If you’ve ever stayed in a hotel, you’ve probably encountered the phone in your room. While many people prefer to use their cell phones, there are still plenty of reasons to use the hotel phone, from making local calls to ordering room service.
If you’re unsure about how to use a hotel phone, don’t worry! In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to using a hotel phone, including everything you need to know to make calls, access hotel services, and more.
So if you’re ready to become a hotel phone pro, keep reading!
Understanding the Hotel Phone
When staying at a hotel, it is worth mentioning that understanding how to use the hotel phone can be very important. Hotel phones can be a great help to communicate with hotel staff, order room service, or even make local calls. Here are some key points to consider:
Types of Hotel Phones
There are several types of hotel phones available. Some hotels have traditional corded phones, while others may have cordless phones or even smartphones with hotel-specific apps. Keep in mind that some hotels may charge for the use of the phone or may have a limit on the number of free local calls.
Features of Hotel Phones
Most hotel phones have basic features such as dialing, answering, and hanging up. Some hotels also provide additional features such as voice mail, call forwarding, and wake-up calls. On the other hand, some hotels may not provide certain features such as international calling or conference calling. It is important to check with the hotel staff about the available features before using the phone.
How to Navigate the Hotel Phone Menu
Some hotel phones have complex menu systems that can be confusing to navigate. Fortunately, most hotels provide instructions on how to use the phone. If not, you can ask the hotel staff for assistance. One important thing to remember is that some hotel phones require you to dial a number before making an outside call. For example, to make a local call, you may need to dial “9” before the phone number.
Making Calls on the Hotel Phone
One of the most important functions of a hotel phone is making calls. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to make different types of calls on the hotel phone:
- Local calls: Making local calls on the hotel phone is usually free. Simply dial the phone number of the person you want to call, including the area code if necessary. It is worth mentioning that some hotels require you to dial a certain number or prefix before making a local call, so it’s always a good idea to check with the front desk or the hotel’s information guide first.
- Long-distance calls: Making long-distance calls on the hotel phone can be more complicated and expensive. If you want to call someone in another city or country, you will need to dial a special code to access an outside line, followed by the country code, area code, and phone number of the person you want to call. Keep in mind that hotels usually charge a high per-minute rate for long-distance calls, so it is important to ask about the rates before making the call. On the other hand, some hotels offer discounted rates or even free long-distance calls to certain countries, so it’s always a good idea to ask about any promotions or deals that may be available.
- Calling hotel services: Most hotels have a list of internal phone numbers that you can use to call hotel services such as room service, housekeeping, or the front desk. These numbers are usually listed on the hotel phone or in the hotel’s information guide. To call one of these services, simply dial the corresponding number and wait for someone to answer. If you have any issues or questions, you can always call the front desk for assistance.
Remember to always check with the hotel’s information guide or the front desk if you have any questions or concerns about making calls on the hotel phone. Additionally, if you need to make a lot of long-distance calls, it may be more cost-effective to use a cell phone or a calling card instead of the hotel phone.
Using Hotel Phone Features
When staying at a hotel, it is important to know how to use all of the amenities available to you, including the hotel phone. Most hotel phones come with a range of features that can be helpful during your stay. Here are some common features and how to use them:
- Voicemail: If you miss a call or if someone calls while you are out, they can leave a message on your voicemail. To access your voicemail, simply press the voicemail button on the phone and follow the prompts. Some hotels may require you to enter a password to access your voicemail.
- Call forwarding: If you are expecting an important call but will be out of your hotel room, you can use the call forwarding feature to have the call forwarded to a different number. To activate call forwarding, simply dial *72 followed by the number you want to forward calls to. To deactivate call forwarding, dial *73.
- Speakerphone: If you need to have a group conversation or simply want to have your hands free while on a call, you can use the speakerphone feature. To activate speakerphone, simply press the speakerphone button on the phone. To turn it off, press the button again.
- Speed dial: If you frequently call the same numbers, you can program them into the hotel phone’s speed dial feature. To do this, simply press the speed dial button followed by the number you want to program. Then, press the speed dial button again and hold it down until you hear a beep. The number is now programmed into the phone.
- Wake-up calls: If you need to wake up at a specific time, you can use the hotel phone’s wake-up call feature. To do this, simply call the front desk and request a wake-up call at the desired time. Some hotels may also allow you to set up a wake-up call directly from your room phone by following the prompts.
Keep in mind that not all hotel phones will have the same features or work the same way. If you are unsure how to use a specific feature, don’t hesitate to call the front desk for assistance.
Troubleshooting the Hotel Phone
While hotel phones are a convenient way to make phone calls during your stay, they can sometimes encounter issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
- Unable to make calls: If you are unable to make calls, first check to see if the phone is properly plugged into the wall. If it is, try dialing “9” before the number you are attempting to call. Some hotels require this for external calls. If this still does not work, contact the hotel front desk for assistance.
- Poor call quality: If you are experiencing poor call quality, try adjusting the volume on the phone. If this does not work, hang up and try calling again. If the issue persists, contact the hotel front desk to report the problem.
- Other common issues: Other issues may include problems with the phone’s display, voicemail, or speakerphone. If you encounter any of these issues, contact the hotel front desk for assistance. They may be able to help troubleshoot the issue or provide you with a different phone.
It is worth mentioning that some hotels now offer mobile phones in guest rooms as an alternative to the traditional landline. These mobile phones often come equipped with local calling plans and free international calling, making them a convenient choice for travelers. Keep in mind that if you experience any issues with the mobile phone, you may need to contact the hotel front desk for assistance.
Unfortunately, there may be times when the hotel phone is simply not working. In this case, it is important to remember that most hotels now offer free Wi-Fi, so you can use your personal device to make calls using apps such as Skype or WhatsApp. Alternatively, you can use your mobile phone to make calls, but keep in mind that international roaming charges may apply.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using a hotel phone may seem intimidating at first, but with this guide, you’ll be able to confidently make calls and access hotel services in no time.
Remember to familiarize yourself with the features of the phone, make use of the menu options, and don’t hesitate to ask hotel staff for assistance if needed.
By following the tips and instructions in this article, you’ll be able to use the hotel phone like a pro and enjoy all the conveniences it has to offer.
