Hotels mean so much more than places to sleep while traveling. They can be one of the most interesting and memorable aspects of a trip.
Just like in your own home, there is a list of acceptable and unacceptable things you can do while staying in a hotel. Understanding and following these general etiquette tips will make you have a pleasant and untroubled break from your home environment.
■Housekeeping Habits
Bed linen, bath towels and any other kind of frequently used item will quite likely be replaced everyday. Staff will be present and available to clean up after you. However, do not always make use of this. Place all rubbish in the bin and try to treat your hotel room like it is your own home. This contains keeping your own dirty clothes isolated from the hotel’s linen. Some hotels provide a laundering service and will list the adequate action to take, in the guest handbook, if you wish to use this facility.
Whilst it is not your obligation to give tips to the person who changes your towels and makes your bed, it is always welcome. However, do not wait to give a tip on the last day of your stay, as you may well end up tipping a waiter who hasn’t actually been in your room before—as staff will probably work on a shift pattern basis. It is therefore best to give a small tip each day.
■Be a Gracious Guest
Just because you are paying to stay at the hotel it does not mean you have to make requests. Unless your room is unclean, untidy or unsuitable for your needs, being a gracious guest means you can enjoy your break without getting distressed. If you ask for room service or additional pillows etc, do permit staff sufficient time to satisfy your request before making further requests.
■The Company of Strangers
Many business travelers spend a large amount of their time traveling from one hotel to another. Many businesses will frequently choose one hotel to cater for all the company’s accommodation booking requirements. If staying in a hotel for business purposes it is not recommended that you have business meetings in your own room—many hotels will have conference or business facilities that provide a far more suitable alternative.