Hotel etiquette 101: dos and don'ts

Staying in a hotel can be a relaxing experience, but guests have a responsibility to follow a few basic guidelines when they’re on the property. Here’s our guide to how to show proper etiquette when you’re staying at a hotel or resort. 

A nice hotel is like being at home, but better. Who doesn't love crisp sheets, a scenic view and a turned down bed in the evening? To be a considerate guest, it helps to know the unspoken rules of hotel etiquette.

Be friendly

Whether you're asking for an extra blanket or reporting a leaky tap, tone matters. A calm, friendly approach is always effective. 

Keep the noise levels down

Walls are never as thick as you think. Try and be considerate of your neighbours when you’re having that late-night film marathon in bed or listening to your favourite playlist. Keep music and TV noise to a minimum and conversation levels moderate. The later it gets, the quieter you should be. Be mindful that other guests are trying to sleep or at least rest peacefully.

Research local customs

Hotels often reflect the culture of the region they're in, which means the way you act as a guest depends on location and context. Before you arrive, take the time to learn about local practices, whether it's dress codes, greetings or cultural conventions. A gesture that's normal at home might be considered offensive elsewhere.

In many parts of the Middle East, including cities like Dubai, for example, it's considered disrespectful to walk through hotel lobbies or restaurants in beachwear. A modest cover-up is appreciated. Similarly, in Japan, entering a hotel spa or onsen (hot spring bath) without showering first is a breach of etiquette that can offend locals.

Respect hotel property

Hotels expect normal use. A little scuff on the carpet, a few water rings on the desk or a drip of toothpaste on the counter is no issue. Damage, however, is anything that goes beyond what housekeeping can reasonably clean or repair in minutes. Coffee or wine stains on the bedding or makeup transferred onto white towels tend to be common concerns. 

Less common but more serious are leaving marks on the carpet, cracking the TV screen, breaking lamps or marks on the wall. Water damage, like flooded bathrooms from an overfilled bath, aren't just inconvenient, they're costly. If damage requires a specialist to fix it or the hotel has to replace it, you may be held financially responsible. Charges can appear on your credit card after checkout.

Know which items are complimentary and which are not

Hoteliers report that guests occasionally take items that aren't meant to leave the room, but only a few small items such as pens, mini toiletries and postcards are meant to be taken. The robe, pillows and duvet are for enjoying during your stay, not relocating to your suitcase. If it plugs in, costs more than £5, or is attached to the room, it's not complimentary. You can be charged for missing items.

Keep your room tidy

Housekeeping maintains cleanliness, but reasonable tidiness helps. Dispose of rubbish in bins, keep clothes organised and clear personal items from the bed so sheets can be changed easily. A neat bathroom also makes the cleaning process smoother. 

Honour check-in and check-out times

Rooms need time to be prepared between guests. If you need an early check-in, ask in advance if they can accommodate you. If they can't, make plans accordingly. The hotel can often store your luggage while your room is being prepared. 

The same goes for check-out: staying beyond the stated time can disrupt the housekeeping schedule and may result in an additional fee. You can always ask the hotel if late-checkout is available – depending on occupancy, an extra hour or two can sometimes be granted complimentary. 

Use the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign

If you're resting, showering or need privacy, the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on your door lets you enjoy your time without being disturbed. Use it when needed to avoid knocks from hotel staff or other interruptions. 

Ask for what you want

Special requests are welcome within reason. Extra pillows, allergy-friendly bedding, a room with a view are all requests that hotels receive regularly. The earlier you ask, the easier it is for staff to accommodate you. Quiet rooms are also a standard request. If you want a quieter room, ask for a room away from the lifts, on a high floor and away from busy streets.

While hotels excel in hospitality, guests also are expected to respect the hotel’s staff, property and other guests. Here are some definite don’ts for your hotel stay. 

Smoke in non-smoking rooms

If you smoke in a non-smoking hotel room, you will likely receive a cleaning fee, ranging from £250 to £500 or more, to remove the smoke smell and residue. The hotel may also charge you for potential damage to furniture or the cost of removing the room from availability temporarily. In serious cases, you could face removal from the hotel.

Take towels and bathrobes

Most hotels track their linens and robes. If housekeeping notices one missing, the front desk is authorised to add the replacement cost to your bill. A towel or plush robe might cost you hundreds, depending on the quality. Some premium hotels have robes that retail for several hundred pounds.

Leave wet towels on the floor

Avoid tossing damp towels on the carpet, bed or wooden furniture. Wet fabric can seep into upholstery and cause stains, warp wooden finishes or create mildew patches in carpet that won't dry before the next guest checks in. The bathroom floor is acceptable, but if you're going to reuse your towels, it's better to leave them where they can dry out like on a hook or dedicated towel rack. 

Ignore check-out times

If checkout is 11:00, that means 11:00 sharp. Delays affect the schedule for every guest after you. Give the hotel a call if you think you’ll need extra time getting out of your room to avoid being charged for a late checkout. Sometimes they can offer an extra hour before check-out time free of charge. 

Cause damage to the room

From broken lamps to significant stains, damages can easily become expensive. Keep hotel rooms in good condition and save your energy and cash for the activities you've planned.

Play loud music

Music can enhance your stay, but keep in mind that your playlist is for your enjoyment only, so keep volume to a reasonable level to stay respectful of other guests. 

Monopolise the facilities

Pool chairs, fitness equipment or even the breakfast buffet are shared with other hotel guests, so it’s good hotel etiquette to take turns and share the facilities. For example, only reserve pool chairs when you’re actually using them, keep communal meal areas tidy and wipe down fitness equipment after you’re finished. 

Treat your hotel room as a temporary home with a few extra benefits, and treat the staff with courtesy. If you are respectful and considerate, you'll always be welcomed back.