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Hotel workers deal with a lot of people every day, which is no easy feat. You, as a reasonable and kind person, understand that it's important to be polite and follow certain etiquette rules. However, you might not realize that, even with the best intentions, some polite habits aren't as polite as you might think. In fact, they might even get in the way of hotel workers doing their jobs.
From trying to help housekeeping clean to asking about the receptionist's personal life, click on to discover common etiquette missteps.
Need an extra towel? While it's tempting to just grab one from the cart, you'll actually just create a headache for the workers. This because hotel chains do daily audits of the supplies, and everything is supposed to be accounted for. So if something goes missing, the worker is the one getting in trouble.
Instead, call the front desk and ask for what you need. That’s their job, and they'll get it to you without messing up the inventory tracking.
Oftentimes people will check out without even looking at their bill. While this trust might seem like a compliment, keep in mind that mistakes can happen and that it's your money.
Always check over your bill for accuracy, and bring up any discrepancies right away. If there are any issues, it's much easier to fix them right away than when you're already home.
Many hotels have websites that allow you to order room service, make booking changes, or order amenities. While this technology might seem easier, often it's easier to just talk directly to someone.
Call the front desk, and be clear about what you’re looking for. Talking to someone directly saves time and there's a better chance you'll get what you need.
Even if it's a pet friendly hotel, it's not their job to watch your furry little friend while you're away. It's just an additional task for hotel workers, which they don't get paid for.
Keep in mind that hotel workers aren't trained to handle animals, and some don’t even like them. Instead, leave your pet in your room or hire a pet sitter.
Many hotel workers have met a shocking amount of guests who assumed they lived on-site and were available around the clock, especially at resorts.
Don't assume anything about hotel workers. Keep things cordial, and be aware that there’s a line you shouldn’t cross.
Some people believe that hotels destroy key cards after each guest and that they contain personal information, which has led to people destroying them. However, that's not true.
Leave key cards on the counter in your room, or return them to the front desk when you're checking out.
You might think it's a simple solution to flag down the housekeeper when you're out of toilet paper or the air conditioning isn't working. But keep in mind that each person is assigned certain rooms and a time slot to clean.
Call the front desk, and explain the issue you’re having. They’ll send the appropriate person to help you.
While it's nice to strike up a conversation with a friendly receptionist or housekeeper, most hotel workers don’t appreciate it when things get too personal.
Maintain a professional boundary, and keep all conversation on a fairly light and superficial level.
Cleaning alongside the worker, or trying to anticipate what they'll need to do, might seem like a nice idea, but it's a big no-no. Not only do you get in their way, but it's also a waste of your time, as they'll have to clean again.
Instead, keep your things neat and tidy, and dispose of all your garbage properly. That's polite and helpful.
Sometimes, guests will ask workers to do extra work for money and then promise not to tell their bosses, which makes it even worse.
Don’t ask any hotel employee to do something they’re not comfortable with, and don’t offer to lie to their boss for them.
There are guests who actually don't want to bother the hotel staff, be it informing them of loud neighbors or a faulty heater. Instead, they suffer until it's time to check out.
However, it's the concierge's job to make sure that you're comfortable and happy. So tell them about any problems as soon as possible.
Sometimes you might think the receptionist looks bored, so you may as well chat them up.
But while short conversations and questions are fine, keep in mind that they're at work and don't need to be entertained.
Some people hide tips under pillows or lamps, trying to make sure that the housekeeper doing the deep cleaning gets the tip. However, that can make it even harder to find the tip.
If you're in a place where tipping is the norm, leave it in plain sight, with a little note saying thank you.
Unfortunately, it's rarely the same cleaners every day, which means that only the housekeepers on the last day get the tip.
Therefore, tip every day so it's fair. The housekeepers will appreciate it.
Sources: (Reader's Digest) (Insider)
See also: Secrets hotels don't want you to know
Things you do at hotels that staff actually hate
Even if it's done with good intentions, don't do it!
LIFESTYLE Etiquette
Hotel workers deal with a lot of people every day, which is no easy feat. You, as a reasonable and kind person, understand that it's important to be polite and follow certain etiquette rules. However, you might not realize that, even with the best intentions, some polite habits aren't as polite as you might think. In fact, they might even get in the way of hotel workers doing their jobs.
From trying to help housekeeping clean to asking about the receptionist's personal life, click on to discover common etiquette missteps.