WENDY PERRIN
Often hotel general managers reply to reviews of their hotels on TripAdvisor. Once you've booked a room, read the replies, note the manager's e-mail address, and write to say that you admire how he or she is replying to reviews—and that you're looking forward to staying at the hotel on X date. The manager will appreciate your kind words, assume you may be a frequent reviewer, and hopefully do something extra for you during your stay.
How do I know this strategy works? Because I tested it myself the last time I went to Venice. I had a reservation at the Westin Europa & Regina and emailed the manager—from my personal email account, so my identity was not revealed—saying that it was a special wedding-anniversary trip for me and my husband. I also mentioned that we were there for only one night and so would love a view of the Grand Canal. We ended up in a second-floor room smack on the Grand Canal, with the view in the above photo.
Contributed by Wendy Perrin, www.cntraveler.com
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