You reach the hotel after dark. There is a control panel in the room, but after pressing a few buttons all you hear is the fan. Before booking in winter, ask how heat works for the room type and dates you want, and whether you will be able to adjust it yourself.
Give the hotel your dates and room type
Ask whether that room can be heated on the night you arrive, whether it uses warm air, a radiator or underfloor heating, and whether you can adjust it in the room. If the hotel controls the system centrally, ask whether heating will be running and what staff can do if the room is too cold.
Check the mode when you get to the room
The number on a panel can be the current or target temperature. Look for the mode and fan settings and follow the instructions in the room. Ask the desk to show you if you are unsure and find out how long the system should take to warm up. If it is still cold, report what you tried and what happened, such as cool air after switching to heating.
If offered a different room, check it first
Ask whether the other room uses the same system and whether you can try its controls. With children or older travelers, ask how long the move will take or whether an extra blanket is available while you wait. If you have an early start the next morning, raise the issue soon after arriving.
