Staying at a hotel is not a license to act like you are back at Spring Break with all your buddies. Although you are welcome to have a great time, you need to do so while acting like an adult. There are certain rules you should follow to ensure you always welcome to return when you finish your stay.
Here are some tips for staying in a hotel and being a good guest:
Tip Appropriately
Those working at hotels are not exactly raking in the bucks in their hourly pay. They rely on tips for a large chunk of their income. If someone carries your bags, brings you room service or parks your car, show a little appreciation. A few bucks is plenty and they will appreciate it. If you get to be known as a good tipper, you will likely get better, faster service too. This is a win-win for all involved.
Check Out on Time
Do not make hotel staff and new guests wait for you just because you decided to sleep in. Know when you must check out by and make it a point to check out at least 30 minutes in advance. It is rude to check out late because it causes a lot of other people to need to rush to get that room ready for the next person.
Clean Up After Yourself
Just because hotels have housekeepers does not mean you can leave a huge mess. Put all of the used towels and washcloths together, throw your garbage in the garbage can and make sure that everything that was there when you got there is in its proper place. This will take you 10 to 15 minutes to do and will save a housekeeper valuable time. On that note, you should also tip every day. Housekeepers tend to rotate, so if you only tip on your last day, only the housekeeper who happens to get your room that day will get the tip.
Mind Your Manners
Say “please” and “thank you” when interacting with the hotel staff. These folks work hard and a little kindness goes a long way. Your tips do not make up for a bad attitude and rude behavior. This goes for your fellow guests too. Hold doors when you can, smile and just be polite overall. This will help to make the entire trip more enjoyable.
Keep it Down
When you are in your room, make sure that you realize that there are likely people in the rooms next to, above and below you. Blasting your television or radio is rude and can ruin a trip for someone around you. This is a big place where the golden rule comes in. You certainly do not want to be kept awake or jolted awake by noise, so be courteous to others as well.
What are some of your best tips for staying in a hotel?