Travelers staying at hotels are urged to reconsider their behavior to ensure a pleasant experience for both fellow guests and hotel staff. Etiquette experts have identified several common actions that can be disruptive or disrespectful, ranging from how rooms are left to interactions with hotel employees.
Housekeeping teams should not be faced with an "unconscionable mess" upon entering a guest room. Experts recommend ensuring that rooms are kept presentable and hygienic before requesting service. For room service, guests should inquire about the proper procedure for handling trays and carts upon completion, as many hotels prefer them to be picked up rather than left in hallways.
According to etiquette experts, guests should refrain from taking items from housekeeping supply carts. Instead, they should ask for any needed supplies to prevent shortages during a housekeeping shift. The complimentary breakfast buffet is also a point of consideration. Experts emphasize that buffets are not intended for stocking up on food for multiple meals. Taking an extra piece of fruit is different from filling containers for later consumption.
When leaving one's room, guests are advised to dress appropriately. This includes not wearing bathrobes or pajamas to breakfast and ensuring footwear is worn, as going barefoot through hotel common areas is considered inappropriate. Experts also stress the importance of treating hotel staff with respect. Front-desk employees and other staff members are there to assist guests and should not be addressed disrespectfully. Yelling or becoming upset with staff, especially given current industry-wide staffing shortages exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, is unproductive.
Hotels are shared spaces, and guests are reminded to modulate their noise levels. This applies to voices, televisions, and music within rooms, as well as noise in hallways, elevators, and lobbies. Door slamming, particularly for early departures, and loud conversations or children's noise can be disruptive to others.
Regarding gratuities, experts advise tipping housekeeping staff between $3 to $5 per day, suggesting the tip be left daily with a note of thanks. Valet, bellman, and concierge services should also be appropriately tipped. Daily tipping for housekeeping ensures that the correct individual receives the gratuity for their work.
In shared amenities like gyms or pools, guests are asked to be considerate. Hogging exercise equipment or reserving lounge chairs for extended periods when others are waiting is discouraged. Hotel gym etiquette mirrors that of any gym: don't monopolize machines, use headphones if listening to music, and wipe down equipment after use.
Environmental consciousness is also encouraged. Experts suggest conserving energy, reusing towels, and avoiding letting water run unnecessarily, just as one would at home.
Managing expectations is crucial, particularly concerning service levels and speed. Making unreasonable demands at lower-cost lodges can be inconsiderate. The current short-staffed nature of the hospitality industry means that requests for immediate housekeeping or room service may be delayed or unavailable, requiring guests to be prepared for alternative arrangements.
Smoking indoors is generally prohibited in non-smoking hotel buildings, and violating these rules can lead to being asked to leave. Experts express surprise that some guests still attempt to smoke indoors, citing fire risks.
Finally, guests should adhere to check-in and check-out times. Arriving hours before check-in and expecting a room to be ready, or overstaying the checkout time without prior arrangement, is inconsiderate. Late checkout requests may not be possible due to cleaning schedules for incoming guests.
When entering shared spaces like elevators, guests are advised to be mindful of others and avoid overcrowding. Asking about comfort levels when in doubt is recommended.