When staying at a hotel, simple mistakes can make your stay less enjoyable and costly. Avoiding these errors can help ensure a smooth and pleasant experience.
Ignoring instructions for the safe
If you plan to use the hotel room safe for storing valuables, be sure to read the instructions carefully. Safes can vary between hotels, and overlooking the details can lead to problems. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the directions before securing your belongings.
Not using the โdo not disturbโ sign
The small sign on your hotel room door is more than just decoration; it plays a crucial role. To ensure your privacy and peace while sleeping or enjoying quiet time, make sure to hang it on the door handle. Without it, housekeeping or other staff may enter and disturb you unexpectedly.
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Stealing hotel property
Hotel amenities like robes, towels, and electronics are there to enhance your stay, not to take with you. These items should be left in the room when you check out, as taking them could result in additional charges. By leaving everything as you found it, you help ensure the next guest enjoys the same quality service you did.
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Ignoring local etiquette
International travel is exciting, but keep in mind that each country has its own customs and etiquette. Ignoring these social rules can make you seem rude or disrespectful. Before your hotel stay, take some time to research your destinationโs communication style and dress codes to avoid any missteps.
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Not securing your valuables
Itโs important to feel comfortable in your hotel room, but donโt be careless with valuable items like your wallet, electronics, and jewelry. Leaving them out in plain sight increases the risk of theft. Use the room safe to secure these items when not in use, or consider using a secure travel lock for extra protection.
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Playing with the temperature
Constantly adjusting the thermostat can waste energy and be uncomfortable for housekeeping staff. Itโs best to set a comfortable temperature when you arrive and keep it consistent throughout your stay. If the thermostat isnโt working properly or you have trouble with the settings, ask hotel management for help.
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Forgetting to tip
In many countries, itโs customary to leave a tip for housekeepers, who work hard to keep hotel rooms clean and comfortable. A small tip of a few dollars each day, or a more generous amount at the end of your stay, is usually greatly appreciated.
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Being noisy in common areas
Hallways, lounges, and lobbies are shared spaces for all guests to enjoy. Avoid loud conversations, shouting, or disrupting the peace, especially late at night when others might be sleeping. Be considerate and keep the atmosphere calm and pleasantโyou wouldnโt want anyone to file a complaint against you!
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Smoking in non-smoking areas
If you smoke, make sure to find out where the designated smoking areas are. Smoking in no-smoking zones is not only rude but also dangerousโitโs important to avoid causing a fire. Ignoring these rules can result in fines and an unpleasant experience for other guests.
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Not reporting room damage
If you notice any damage or issues in your hotel room, report them to the reception desk right away. Not doing so might lead to unfair charges. Reporting problems also helps the hotel fix them quickly, ensuring a better experience for you and future guests.
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Leaving food out
Leaving food, such as fruit and crumbs, out in the open can attract pests like ants and roaches. To prevent this, keep food packets sealed and store edible items in the refrigerator. This will help keep your room free from unwanted critters.
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Hogging luggage carts
Luggage carts are handy, but theyโre meant to be shared. Use a cart for just as long as you need it, and then return it promptly. This way, you help avoid delays for other guests who might need to catch a flight or move quickly.
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Not checking the bill properly
When checking out, carefully review your charges before settling the bill. Ensure youโre only paying for what you actually used. Catching any mistakes before you leave can help you avoid stress later.
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Inviting people to your room
Bringing guests into your hotel room might seem harmless, but it can violate hotel policies and pose safety risks. Hotels track guest information for safety reasons, such as knowing who is in the building in case of emergencies. Allowing unauthorized individuals can disrupt this system and compromise safety.
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Blocking emergency exits
Keeping your suitcase in the hallway might seem like a space-saving idea, but itโs a safety hazard. Always keep your suitcase and personal items inside your room to ensure hallways and emergency exits remain clear in case of an emergency.
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Hot Tub Considerations
While some hotel hot tubs can be safe, they often pose health risks due to warm water, which can harbor bacteria and cause skin infections. To stay safe, itโs important to check local inspection reports and avoid hot tubs if you have open wounds or a weakened immune system. Proper maintenance is crucial, but not always guaranteed, making caution essential.
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Ignoring quiet times
Hotels set quiet times late at night and early in the morning to help everyone sleep peacefully. Respect these times by avoiding loud music and keeping noise levels down. Even if youโre awake, others are likely trying to rest.
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Abusing room service
Room service is a great hotel perk, but use it responsibly. Avoid ordering more food than you can eat, making excessive last-minute requests, and remember to tip. Treat room service staff with the same respect as you would a waiter in a restaurant.
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Leaving a complete mess in the room
Housekeeping is there to clean your room, but that doesnโt mean you should leave it in disarray. Avoid leaving trash everywhere, scattering dirty clothes, or leaving food outโitโs disrespectful to the staff. Remember, they often work long hours for little pay in a physically demanding job.
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Overloading outlets
When traveling with multiple electronics, avoid overloading outlets in your hotel room. Plugging too many devices into one outlet can cause overheating and pose a fire hazard. Instead, pack a power strip or charge one device at a time to stay safe.
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Leave the water running
Just as you wouldnโt leave the water running at home, avoid doing so in your hotel room. Itโs wasteful, harmful to the environment, and can significantly increase the hotelโs utility bills. Turn off the water when youโre not using it to help conserve resources and reduce costs.
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Leaving kids unattended
Hotels can be exciting for kids, but they shouldnโt be treated like a playground. Donโt leave small children alone in your room or in common areas like the lobby. The staff isnโt there to babysit. Keep a close watch on your children to ensure the hotel remains a pleasant and safe place for everyone.
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Abusing free wifi
While many hotels offer complimentary Wi-Fi, avoid using it excessively for high-definition streaming or large downloads. This can slow down the connection for other guests. Be considerate and use Wi-Fi during off-peak hours if you think your usage might impact others.
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Ignoring ice machine etiquette
Hotels often have ice machines for guest use, so be considerate. Avoid emptying the machine completely, as it can be frustrating for others. Use a small personal container instead of a large cooler to ensure thereโs enough ice for everyone. Also, try to avoid making a mess.
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Leaving gym equipment sweaty
If you use the hotel gym, remember to wipe down the machines and weights after youโre finished. This keeps the area hygienic and shows respect for other guests. No one wants to use equipment thatโs covered in someone elseโs sweat!
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Stealing from the mini bar
The mini bar in your room is stocked with snacks and beverages, but resist the urge to consume them without paying. Staff will likely notice, and youโll end up with extra charges. Instead, bring your own snacks or purchase them from a local store to avoid high costs and satisfy your cravings.
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Ignoring maintenance issues
If you find something not working in your room, like a faulty light, inform the front desk right away. Donโt ignore the issue and wait until the end of your stayโreporting it promptly allows the hotel to address the problem sooner.
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Being rude to reception
Avoid being rude to hotel reception staff; they can influence your stay more than you might realize. Being courteous and respectful can lead to perks like room upgrades or late check-outs. Guests who are dismissive or rude are less likely to receive these benefits.
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Wasting electricity and resources
Many hotels now focus on conserving energy, such as by reusing towels and turning off lights when not in use. Donโt undermine these effortsโbeing a responsible guest means not wasting resources or acting carelessly just because youโre staying at a hotel.
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Leaving sharp objects unattended
Avoid leaving sharp objects like knives, scissors, or razors unattended in your hotel room, as they can pose a safety hazard. Store them in a drawer or pack them away to prevent injuries to housekeeping staff while they clean.
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Overloading trash cans
Hotel rooms often have limited space and small trash cans. If you notice the trash piling up, ask housekeeping for an extra trash bag or can rather than overloading the bin. Theyโll likely appreciate your consideration.
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Wearing shoes in bed
Climbing onto your hotel bed with outdoor shoes is a bad idea. After a day of walking, your shoes carry dirt and bacteria that you donโt want in your bed. Itโs also inconsiderate, as housekeeping will need to change the dirty sheets. Keep your bed clean by removing your shoes first.
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Leaving the door unlocked
Always lock your hotel room door for safety, security, and peace of mind, even when youโre inside. Unlocked doors can be an easy target for thieves or unwanted visitors. While most hotel guests are respectable, itโs better to stay cautious and secure.
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Ignoring pet policies
If you plan to bring your pet to the hotel, make sure itโs allowed first! Check the hotelโs pet policies before booking, as there may be strict rules about whether pets are permitted and any size or breed restrictions.
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Being inconsiderate of others
Be considerate of your fellow guestsโ peace and privacy when staying in a hotel. Everyone is there to rest and relax, so avoid being disruptive, keep noise levels down, and respect their space. Donโt eavesdrop or peek into other rooms.
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Losing the room key
Misplacing your room key is a common mistake that can create security risks for both you and the hotel. Keep your key in a secure and memorable place, like a specific pocket in your bag or wallet. If you do lose it, notify the staff right awayโtheyโll handle it, though it might be a hassle for them!
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Eating food that smells in your room
Eating take-out in your hotel room can be convenient, but be aware that strong food odors can linger for days. Hotel rooms typically arenโt well-ventilated for this, so try to avoid garlicky or spicy dishes. Lingering smells can cling to fabrics, making it difficult for housekeeping and unpleasant for future guests.
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Overlooking emergency protocols
Hotel safety guidelines exist for a reason, so take the time to review them. Familiarize yourself with emergency exits and procedures for situations like fires or earthquakes. You might think you wonโt need them, but itโs always better to be safe than sorry.
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Losing your temper at delays
Traveling can be unpredictable and frustrating, but try to stay calm if thereโs a delay at your hotel. Whether itโs a long line at reception or waiting for your room to be ready, getting upset wonโt help. Sometimes, delays are just unavoidable.
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Snooping in restricted areas
Hotels have staff-only areas like maintenance rooms and storage spaces. Resist the urge to explore these restricted zones, as it invades staff privacy and could be a safety hazard. Plus, these areas are likely less interesting than you might think.
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