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“Staying in a hotel” is such a spectrum of experiences, ranging from “a motel where the sirens outside never stop” to excellent, all inclusives, where your every need is catered to. However, it’s not at all strange or unusual to have some personal predilections towards what to do and avoid.
A netizen asked “What are some unspoken rules that you automatically follow when staying in a hotel?” and people shared their personal preferences. We also got in touch with the person who made the thread to learn more. So get comfortable as you scroll through, upvote your favorites and list your own hotel rules in the comments section below.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Be quiet in the hallways.
Susan Reid Smith 10 months ago
Not "I have to go out to the hall to puke" in overheard over party noises across hall in the wee hours of the morning?
Libstak 10 months ago
Yes and no. Dont scream, run and carry on laughing loudly and stomping. But dont creep quietly either, i get more nervous at all the almost hearing footsteps and whispering then just hearing people going about their business and ill sleep thru a storm but wake instantly to creeping about.
RELATED:
#2
Treat the staff like princes/princesses. Good manners often get you extra attention and perks.
roddy 10 months ago
Whenever you get a chance to give positive feedback, do it. They usually just get complaints, so compliments make a refreshing change and they appreciate it.
Geoffrey Scott 10 months ago
We always leave our pocket change, sometimes up to $10, behind for cleaning staff. If it doesn't seem enough, we throw a couple singles in as well. Not life changing, but at least a gesture.
Scott Rackley 10 months ago
I can testify this is true. Worked as a night auditor many many many moons ago
#3
I open and look in EVERYTHING. I’m not sure what I’m looking for exactly but I do it anyway.
Mason Kronol 10 months ago
I look for the pen and pad of paper they used to have so I can write things down. Or a room service menu or any hotel info. We stayed in a Sheraton Suites recently and the phones weren’t hooked up. I had to look up the number to call the front desk. Turns out the restaurant was closed for renovations. I swear every hotel’s pool and restaurant seems to be closed for renovations.
DowntownStevieB 10 months ago
My sister did this once while on a med school rotation. She found a m**d*r weapon and blood under the mattress.
PenguinEmp 10 months ago
Omg. My wife says I'm totally odd for doing just this. I open anything I can find and I always say, ooh look what I found. I admit that part is annoying. But in my looksee I've found USBs with family photos I try to return. Alway a toothbrush on the top of the closet shelf. I once found a panel that slid over the windows in place of heavy dirty curtains.
David Morgan 10 months ago
I don't want to be mean-spirited, but I would seriously advise you not to plug in ANY USB devices you 'find'. Hackers regularly 'seed' places like hotels, airports, the streets outside office buildinge etc with drives that contain key-logging software, ransomware or other harmful software. The drives cost very little to buy in bulk, and the potential rewards are high. Much better to just inform management that you found one.
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doctorwho35 10 months ago
I look in the bedside drawers of UK hotels for a Gideon's Bible. Once found one and a Qu'aran... First time I had seen one actually. Explanation The practice of putting Bibles in hotel rooms is widespread, but it's not universal. Most major hotel franchises allow individual hotel owners to decide whether or not to stock their drawers with religious scripture. The Gideons International is an organization that distributes Bibles in hotels, guest houses, and bed and breakfast establishments. The practice of placing Bibles in hotel rooms originated with the work of the Commercial Travellers' Christian Association.
Lyoness 10 months ago
It's a safety issue too. Ask any flight attendant. Put your suitcase between the door and the room, don't close it behind you. Check the bathroom, behind the curtains, under the bed and behind any furniture. Then pull your suitcase in, lock the door and put a bandaid or tape over the peephole. Bring a door wedge and shove it under the door (they're the same thing people use to keep a door open. Stupid cheap). Check all the drawers, look at all the fixtures (camera are pretty obvious - you'll see a little light or reflection). Wipe everything down. Now you can relax.
Lyoness 10 months ago
Just to clarify, this is what we taught at the airline I worked for in the 90s.
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Karl der Große 10 months ago
I do this. Also, if someone has left a book in the drawer by the bed, you have to read the whole thing before you go to sleep. I rarely get enough rest, but I've read this book about people in the desert enough times that I can name some of the characters.
White Sauce Hot Sauce 10 months ago
It's a way to check for any damage that you can report immediately to the hotel, so you don't get charged for it.
Bored Panda got in touch with the netizen who posed the question online and they were kind enough to answer some of our questions. Naturally, we were curious to hear why they asked this question in the first place. “I was just staying in a hotel for my birthday and wanted to make sure I wasn't breaking any rules that others put in place.”
The post they made ended up with thousands of upvotes and comments, so we wanted to know how they felt about it. “I was super surprised it was so popular, definitely my biggest post. I think that annoying guests in a hotel is a very relatable experience for a lot of people, so of course they would want to share how to not be one.”
#4
I like to autograph the Bible “With love, Jesus”.
Bob Brooce 10 months ago
"This is a work of fiction. Unless otherwise indicated, all the names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents in this book are either the product of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. With love, Jesus"
Tammilee Truitt 10 months ago
My daughter always checks the Bible for hidden, forgotten cash. I'll let her know to look for Jesus's autograph, too lol
Nicole Weymann 10 months ago
I rarely stay/stayed in hotels and was really surprised the first time I found a bible. And I found it somewhat creepy/obnoxious, as if the place was a missionary place owned by a Mormon chapter or Jehovah's Witnesses.
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#5
Dont let the door slam behind you when leaving your room. Seems simple enough.
Earthquake903 10 months ago
Where are these considerate people? They've never been at any of the many hotels I've stayed at.
Mason Kronol 10 months ago
My husband lets it slam. Annoys me. I apologize because we are usually weekday later night people.
#6
Peel the sheets back and check for evidence of bed bugs.
Midoribird Aoi 10 months ago
Also keep your luggage in the bathtub or metallic luggage rack. Do not under any circumstances put it on your bed. If you can, bring large plastic bags and put your luggage in them and zip tie the things shut. All the better to avoid bringing home hitchhikers.
Inglourioustmnt 10 months ago
Putting luggage in the tub is gross. And bugs can go in the tub so really doesnt make sense
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“One of my favorite answers was to leave a key card on the floor in your room close to the door, so if you had to leave in the middle of the night for whatever reason, you'd be able to grab it quickly on your way out and have less of a hassle getting back in,” they shared with Bored Panda.
#7
This is for when it’s time to check out. Before you leave, make sure to give the sheets a good shake to ensure you didn’t accidentally leave anything on the bed. Also check every single drawer or storage space in the room, even if you didn’t use it. I’ve never actually left anything behind, but my anxious a*s always feels like I’m forgetting something, so I check everything to make sure I didn’t actually do so. 😅.
Sue User 10 months ago
At the end of my mothers stay, i took absolute everything. Half shampoo bottle, etc.
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PenguinEmp 10 months ago
I left a dress shirt tie and shoes once. I called literally 3hrs later and they said nope nothing there.
Tammilee Truitt 10 months ago
I think that undisclosed policy is awful. My daughter left one shoe, probably under bed. Brand new for school starting. We walked up the street for breakfast, got back to the car. She realizes she left it. Front desk says no nothing found and no we can't go back in the room to look. Bastards.
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doctorwho35 10 months ago
Even if I am leaving my house I do a "quick run around" to make sure I've not forgotten anything. Leaving a hotel, I check, then double check.
Devin Schmitt 10 months ago
I used to travel to Anchorage, AK twice a month for work. I always stayed in the same hotel, and they started giving me a two-bedroom suite for no extra charge. Worked great, until I hung my work shirts in the bedroom's closet. Then went to Fairbanks. I had to go shopping...no I didn't lose my shirts, I knew exactly where they were.
BoredLittleLeafSheep 10 months ago
I always make a checklist before I leave on a trip so I know what I've packed. Helps me make sure I haven't left anything behind. And then I use it AGAIN when leaving the hotel.
White Sauce Hot Sauce 10 months ago (edited)
I once stayed at a hotel in California and hung up a shirt in the closet. With the way it was arranged, that side of it was out of view if I didn't lean into the closet to see it. When I got back home to New York, I unpacked my bag and realized I left that shirt behind, because I didn't fully check inside the closet. It was a nice shirt, too, that's difficult to replace. Ever since then, I've been intense about checking every single space in the hotel room before checkout.
#8
The floor is lava, not to be touched with bare feet. .
Mason Kronol 10 months ago
I know, depends on how tired I am or how much wine ive had. But I do take our slippers.
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#9
Leave a decent tip for the housekeeper. They do an awful job for low wages, and they have access to your stuff. Be nice to them! :) I've gotten lovely thank-you notes and extra goodies left in my room by leaving a decent tip.
Karen Bryan 10 months ago
This shoud be #1. And make sure they get it! (Boy, there's a lot of unnecessary germophobia out there. I guess my standards are lower than the norm.)
leendadll 10 months ago
Phew... It felt I was the only one who thought a lot of people are extra-paranoid.
Load More Replies... Geoffrey Scott 10 months ago
As above, upon checkout, leave ALL pocket change on the dresser. Round up with singles to $10. Ain't much, but more than expected I'm sure.
Jenka666 10 months ago (edited)
And don’t wait until the end of the stay, it should be every day. There’s probably different people cleaning it.
BoredLittleLeafSheep 10 months ago (edited)
Don't know why you were downvoted but you are correct. If they're coming in daily, it may very well be more than one cleaning person if you're there for a few days. We always let the front desk know we won't be needing housekeeping until checkout if it's 3 days or less, so in that case, once at checkout is sufficient.
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Mihai Mara 10 months ago
Americans and their tipping culture. They would tip even the laundromat if they could.
BookFanatic 10 months ago
I never knew housekeepers were supposed to be tipped until I was in my late 20s. We never did it when I was a kid because--I learned--my dad didn't believe hotel staff needed tipping. Now I over-tip.
doctorwho35 10 months ago
In the UK, tips are either optional or (for restaurants) part of the final bill price.
Mason Kronol 10 months ago
We’ve gotten little goodie bags! We fought over the tootsie rolls! And the last hotel had a Kuerig and we got a ton of extra coffee.
John Boy 10 months ago (edited)
We give $10 per night to our housekeeper. You wouldn't believe the stuff she gives us! While in Punta Cana, we left her several pairs of Levi Jeans. From then on, she gave us more alcohol than anyone could drink, plus a ton of soaps, shampoos, etc. She was an awesome woman.
“I was definitely surprised how many answers involved bedbugs. It did make me happy that so many people go out of their way to help the employees and just be good people,” they added, when we asked if they had any personal favorites from the thread.
#10
Immediately untuck those tight a*s sheets.
David Morgan 10 months ago
The top sheet/duvet, not the sheet you sleep on, right? Why DO they tuck those so tightly? As long as the duvet has been laid on the bed neatly, I don't need to fight to get in.
Papa 10 months ago
Same here. I'm not overly tall (6', 183cm), but I never seem to have enough room for my feet if I don't untuck the cover sheet.
Load More Replies... Mason Kronol 10 months ago
This was a great Seinfeld episode! I like untucked and do it immediately. My husband doesn’t care either way. During the aftermath of terrible storms we had to get a room with 2 queens and I was loving my own bed! Untucked and sleeping sideways! It was also a Sheraton and they have great pillows!
#11
I make sure all trash is placed in trash can before leaving, and I put back ironing board, hangers, and luggage rack, and ensure towels are n a neat pile in the bathroom, or right outside the hotel door.
DowntownStevieB 10 months ago
Of course trash goes in the bin, but I was always told to leave the other things I use out so the cleaners know I used them.
#12
I always check that everything is working as soon as I arrive in the room. That way if it's not and they have to move me, it's a lot easier to move all my stuff and nothing accidentally gets left behind.
DowntownStevieB 10 months ago
Also, I was told to deo this too (this way I don't get charged for someone else's mistake!)
Geoffrey Scott 10 months ago
I offered to fix the toilet mechanism, at our last stay. One man show for check-in maintenance, etc. He fixed it, but was grateful for the offer.
Michael Largey 10 months ago
The first thing to check is always the toilet.
Load More Replies... #13
I spent half the year last year in hotels. Most of it one specific hotel for 1-2 weeks at a time.
My only rule is to put the “Do not disturb” sign on the door as soon as I get there. I don’t want anyone, including housekeeping, touching my stuff.
ucp 10 months ago
Me too: I like the feeling that the room is my sanctuary in a strange place.
Load More Replies... David Morgan 10 months ago
One thing you can do if you are staying longer-term is to immediately ask the front desk about this. Ask how often housekeeping normally comes in, and make an arrangement for them to come only on set days or at an interval. For example, if you are staying a week, ordinarily housekeeping changes the sheets on your third day - tell them to only service the room on that day, and leave you alone otherwise.
BoredLittleLeafSheep 10 months ago
Communication with the front desk is so important!
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Kimberley McMillan 10 months ago
I did this on my most recent vacation and one of the hotels we stayed at (there were many it was a road trip) gave us a notice about not letting housekeeping in to tidy after two days... didn't matter in the end because we were checking out the next morning.
#14
When I was a kid, my family stayed in hotels on vacation only once every other year or so. My parents took one of the drawers in the room and filled it with all kinds of snacks. That was 40 years ago, and I always have stuff to set up a snack drawer whenever I get a room even if it's for one night. It's just feels right.
zims 10 months ago
Whenever we were staying at a hotel my parents swung by a grocery store and got muffins for breakfast the next day, or bagels if the room had a toaster. We could sleep later, save money on eating out, and not have to get everybody dressed and out the door to eat.
Neb 10 months ago
I think it makes sense with kids and when hotel does not give free breakfast.
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#15
Showers only. I don't trust hotels to properly clean their bath tubs so I'm not going to sit down in one.
tom (bat/man) 10 months ago
i'm not fond of poaching in my own dead cells which are constantly sloughing off...the shower it is
Neb 10 months ago
Unless you treat the bath as a "presoak" before washing under shower.
Load More Replies... Jenka666 10 months ago
I disagree. There’s nothing like a long hot soak, especially on vacation. The trick is to clean it first and just have a shower at the end. I’d like to think the copious amounts of soap and bubbles I bring makes it less disgusting..
Mason Kronol 10 months ago
We have reservations in March at a hotel specifically with a whirlpool tub because we will be doing a lot of walking in a downtown area. The one with the soaking tub was booked. I always take cleanser so we can clean it not only before we get in but if we get in again before we have housekeeping in. That’s the good thing about driving over flying- taking your own cleansers! Oh, and the lavender bubble bath I bring is nice!
Load More Replies... Michael Largey 10 months ago
Hotels are increasing giving you no choice. Their bathrooms feature only a shower stall - no tub.
Nicole Weymann 10 months ago
Definitely not. I only rarely stay in hotels (I prefer privacy and like cooking, so anything over three nights will be some rental), but in my 45 years of life I've had exactly one hotel room that provided a tub. Bathtubs are something of a luxury item, and I usually travel on a budget.
Load More Replies... #16
Throw your towels in a pile in the bathroom.
Tammilee Truitt 10 months ago
...because i want them to take all the spent ones out and replace with fresh ones. Same with trash. Everything in the basket. Take it all please.
Ace 10 months ago
"Spent"? What is it exactly that you're doing with your towels? For me I prefer it where they'll replace any that I put in the bath but leave any others which don't need washing every day. How often do you change your towels at home?
Load More Replies... BoredLittleLeafSheep 10 months ago
We use them a couple of times and then ask the front desk for fresh ones because we don't want housekeeping in every day. At the end of our stay we put all the used towels in the tub for housekeeping.
#17
Always take their soap when you leave.
WindySwede 10 months ago
They have stopped that here, atleast the one I stayed in last year for work. They have refillable dispensers on the wall in the shower, and by the sink in the bathroom.
Rali Meyer 10 months ago
Yes, else the (must) throw them away. Unless you stay in a poor country where they happily take them home.
doctorwho35 10 months ago
I always take their bottles of shampoo, conditioner and body wash. Means I have travel size stuff ready
Brian Droste 10 months ago
I leave a note for the cleaning lady that she does not need to replace the soap while I staying at the hotel. That way numerous bsrs of soap doesn't get wasted.
#18
Don't hit on the cleaning ladies. They're not there for that.
Clown fish 10 months ago
Lol slime? I hope you mean slime because I'm laughing so hard at thinking what slim balls are
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#19
Don’t put your luggage on the bed.
Talk quietly in the hallways if you are talking.
Jeff White 10 months ago
This one. Do not put your luggage, which you've rolled through airports, sidewalks, possibly through dog poop, on the bed. Nearly every hotel has through luggage tables. Use them.
BeesEelsAndPups 10 months ago
It's also because should the bed have bedbugs, you don't want them getting into your luggage and taking them home
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Midoribird Aoi 10 months ago
Prevents bed bugs from sneaking aboard. Keep your luggage in the bathtub.
Shane S 10 months ago
Baggage is disgusting. It’s basically like making a bed on an airport floor.
Load More Replies... #20
I fold a swan into the end of the toilet paper to one-up the maids who fold corners into it.
Michael Largey 10 months ago (edited)
On one cruise every night we found a towel on our bed folded into a different animal by our cabin steward. The elephant was quite impressive.
Geoffrey Scott 10 months ago
Noticed this hack, and used it. Am a custodian, so every roll I replaced had the corners folded in for TP dispensers.
#21
I stay in HUNDREDS of hotels a year. (Mid to low end, Choice, Wyndham, Best Western chains mainly)
Here’s some advice.
1) People sleep during the DAY in hotels too. Act accordingly. We have to work all night to make everything work right.
2) PLEASE PLEASE don’t come down to breakfast in socks or bare feet. This isn’t your house.
3) Try not to let the door slam.
4) Your dog usually barks the whole time you leave the poor thing alone in a strange place.
5) Hotel walls are not that thick. Please turn the TV and your voice down.
6) Return the luggage cart (there’s a special place in hell for you)
7) Your kids are not behaving when you’re not watching them.
8) Stomping and running around is unacceptable if you are not on the first floor.
9) Lock your car, don’t leave anything you can’t replace in it.
10) You can USUALLY get a better rate online than in person at the front desk.
Joanne Earle 10 months ago
We experienced being underneath a family w/ a kid that they allowed to run and stomp around for hours. I called the desk, they went up to talk to them. The running continued for another hour. I called again, they told me that they went up there and the kid has autism and is disabled. So? I also paid for my room and would like to sleep. The 3rd call I made an hour later, I went scorched earth and demanded that either we are moved or they get moved but this was c**p. Was told I was 'being mean' and the family was trying to get him to bed. So what happens when he gets up at 2AM and starts running around? They moved our room thankfully. But a note to parents w/ kids that do that: ASK FOR A FIRST FLOOR ROOM. Sorry your kid is disabled or a toddler but there are other people in the hotel and it's not up to the majority of the guests to make concessions for one family. My parents would've tanned my hide if I behaved that way in a hotel.
MotherRobinson 10 months ago
I violated #6 one time and Im still sorry 😞 for it. I was in a hurry that day.
#22
Look up the thermostat model on google to find out how to override the temp/fan limitations…so you can turn the room into Antarctica if you wish.
Jeff White 10 months ago
Thank you for this advice. I thought the limits were centrally controlled but now realize probably not. This is the best on so far.
#23
Check to see if there's any hidden cameras.
WindySwede 10 months ago
At best they to find 50% or so? Saw some yt about it. The cheaper one was not so great,and the expensive was, expensive!
Load More Replies... Floeckchen 10 months ago
And please: the motion sensor in the bathroom is NOT a hidden camera!
John Boy 10 months ago
Don't waste money on a "hidden camera detector" or app. Turn on your cell phone camera and go around your room. If there is a camera, it will actually "flash" or "pulse". (The camera also tells you if your batteries are good on your remote control. Turn on your camera app, aim the control at it and press any button. If you see "flashes", the batteries are good. Otherwise, change your remote control batteries.
Tammilee Truitt 10 months ago
What do they look like? Where do you look? I use a discreet vape pin. I'm waiting for the day a hotel tells me they know I vaped in the room. Really, and what do you base your suspensions on?
#24
Wipe down the remote.
Brainiac's Daughter 10 months ago
I have 2 methods for the notoriously germy remote --- use antibacterial Wet Wipes on it and/or take the flimsy plastic bag out of the ice bucket and put the remote in and use it that way. It works! If I'm staying somewhere for a while, I'll use a zip lock bag for this. Always bring slider zip lock bags! So many uses!
#25
1. Never sit naked on anything other than the bed. Sheets and towels are washed after every visit. The rest of the furniture gets a quick wipe-down at best. I don't know who else has had their genitals on that couch... Most hotels don't wash the comforter unless it looks dirty, because they are so bulky and slow down the rate of laundry turn-around. And in some hotels, they don't wash the decorative top sheet, either.
2. Be courteous to others. They are also trying to have a vacation.
3. Pack up the night before checkout. I won't have to rush out the door in the morning.
Joseph Miller 10 months ago
One thing that I haven't seen yet is: Unplug the phone if you are not expecting a wake-up call. Wrong numbers during the middle of the night are very annoying. Most of us use our cell phones for any calls anyway.
#26
Don't make unnecessary noise at night. Do stuff you need to do, take a shower, etc, but don't make loud sounds late.
Tammilee Truitt 10 months ago
Stayed at a Hilton brand in small, far West Texas recently. Just passing through. One or 2 cars in lot. Did not looked opened. Though you could tell it was new construction, it did not look completed. Go in, sure enough there were 3 smiling employees behind the counter. 5 seconds go by, another older than us older couple comes in, then a single 45ish businessman comes in. We're all getting checked at same time and all look surprise that this place is complete and opened for business. It was the color scheme throughout that made it look incomplete. Twilight zone feeling a creeping in. We get in our room, begin to unpack and freshen up to go to dinner. The older than us older couple got room next to us. We heard them bang open the door. Bang all kinds of $#!+ around til we left for dinner. Had nice dinner and drinks, came back and hour or so later. Quiet for 10 minutes, then their door kept banging opened and shut, and more bang $#!+ around, and throughout the night, every little while some sound they would make. Jesus Christ, if they weren't 100 yrs old, I'd have beat their a**. My husband has traveled his entire working life for business and can just tune it out. Me not so much. I could not figure out what the heck they were doing and my husband discouraged me for asking. Bizarro fun.
Geoffrey Scott 10 months ago
I always feel guilty if I take an early morning shower, and assume my activities can be heard, so I'm quiet.
#27
If the coffee maker is in the bathroom, it’s not getting used.
#28
Frequent traveler here.
Pre check in: book a room with two queens vs. one king as the second bed provides additional storage room, and an additional comforter/ pillows if needed. For those who love to throw their luggage on the bed- this is key for you. Stop sitting your luggage on the bedding that you plan to sleep on.
Request late check out via the app/ calling the hotel front desk.
Step 1:
Open hotel door- and immediately place the DND sign on the handle. No need for any room servicing if my stay is under a week. If greater than 3 days, I’ll simply request the needed items be placed in front of my door, or pick them up in the lobby. More importantly, this alleviates the constant knocking/ unexpected room entrances while you’re on a conference call, or stepping into, or out of the shower.
This alleviates more issues than you think it does, as half the hotel anxiety I hear about from travelers is about their belongings when they’re not present in the room.
Step 2:
Check to ensure mini fridge is working. Check to ensure shower is working and has hot water. Sounds extreme, but you generally wouldn’t notice issues with these two things until it’s too late. Any medications, or food being stored in the mini fridge would be ruined by this point- and if you have issues with your shower, regardless of it being no hot water, no pressure, or other- by the time you discover it in the morning it’s too late. You’re now late for your site visit/ work meeting. Same applies to the iron if ironing is needed.
Step 3:
If important work meeting in the AM- call the front desk to request a wake up call. I can’t tell you how many times my iPhone alarm doesn’t sound- for whatever reason, regardless of being set. This alleviates issues here. Also, confirm your late check out at this time. Regardless of you confirming this prior to checking in, it somehow gets missed regularly. If you’re not at the hotel at the standard checkout time, yet your belongings are still in the room- this creates quite the unnecessary chaos. It’s best to ensure that this scenario is avoided altogether.
Step 4:
Reasonably inspect bedding once comforter is removed for any concerns.
Step 5:
Prior to exiting the room for check out. Untuck the bedding on unused bed. This is to ensure new bedding is applied for the next guest. House keeping will rarely remake a bed after a guest- if it appears to be untouched.
That is all. Check out, and repeat roughly 300 times annually lol.
Geoffrey Scott 10 months ago
And for God's sake, be careful with the continental breakfasts (cleanliness)
Only Me 10 months ago
Are you staying in budget hotels or something? I travel frequently (internationally) and never have issues. Mind you, I mostly travel through Asia, and they provide far far better service than American or Euro hotels. And for better price. Europe is the worst, very expensive and low quality.
David Morgan 10 months ago
Your pre-check in point about luggage is OK, but most hotels I've ever stayed in have a 'throw' type of cover (it usually looks more like carpet than a comforter) specifically designed to protect the bedding from guests putting their luggage on the bed. And point 5 is not correct in my experience - the blowback from a guest finding mess in a 'changed' bed is NOT worth the time saving on just changing them all regardless.
#29
Leave the spare door key/keycard on the floor by the door so you will see it and grab it as you leave if you are evacuated for fire or earthquake. If you leave without your key you will end up in a massive queue of people getting replacement keys at 1am.
Mason Kronol 10 months ago
After a fire alarm going off while we were in the jacuzzi on the 10th floor I now try to make sure we have clothes, wallets and car keys ready to go. Also note the stairwells.
#30
Entering the room, I take off my shoes and put on my house slippers, Mr. Rogers style.
Mason Kronol 10 months ago
It’s not just the potential dirt, it’s the chemicals they use to clean the carpet. It irritates my feet. But for the most part I just try to relax because looking back on my teens and early 20’s I crashed at some places I wouldn’t want to walk in today and survived! Off campus housing, always the cleanest bathrooms 😂
#31
Immediately count the number of doors from my room to the nearest fire exit, so you can crawl under smoke if a fire breaks out. Hotel fires take countless souls over the years. People get [unalived] by the smoke, not the flames.
David Morgan 10 months ago
How come the OP's word gets censored, but yours doesn't? Did they do it themselves? That's tedious.
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tom (bat/man) 10 months ago
no higher than floor number 4 because the fire ladders cant get to you
#32
Not making too much mess. Stack your dishes and throw you rubbish in the bin. Put your towels in the basin, strip your linens and leave at the end of the bed (to ensure the next person gets clean sheets).
#33
Avoid putting clothes on the floor, and launder everything as soon as you get home, leave the suitcase outside.
Tammilee Truitt 10 months ago
Leave suitcases in car to bake the c**p out of any stowaways. Take cosmetic bags, medications inside with you, though.
BookFanatic 10 months ago
A good buddy of mine works in an upscale hotel. She told me to stuff all my clothes, bags, anything soft, in a garbage bag and tightly seal it. Leave it the garage for 48 hours to suffocate any bugs that might have hitched a ride home. No idea if it works, but I get a kick out of it.
Kelly Scott 10 months ago (edited)
When you pack, make sure all of your clothes are in plastic bags. Bring a second plastic bag with you so you can put your worn clothes in that. Keep all your electronics in a plastic bag as well unless you're using them. And absolutely make sure to launder (this means wash and high dryer heat) everything when you get home. When you get home, take your shoes off at the door and put them in a plastic bag. Bring in the plastic bags and leave the suitcase outside till it can get baked in a hot car for a couple days (in temps above 85). You don't want to bring in any bedbugs and those critters are experts at hitching a ride on you.
#34
Here's one i haven't seen mentioned here:
when you get to your room for the first time.. knock and check if anyone is there. let me tell you a story...
one time on a work trip, i checked into a hotel. got to my room, opened the door and lo and behold - an elderly man on the bed in his underwear watching tv.
the bed was positioned such that it if you were lying on the bed, you the door was facing straight ahead of you. so i got a full glimpse of this panicked and very much naked old guy let out a whimper of panic and confusion before i quickly closed the door and got out of there.
not a word got out of him - i think i threw a fading "sorry" into there as i was getting the heck out of there.
both of us are imprinted on each other forever, unfortunately. it doesn't have to be that way though - KNOCK when you get to your room for the first time.
Upstaged75 10 months ago
I walked in on my brother and his girlfriend undressing once. My whole family was staying there and we all have the same last name. So they accidentally gave me the key to his room. I could have done without seeing that, but at least I knew them.
Papa 10 months ago (edited)
At first it says "an elderly man on the bed in his underwear." The next paragraph says "very much naked old guy." Which is it? According to my understanding of the English language very much naked does not apply if someone is wearing underwear. This makes me wonder if the whole thing is made up.
Auntriarch 10 months ago
You are correct. Practically naked or half naked would be fine. But it could just be that some sensitive souls freak over underwear
Load More Replies... doctorwho35 10 months ago (edited)
I was given a room number and key card... I opened the door, and saw a smart pilot jacket hanging up in the wardrobe. Was so confused. So, went down to reception (I had checked in at 11pm as my flight wasn't until 8am next day and I didn't know Toronto, so stayed in airport hotel) and explained the situation. They quickly gave me a new room and apologised. Thank goodness I saw the uniform and didn't turn on the light!
Brian Droste 10 months ago
Last year I booked a room at a hotel. Checked in. Got my key card. Went up to my room . Opened the door, no one was in the room but I could see it was occupied. Somehow that room wasn't registered as being occupied so I was given that room.
#35
Don’t forget to pack toothpaste and a toothbrush not all hotels have complimentary toothpaste.
#36
Take a picture of my room # so I can find it later.
Janissary35680 10 months ago
I don't have a problem with the room number so much but once or twice I have had trouble finding the hotel again. So I'm careful to take a picture of that from the outside.
Susan Reid Smith 10 months ago
No, for the safety of the person staying there.
Load More Replies...
#37
After finding a random pill on the floor in one room, I’m now going to get down at ground level and look for pills on the floor. Don’t need my kids dying because someone didn’t vacuum well. .
tracy black 10 months ago
when i worked housekeeping for a holiday inn we vaccummed each room we cleaned every time
Load More Replies...
#38
Never ever under any circumstances use the coffee maker. People p**s in them. A lot. As reported by many housekeeping staff.
Phoenix 10 months ago
Um, what?!!! Why would anyone do this?! I don't drink coffee, so I never use the coffee maker, but I never would've thought of that.
Shane S 10 months ago (edited)
People are jerks. I also get weirded out when hotels use the large communal shampoo bottles. I had a shampoo bottle in a Las Vegas hotel where the shampoo lid came off easily and the product was all watery inside. I shudder to think what I put in my hair that first shower…
Load More Replies... David Morgan 10 months ago
Not the type shown in this image, but the glass-bowl type that they have in some American diners. It's usually drunks, or couples when one is using the bathroom already and the other is desperate to urinate.
#39
At night I shove a towel under the door. I like to sleep in a very dark room and that strip of light is like a beacon.
The towel helps muffle sounds as well. And I use those clothes hangers with clips to seal the drapes tight so no light gets in.
I'm Batman 🦇.
PenguinEmp 10 months ago
Do not do that. I'm a dark sleeping man myself but trust me. If there is a fire and you need to be out pronto. You won't remember it's there, waking up dead asleep, and you won't be able to get out. It will take you precisely too long to process.
Verfin22 10 months ago
I agree with the towel thing. Restless being in a weird place anyway. I'm sure I'd know I'm blocking the door and where my key card is for others who said it. I've learned to orient myself well in the darkness.
Load More Replies... Brian Droste 10 months ago
I like a dark room myself. I don't put a towel against the door but I do shut the curtains as much as possible.
ILoveMySon 10 months ago
Pack clothes pins to secure curtain gaps. I leave them in my luggage soas not to forget them.
Auntriarch 10 months ago
I can't sleep with the least little sliver of light. But I can sleep with a sleep mask.
#40
Drink only from wrapped plastic cups.
My buddy managed two hotels in the city. He said alot of his colleagues has seen the room cleaners handling the regular glasses with gloves that had been used for cleaning toilets etc.
Also never lie on top of the duvet. It doesn’t get cleaned anywhere near as often as the bed sheets do….
Debby Keir 10 months ago
Wash the glass yourself, first. Why should I use a plastic monstrosity.?
#41
Check under the mattress for a body because of that one story I always heard while growing up about the couple whose room smelled super bad and then *spoiler alert* they found a body under the mattress.
#42
Don't kick the floor when you walk. But since those a******s don't listen, always get a room on the top floor.
Al Fun 10 months ago
Is kicking the floor a thing? Like punching the walls? Anger issues much?
Debby Keir 10 months ago
Think they mean stamping/stomping like elephants.
Load More Replies... Kelly Scott 10 months ago
Never get a room over the 5th floor. That's all the fire truck ladders can reach in case of a fire.
#43
If you bring in food, do NOT leave strong-smelling items in the room.
Anna Losonczy 10 months ago
In Singapore a hotel lift even had the warning "no durian". :D
Load More Replies... #44
Keep the television volume down so you don't disturb the room next to you.
Also, when talking on your phone you don't have to yell so the whole floor can hear your conversation.
BookFanatic 10 months ago
I'm hard of hearing, so I always second-guess just how loud my television is. Thank God for captioning. I can mute it and still enjoy.
Brian Droste 10 months ago
I only used a hotel once a year. That is Red Roof inn. I never heard my neighbors make any noise. I don't know about other hotels.
#45
If I'm there more than 2 days or so, I unpack my stuff into the drawers provided. Makes it feel more like home and is more convenient than digging thru a suitcase all the time.
Also, I highly recommend getting a travel hamper bag. It's great to have totally separate bags for clean and dirty clothes and can just dump the dirty straight into the washer when I get home.
Geoffrey Scott 10 months ago
Since we generally shop while travelling the plastic bags work well too.
Debby Keir 10 months ago
I take a few pedal bin liners with me for the dirty laundry (and a few freezer bags to make a sarnie for lunch from the free breakfast)
#46
Immediately stare into the mirror. Intimidatingly. Glaring Helicopterly. For exactly 7 minutes and 30 seconds. Then mouth and sign "I see you" before continuing on with your night.
#47
I don't lay on the top blanket, I only get between the sheets because someone told me they only wash the sheets.
I assume there's hidden cameras in all the rooms based on every creepy movie I ever saw.
I don't walk on the carpet in my bare feet because of what's probably in the rugs.
I bring earplugs because I just assume the people in the next room are gonna party half the night and make noise.
Other than that I just hope I get through the night without being attacked, lol.
Oh, and I don't leave anything valuable in the room when I'm gone.
#48
Lock all the mf doors. Then I wipe everything down with antibacterial wipes. Futile, I know.
#49
Pretend I don't exist and never ask for anything or complain.
doctorwho35 10 months ago
"I'll be in my bedroom, making no noise and pretending I don't exist" - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
#50
I am very friendly and grateful to all staff, including housekeeping, and try to remember names. I almost never have a bad experience. Also, I read reviews like a hawk (that can read).
#51
When i first started working in hotels i was shocked to learn just how many people leave their dirty dishes or used takeaway boxes outside their room, im not saying you have to take it to the bin outside but the audacity to put your s**t in a hallway after your done with it for everyone to see astounded me.
Ron Man 10 months ago
Most hotels I've been want you to return your room service dishes by putting them outside your room.
Shane S 10 months ago
It depends. If they came on a cart, yes. If it’s a tray they usually ask that you call and let them know you’re done. Having items on the ground in walkways is a hazard. People can trip. Another option is leaving dishes by the elevator area where they usually have a little side table.
Load More Replies... Debby Keir 10 months ago
Have little idea about US hotels, but in Europe, most hotels expect you to leave your tray outside the room. Only times there's been a trolley is in all inclusive holiday hotels where they're expecting everyone to have nibbles in their rooms.
#52
Always jump on the f*****g bed.
I'm approaching 50, and f**k it, I'm jumping on the bed.
PenguinEmp 10 months ago
But please seriously, don't jump on the bed. Makes the mattress suck for everyone else
Grape Walls of Ire 10 months ago
That's just rude and unnecessarily destructive. F**k this guy.
Michael Largey 10 months ago
I'm tall enough that jumping on the bed = smashing my head on the ceiling.
Deborah 10 months ago
Are peoples' vocabularies so small that they must always say "f**k" about everything? I'm not being a prude about the word here, just tired of the repetition.
PenguinEmp 10 months ago
F**k no. Sometimes a descriptive is needed and, f**k it, is pretty apt no?
Load More Replies... #53
I block everyone from entering too far into the room and take a picture while it still looks "nice".
roddy 10 months ago
Why would you want to keep a record of the hotels you visit? Do you keep a scrapbook?
Don Adams 10 months ago
IIRC, Morley Safer of 60 Minutes fame,traveled extensively. His hobby was painting the hotel rooms he stayed in showed them once (at least[) on TV. Did a pretty good job....
Load More Replies... Debby Keir 10 months ago
Hmm, what did you do in the 'old days' when there weren't mobiles that took pictures or even mobiles. Wait to get the film developed?
#54
900+ hotel stays.
-Bugs/cleanliness-
Nothing touches the actual room but your naked body. Try to keep all of your clothes and suitcases in the bathroom - or away from the bed/dresser/drawers/closet. The bathroom is cleaned most thoroughly and is far from where bedbugs frequent.
6 confirmed bedbug exposure incidents. One in a $500+ hotel on Waikiki Beach. One in a $300+ room near Vanderbilt in Nashville. They happen.
To that note: bedbugs can live in the airport seats, airplane seats, rental cars too. Keep that in mind.
I check every hotel bed. If it's gross and you see bedbugs/carcasses, you're entitled to some compensation. If you move the bed away from the wall and there is a cupcake and some m&m's behind the bed....you are entitled to say something about it. You don't have to, but you can.
Concerning the big multi-use soap/shampoo bottles stuck to the wall: Some jerk has probably spit in it or worse. I still use them.
-Safety-
Always use the little accessory mechanical lock (the flippable wedge/ chain/slider, etc.) Has stopped 2 or 3 unwarranted entries. Mistakes happen, sometimes the system will double book a room. I've walked in on someone else once as well.
Bicycles go in the hotel room. I'm not leaving them out on a bike rack.
-Noise-
You can never garentee a good sleep. You can't garentee peace and quiet. Something is always going to happen. It also tends to be loud as s**t in the mornings. Look out the window and if dumpsters are visible, try to move (garbage trucks have the reverse alarm and will slam the dumpsters around).
If you use the deadbolt to keep the door ajar: don't let the door slam on it. Gently close it if you do that, or use a wash cloth to keep the door ajar. That loud, jarring slam noise cuts to my quick and signifies that you do not care about people around you. It's easy to not slam doors. This is a hill I'm willing to die on and I will confront you in the hallway in my underwear.
Be cognizant of where the ice machine is. There is gonna be a mothercucker filling a cooler at 4:45 am.
Chill walking in high heels or walking heavy on your heel. Especially if you're making multiple trips around the room. Seriously just walk lightly.
Leave the room as clean as you can. The poor cleaning staff is run ragged. All towls in a pile in the bathroom, all trash in cans, no visible ejaculant, etc.
-Additional-
The nicest, cleanest hotel that I've ever stayed in was built in 1859. There was no dust anywhere.
You can learn to throw hotel keycards really far and hard
I rarely use the hotel pools (gross).
They'll get you a chocolate milk at night if you ask nicely.
I would still rather stay in a hotel than an AirBnB.
It's fun to put your bare foot in a clean toilet and flush it.
Bedbugs smell like cloves/cardimum.
Tammilee Truitt 10 months ago
One bedbug incident, don't care to elaborate. It triggered me into learning a lot about them and real fast. I will tell you it was a hilton brand and it was in rural Alabama. Forgot to use the security lock ONE night. My husband is a hard sleeper, I am not. Someone opened the door and started to come inside. I said very loudly. "Hello?". They left. I woke my husband, made him get up a bolt that door. He was in sleepy disbelief, didn't remember a thing about it next morning. Was scary. We stay at Hampton Inns more than not, but lots of different hilton brands too. Hampton inns by far best breakfast, free or not. Some are lacking, but most have a good variety of healthy/light side options and their hot food is pretty good. Make your own waffles, choice of 2 batters. Had a whole grain option once was excellent. We like the pillows, too. They give you feather and foam and have triple coverings. Why is it hotel coffee is so bad and it's never, ever mentioned in any reviews? We don't use in room. Lobby coffee is so weak, it's like why bother? I love a friendly greeting. That's the best service always. The cold don't care that you're staying with us attitude is worst and best to be polite and get to your room w/o incident. What's up with charging extra for parking? We've learned to ask at time of booking just to avoid that surprise charge. Oh, back to free breakfast. Usually always one lady doing all the work, busting tail. She gets a nice tip and big thank you from me. You can believe the surprise and appreciation, like tears from us both. Happy and safe travels, folks.
#55
Turn on all the lights and make the room as warm or as cold as I can stand depending on the weather outside.
#56
Act nonchalant when given all the hotel amenities. Nobody needs to know I'm excited about the free tea bags and coffee sachets in my room. And those tiny sugar packets! Score!!!!
#57
Use a bulldog clip to hold the curtains closed.
#58
Uv light , check for bed bugs and make sure the room doesn't smell like smoke or dog p**s. If it does, report it immediately to avoid the fee after your stay.
WindySwede 10 months ago
And you expect us to sleep in an hotel room where you have shined an UV light in? 🫢🫣
#59
Do NOT s**t in the bathtub OR the night stand.
Grape Walls of Ire 10 months ago
Does this really need to be said? Ok then, do not s**t in the concierge's mouth, slap him around and call him Sally.
WindySwede 10 months ago
After reading some other posts on BP about what the staff have found in rooms, I'm not surprised this needs to be on a list.. 🫣
#60
Use the safety latch to prop the door open when we leave so housekeeping doesn’t have to knock and wait and knock and wait to see if anyone is still in there before entering.
Robert Trebor 10 months ago
Problem with this that other patrons may get there before the staff and steal or vandalize. Take a picture of the room as you leave to document how you left it.
What do you think ?
turk 10 months ago
All this list tells me is that I stay in much nicer hotels than most people, apparently. And I'm not exactly wealthy.
XenoMurph 10 months ago
Or these people are reallly trying NOT to enjoy their stay. Other people will have been there, they should just accept it, try and ignore it and get on with their holiday.
Load More Replies... Ruth 10 months ago
I’m female and traveled alone for business a good bit. When I left the room to go to the ice machine, I always acted like I was talking to someone inside the room as I was leaving, saying “I’ll be right back”, so anyone in the hallway wouldn’t know I was alone.
Shane S 10 months ago
A UV flashlight is available online for under $15USD. Really puts things in perspective. You’ll be glad to know that the bed and toilet areas are usually pretty clean. But you may want to throw an extra towel over the sofa or office chair. It’s pretty common to find stains in a certain area of the chairs…
fzc8yxyj75 10 months ago
I got bedbugs from a perfectly nice middle range hotel room in Australia. It wasn’t very nice but it wasn’t the end of the world, just a bit itchy for a few days. I don’t mean it’s ok to get them, just people act like it’s the worst thing it the world. It’s the only time I’ve ever got them and I’ve stayed in a lot of hotels and airbnbs in a few different countries.
Devin Schmitt 10 months ago
If you forget a power cord, USB charger, etc...check with the front desk. Chances are someone else forgot theirs, and you can use it while you're there.
Auntriarch 10 months ago
Do note the way from your room to the fire escape. It's not something you want to be trying to do in smoke or a panic
turk 10 months ago
All this list tells me is that I stay in much nicer hotels than most people, apparently. And I'm not exactly wealthy.
XenoMurph 10 months ago
Or these people are reallly trying NOT to enjoy their stay. Other people will have been there, they should just accept it, try and ignore it and get on with their holiday.
Load More Replies... Ruth 10 months ago
I’m female and traveled alone for business a good bit. When I left the room to go to the ice machine, I always acted like I was talking to someone inside the room as I was leaving, saying “I’ll be right back”, so anyone in the hallway wouldn’t know I was alone.
Shane S 10 months ago
A UV flashlight is available online for under $15USD. Really puts things in perspective. You’ll be glad to know that the bed and toilet areas are usually pretty clean. But you may want to throw an extra towel over the sofa or office chair. It’s pretty common to find stains in a certain area of the chairs…
fzc8yxyj75 10 months ago
I got bedbugs from a perfectly nice middle range hotel room in Australia. It wasn’t very nice but it wasn’t the end of the world, just a bit itchy for a few days. I don’t mean it’s ok to get them, just people act like it’s the worst thing it the world. It’s the only time I’ve ever got them and I’ve stayed in a lot of hotels and airbnbs in a few different countries.
Devin Schmitt 10 months ago
If you forget a power cord, USB charger, etc...check with the front desk. Chances are someone else forgot theirs, and you can use it while you're there.
Auntriarch 10 months ago
Do note the way from your room to the fire escape. It's not something you want to be trying to do in smoke or a panic
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