Chances are, you’ll find yourself checking into a hotel at some point, maybe for work or a weekend getaway. Yes, you’re a paying guest, but that doesn’t mean basic etiquette goes out the window. There are still rules you need to follow.
Here are 10 things you should know about hotel room etiquette.
Before Check-In
1. Plan Ahead
Before setting foot in the lobby, it’s wise to spend a little time researching the hotel’s amenities and policies. Where is the hotel located, and can I find it on the map (if it’s in an unfamiliar location)?
Is breakfast included? Is there Wi-Fi? Will the pool be heated? Are all these free, or do they come with a fee? What’s the check-in time, and if I arrive late, will they still accommodate me?
Do they have a parking lot? Are there coffee shops or restaurants within walking distance?
Knowing all this information will help you plan your travel schedule effectively.
2. Know What’s Included
Not everything is complimentary. Some perks come with extra charges. It’s easy to assume ‘free parking’ or ‘Wi-Fi’ means zero cost, but there may be a catch. Hotels may sneak in resort fees to cover things like newspaper delivery or coffee in the lobby.
Know exactly what you are paying for to avoid unnecessary surprises. I like to double-check what’s actually included in my booking versus what’s extra. It helps me make the most of the amenities I’m paying for, plus those I didn’t even know were available.
3. Respect Check-In Time
Most hotels have a standard check-in time, typically around mid-afternoon, between 3 and 4 PM. Check-in with the hotel beforehand if you plan on arriving earlier. At times, they will accommodate early check-ins, but it often depends on whether rooms are ready from the night before.
It’s always a good idea to give the front desk a heads-up if you’ll be arriving extremely early or late at night. This way, they can hold your room or arrange a smooth check-in process so you’re not stuck waiting in the lobby or, worse, without a room at all.
Also, knowing the exact check-in time also helps with planning your travel schedule, so you don’t end up with hours to kill before you can settle in.
Pro Tip: If you arrive before your room is ready, ask the front desk to store your luggage, allowing you to start exploring hassle-free.
In the Hotel
4. Treat the Room with Respect
Think of your hotel room as a borrowed home. It’s not your property but the hotel’s. Treat it with care and respect.
- Do not rearrange the furniture as it can damage walls and floors.
- Do not use linens or towels for anything but their intended purpose, like wiping makeup or cleaning shoes.
- Don’t stain carpets and upholstery.
- And finally, don’t smoke in non-smoking rooms.
Hotels will often charge for any extra cleaning or damage, so it’s worth being mindful. Treat the room with the same respect you’d expect from a guest at your own home.
5. Be Mindful of Noise
Hotels don’t have the thickest walls. Meaning sound will travel easily from one room to the other and even down the hallways. One of the easiest ways to keep your stay pleasant for both you and your neighbors is to be mindful of your noise.
What may seem like normal volume to you can become a serious disturbance for others, especially early in the morning or late at night. Keep conversations at a reasonable volume and be mindful of the noise level your TV produces.
Common areas like lounges and pools have rules about noise levels and designated quiet zones. Follow these. If you are on a video call, use headphones to avoid bothering those nearby.
6. Respect Housekeeping
Housekeeping staff work hard to keep your room clean and comfortable throughout your stay. Treat them with the kindness and respect expected of service encounters. Be polite when communicating and allow them the opportunity to address your concerns.
If you prefer privacy or don’t want your room cleaned at a certain time, use the “Do Not Disturb” sign. This lets staff know to come back later and not have to knock repeatedly.
A simple “thank you,” or a small tip can brighten their day and show appreciation for the effort they put into making your stay pleasant.
Also, avoid leaving trash scattered around and keep your belongings organized. It makes their job way easier and speeds up the cleaning process.
7. Don’t Overload the Room
There is a specific number of guests designated for every room. Overcrowding your room and turning it into a party zone can quickly become a problem. You risk disturbing other guests with increased noise and foot traffic.
Most hotels have strict policies about the number of occupants allowed per room, and exceeding this can lead to fines or even eviction. It creates safety issues, especially in emergencies where clear exits are important.
Adhere to the room’s intended capacity to ensure smooth operation. Save the celebrations for outside venues or common areas where you won’t disrupt others.
Check-Out
8. Leave on Time
You wouldn’t want to be kept waiting when checking into your room. The same applies to other guests. Check-out times exist to keep the hotel running smoothly and ensure everyone enjoys a well-prepared room upon arrival.
When you stay past check-out, you delay the staff who need access to clean the room for incoming guests. It also disrupts the schedule for other staff and travelers.
If you plan to stay longer than anticipated, please communicate with the front desk in advance. They may charge you a small fee for this.
9. Tidy Up
Sure, it’s the housekeeping’s job to thoroughly clean the space. But a bit of help on your side will make their job easier. Before leaving the room:
- Put trash in the bin rather than leaving it on countertops or desks.
- Check for forgotten personal items in drawers, under the bed, and in the bathroom.
- Gather used towels in one place to help housekeeping get started faster.
Leaving the room in good shape
10. Tip and Leave a Thoughtful Review
Feedback provides valuable feedback for the hotel staff and helps other travelers make informed choices. If your experience was positive, write a thoughtful review online, including details about the room, amenities, and staff service.
If there were any issues, please address them politely with the person in charge and leave a balanced online review. A detailed and honest review benefits both the hotel and its future guests, promoting continuous improvement.
And don’t be that guy. Leave a tip.
A Courteous Guest
A little courtesy goes a long way when staying in a hotel. So, the next time you are checking in, remember to keep the noise down, treat the staff with respect, and leave on time. After all, a great stay starts with great etiquette.
Now, go out there and be the guest every hotel loves to host!
