in. However, when time is tight, a few things can get overlooked. Small, frequently handled items like remote controls, light switches, and door handles are touched by countless hands every day. That’s why it’s always a smart idea to pack a small sanitizer or disinfectant and quickly wipe down these high-touch surfaces.

We know the minibar is tempting, but if you’re someone who gives in to its charms, make sure to double-check what’s inside first. With so many guests coming and going, it’s not always easy for hotel staff to inspect every single item. Sometimes snacks or drinks may be past their expiration date, or you might even find an opened bottle. So, before you drink that soda or grab that chocolate bar, take a quick look.

If you’re traveling to celebrate a special occasion, don’t keep it a secret! Let the hotel staff know. Not because they’re looking for gossip, but because you might score a small gift, a surprise, or even an upgrade. It never hurts to ask!

Plus, here’s something many guests don’t know: at most hotels, you can request complimentary articles like shampoo, razors, deodorant, toothbrushes, and more.

Whether it’s the gym, the pool, the restaurant, or the spa, taking advantage of these perks will make you feel like you’re truly on vacation and help you create even better memories of your stay.

But that’s not all. In many cases—though you should always check first—, your final bill already includes resort or amenity fees, whether you use those facilities or not. So if you’re paying for them anyway, you might as well enjoy them.

If you’re staying in another country, it’s always smart to ask for drinks without ice and stick to bottled water instead of tap water. Even in great hotels, the water quality and mineral content can be very different from what you’re used to at home. By playing it safe, you reduce the risk of stomach discomfort and avoid unpleasant surprises.

Art Cities Every Creative Traveler Should Visit Once

For creative travelers, art is more than something to admire behind museum walls; it’s a way to understand the soul of a place. Certain cities stand out for their ability to inspire through architecture, public spaces, galleries, and the everyday creativity woven into local life. These destinations invite visitors to slow down, observe, and connect with centuries of artistic expression as well as bold contemporary ideas.

From timeless masterpieces to experimental street art, the world’s great art cities offer immersive experiences that go far beyond famous landmarks. They shape global culture, influence generations of artists, and continue to evolve through new voices and perspectives. Below are 12 of the world’s most inspiring art cities every creative traveler should experience at least once.

Image: Tomas Eidsvold

Paris has long been considered the heart of the art world. From the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay to smaller galleries tucked into quiet streets, the city offers an unmatched concentration of artistic treasures. Masterpieces from every major movement sit alongside cutting-edge contemporary works.

Beyond its museums, Paris itself feels like a masterpiece. Elegant architecture, café culture, and literary history make it a constant source of inspiration for painters, writers, and designers.

Image: Nicola Pavan

Florence is synonymous with the Renaissance. The city is home to legendary works by Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci, many of which can still be seen in the places where they were created.

Walking through Florence feels like stepping into an open-air museum. Churches, palaces, and public squares showcase centuries of artistic achievement in a compact, unforgettable setting.

Image: Luca Bravo

New York City is one of the most influential art capitals in the modern world. Institutions like The Met, MoMA, and the Guggenheim sit alongside hundreds of galleries in neighborhoods such as Chelsea and the Lower East Side.

Creativity spills into the streets through murals, performance art, fashion, and film. The city’s diversity and constant reinvention make it a magnet for artists from around the globe.

Image: Vitor Monteiro

Barcelona blends art and architecture in bold, imaginative ways. Antoni Gaudí’s colorful and unconventional buildings, including the Sagrada Família and Park Güell, define the city’s unique visual identity.

The city also boasts a vibrant contemporary art scene, featuring modern galleries, design studios, and a thriving street art culture that contributes to its creative spirit.

Image: Michele Bitetto

Rome is a city where art, history, and daily life are inseparable. Ancient sculptures, Renaissance frescoes, and Baroque masterpieces appear everywhere—from world-famous museums to small neighborhood churches.

Every walk through Rome offers visual surprises, making it a dream destination for travelers who appreciate art across thousands of years.

Image: Anthony Reungère

Berlin is known for its raw, experimental art scene. Contemporary galleries, alternative spaces, and powerful street art reflect the city’s complex history and forward-thinking culture.

The creative energy here feels unrestricted. Artists are drawn to Berlin for its openness, relative affordability, and willingness to challenge traditional ideas of art.

Image: Anthony DELANOIX

London offers an extraordinary range of artistic experiences. Major institutions like the British Museum and Tate Modern coexist with smaller galleries, pop-up exhibitions, and performance spaces.

The city’s global influence and multicultural identity fuel constant innovation in the visual arts, fashion, and design.

Image: Max van den Oetelaar

Amsterdam combines classic and modern art in a relaxed, walkable setting. The Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum house some of Europe’s most important works, while contemporary art thrives throughout the city.

Its creative culture extends to design, photography, and architecture, making Amsterdam both visually rich and creatively stimulating.

Image: Sandro Gonzalez

Vienna has a refined artistic heritage shaped by music, painting, and architecture. The city played a key role in movements like Art Nouveau, exemplified in the works of Gustav Klimt and Otto Wagner.

Today, Vienna balances tradition with modern creativity, offering galleries and cultural spaces that honor the past while embracing new ideas.

Image: Jezael Melgoza

Tokyo’s art scene is a striking mix of tradition and innovation. Ancient techniques such as calligraphy and woodblock printing coexist with digital art, anime, and avant-garde installations.

The city’s neighborhoods each have their own creative personality, making Tokyo an endlessly inspiring destination for visual thinkers.

Image: Bhargava Marripati

Mexico City is one of the most vibrant art capitals in the Americas. It is deeply connected to artists like Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, whose influence is still felt today.

Bold murals, contemporary galleries, and rich indigenous traditions give the city a powerful and distinctive artistic voice.

Image: Gustavo Sánchez

Buenos Aires blends European elegance with Latin American passion. Its art scene thrives in museums, independent galleries, and colorful street art, particularly in neighborhoods like Palermo and La Boca.

The city’s strong literary, theater, and design cultures make it a dynamic destination for creative travelers seeking inspiration beyond the traditional art capitals.

Whether you’re drawn to classical masterpieces or experimental expression, these cities offer unforgettable artistic experiences. Each tells its story through creativity, making them essential stops for anyone who travels with art in mind.