Great question — you want the hotel to feel local, not a generic chain experience. Ask questions that reveal whether the property is independently run, sources from the community, and connects guests to local people, food, and experiences. Here’s a compact, practical list you can use when calling, emailing, or booking online — grouped by purpose, with why to ask and red flags to watch for.

Host / ownership & operations

• Who owns or operates the hotel? (Independent owner, family-run, local company, or international chain?)
  Why: Independent/local ownership usually means more authentic local character.
  Red flag: “Corporate” with no local contact or explanation.
• Is the manager or owner usually on-site?
  Why: On-site local managers often provide personal recommendations and a stronger sense of place.
  Red flag: No local staff, remote management only.

Local staff & language

• Do you have staff from the local community? Are they available to help with recommendations?
  Why: Local staff are more likely to know little-known spots and cultural context.
  Red flag: Staff trained only in standardized scripts and “tourist” replies.
• Is there someone who speaks the local language and English (or my language)?
  Why: Bilingual local staff can bridge cultural insights and logistics.

Food & sourcing

• Do you serve locally sourced food or dishes typical to the area? Can you accommodate a request for a traditional breakfast or local specialties?
  Why: Local menus indicate ties to regional producers and culture.
  Red flag: Only international chain-brand food or frozen/processed choices.
• Do you use local producers (coffee, produce, toiletries)?
  Why: Shows economic support for the community.

Experiences & community connections

• Do you organize or recommend local experiences run by local guides? Can you book with them directly?
  Why: Local guides give more authentic perspectives than big tour operators.
  Red flag: Only offers big-ticket, mass-tourism excursions.
• Do you partner with nearby artisans, restaurants, or cultural venues?
  Why: Partnerships indicate authentic integration with the neighborhood.
• Are there any neighborhood walking routes, markets, or events you recommend?
  Why: Specific, actionable local tips are a good sign.

Design, decor & story

• Does the property feature local art, crafts, or design elements? Who are the artists?
  Why: Local art signals cultural investment and showcases local creatives.
• Is there a story behind the property (history, family background, renovation) you can tell me about?
  Why: A real story often means a more personal, authentic experience.

Sustainability & community impact

• Do you have sustainability or community-support initiatives (local hiring, donations, conservation)?
  Why: Authentic places often invest back into their community.
• How does the hotel contribute to or impact the local neighborhood?
  Why: Transparency about impact suggests thoughtful local engagement.

Practical — bookings, concierge & tailoring

• Can you tailor recommendations for less-touristy restaurants and neighborhoods?
  Why: A hotel plugged into the community will point you away from tourist traps.
• Can your concierge/bookings arrange experiences with small, local operators rather than large companies?
  Why: Ensures bookings support local businesses.
• How do you handle requests for authentic experiences (food, classes, family visits, homestays)?
  Why: Their flexibility and knowledge show local integration.

Safety, accessibility & etiquette

• Are there local customs or etiquette I should know about? Any dress or behavior tips?
  Why: Local staff should be able to advise respectfully.
• Are there areas nearby you’d advise guests to avoid or visit with a guide?
  Why: Honest safety guidance from locals is valuable.

Value signals & verification questions

• Can you name three local spots (café, market, viewpoint) you’d send a first-time visitor to — and why?
  Why: Specific, passionate answers are a strong authenticity signal.
  Red flag: Vague generic answers like “the main square” only.
• Do guests often request local experiences? Can you provide a recent example?
  Why: Shows how actively they support or arrange those experiences.

How to use the answers

• Favor properties that give specific names, local vendor examples, or personal stories.
• Watch for scripted or evasive answers — those often indicate a standard, tourist-focused operation.
• Ask for contact details of a staff member (owner/manager/concierge) so you can request personalized help on arrival.

Sample short script for booking: “Hi — I’m looking for a hotel that’s locally owned and plugged into the neighborhood. Can you tell me who owns the property, whether you use local food/artisans, and name three local spots you’d recommend to a first-time visitor?”

If you’d like, tell me the city or region you’re traveling to and I can suggest specific phrasing or what to look for in that destination.