Hotels are designed to be your home away from home, a comfortable space to relax and recharge. Yet, some simple missteps can turn a dream stay into a nightmare for you, other guests, or the hardworking hotel staff. We’ve all heard stories about the guest who caused a scene or left a room in shambles; these are the cautionary tales of what not to do in hotels.
Avoiding common blunders is simple once you know what they are. Following proper hotel etiquette helps your trip go smoothly and shows respect for the people around you. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or planning a family trip to see the national parks, these travel tips are for you.
From your initial arrival to the final checkout, we’ll cover the essential rules. Being a considerate guest can even improve your own experience. Let’s look at the biggest mistakes to avoid during your next hotel stay.
Noise Pollution: Keep It Down
One of the most frequent complaints hotel staff receive is about noise. The walls in most hotel rooms are not soundproof, meaning your conversations, music, and television can easily disturb your neighbours. Your fun should not come at the expense of another guest’s sleep.
Be especially mindful during quiet hours, which most hotels list in their directories. These hours, typically from 10 PM to 7 AM, are part of the official hotel policies. If you are travelling with children, gently remind them to use their inside voices and not run in the hallways.
If you plan to listen to music or watch a movie on a laptop, using headphones is a considerate gesture. Likewise, if you must take a late-night phone call or have an early-morning discussion, keep your voice low. Your fellow hotel guests will certainly appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Room Destruction: It’s Not Your Personal Playground
Your hotel room is a temporary space that needs to be treated with care. Hotels spend a lot of money to make their rooms welcoming, so causing damage is a serious offence. This includes obvious things like breaking furniture and less obvious actions like using bath towels to wipe up spills on the floor.
Leave the hotel room in a similar condition to how you found it. If an accident happens and something breaks, be upfront and report it to the front desk. They are usually more understanding about accidents than they are about discovering damage after you’ve left, which could lead to a hefty hotel charge on your credit card.
Smoking in a non-smoking room is a huge violation of hotel policies. It leaves a persistent odour that is difficult to remove and can trigger allergies for the next guest. Hotels will impose a significant cleaning fee for this, so always use the designated outdoor smoking areas.
Inspecting Your Room is a Must
Before you unpack and settle in, take a few minutes for a quick inspection. This isn’t about being difficult; it’s about making sure your stay is comfortable and safe. Start by checking the locks on the door, including the deadbolt and security latch, to confirm they work correctly.
Next, pull back the bed linens to check the mattress for any signs of bed bugs. While rare in reputable hotels, it’s always better to be safe. Also, test the amenities like the television and the TV remote control, and check that you have hot water in the shower.
Finally, locate the room safe and test the locking mechanism. This is where you should store passports, electronics, and other valuables. Never leave valuables out in the open; a proactive approach to inspecting rooms can prevent many potential problems from arising during your stay.
Checkout Chaos: Don’t Be That Guest
When your stay is over, don’t leave your room looking like a tornado just passed through. The housekeeping team has a tight schedule to get rooms ready for incoming guests. Making their job unnecessarily difficult is inconsiderate and reflects poorly on you.
Gather your trash and place it in the provided bins. Leaving half-eaten food containers or empty bottles all over the room is a common mistake. If you’ve used several towels, it’s helpful to stack them in the bathroom to make them easier for staff to collect and keep the room clean.
Before you leave, double-check everywhere for your belongings. Look in drawers, under the bed, and in the closet. You don’t want to leave valuables behind, and a final sweep of the hotel room can save you the hassle of trying to retrieve a forgotten item later.
Buffet Behaviour: Mind Your Manners
A complimentary breakfast buffet can be a great perk, especially for those on a budget travel plan. However, good manners are essential. The buffet is a shared space, and it’s important to be respectful of the food and the other hotel guests around you.
Always use the serving utensils provided for each dish instead of your hands. This prevents the spread of germs and is a basic rule of hygiene. When you go back for a second helping, it is proper etiquette to get a fresh plate.
Be patient and avoid cutting in line or reaching over people to get to a food item. Hoarding food by piling your plate excessively high or taking large amounts of food back to your room is also poor form. Take only what you can eat to minimize waste and ensure there is enough for everyone.
Pool Pandemonium: Splash Responsibly
The hotel pool should be a relaxing oasis for all guests. Disruptive behaviour can quickly ruin the atmosphere. Running on the wet pool deck, performing cannonballs, or engaging in loud splash fights are safety hazards and annoy others.
Adhere to the posted pool rules, which cover everything from operating hours to proper attire. Glass containers are almost universally banned from pool areas for safety reasons. If a lifeguard is on duty, their instructions should be followed without question, as they are there to protect everyone.
Reserving a row of lounge chairs with towels and then disappearing for hours is another common complaint. Be considerate and only occupy the space you are actively using. Remember that other guests are also there to relax, so keep music and conversations at a reasonable volume.
Elevator Etiquette: Going Up?
Hotel elevators are small, shared spaces where courtesy matters. A common mistake is rushing into the elevator before allowing the people inside to exit. The correct etiquette is to stand to the side, let others off, and then step inside.
Keep your conversations and phone calls quiet while riding with others. Not everyone is interested in the details of your dinner plans or business calls. If the elevator is crowded, move to the back to make room for others getting on.
Avoid holding the elevator door open for an extended time while waiting for someone in your party. It’s more polite to let the elevator go and wait for the next one. This small act of courtesy helps keep the flow of traffic moving for all hotel guests.
Checkout Shenanigans: Leave the Amenities
While those small bottles of shampoo and lotion are yours to take, other items in your hotel room are not. Bathrobes, towels, pillows, and even the TV remote belong to the hotel. Taking these items is considered theft and can result in a hotel charge to your credit card on file.
Many people are tempted by the minibar, but be warned. Most are equipped with sensors that automatically charge you the moment an item is removed, even if you put it back. If you need refrigerator space for personal items, call the front desk and request a mini-fridge for your room.
To help you distinguish between freebies and hotel property, here is a simple table.
| Okay to Take | Do Not Take |
|---|---|
| Miniature toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, lotion) | Towels, washcloths, and bathmats. |
| Pens and notepads with the hotel logo | Bathrobes. |
| Complimentary coffee and tea packets | Pillows and bedding. |
| Slippers (usually disposable) | Hairdryers, irons, and clocks. |
| Sewing kits | The remote control or any electronics. |
Safety and Security Don’ts
Your safety is important, and a few careless actions can put you at risk. Never prop your hotel room door open, even for a moment. This makes it easy for anyone to slip into your room unnoticed. Always make sure the door closes and locks securely behind you.
Be discreet about your room number. Avoid saying it aloud in the lobby or other public areas where people can overhear you. When you get to your room, use the deadbolt and security latch for an extra layer of protection, especially at night.
Use the room safe for your important documents and electronics. You don’t leave valuables sitting out in your car, and you shouldn’t in your hotel room either. Also, don’t forget to double-check your hotel’s privacy policy to understand how it handles your personal and payment information.
Conclusion
Following these simple guidelines on what not to do in hotels helps ensure a pleasant stay for you and everyone around you. A hotel is a community, and a little respect and consideration can make a huge difference. From keeping noise to a minimum to treating the room with care, your behaviour matters.
Your actions have a direct impact on other hotel guests and the hotel staff who work hard to provide excellent service. Being a thoughtful guest makes their jobs easier and creates a welcoming atmosphere for all. Next time you check into one of the many hotel rooms across the country, keep these travel tips in mind.
Whether your travel inspiration leads you to a bustling city or a quiet retreat near the national parks, being a model guest will always be appreciated. You’ll leave with good memories and be the kind of person hotels are happy to welcome back.
For example, if you’re exploring the Canadian Rockies, Waterton hotels and Waterton National Park hotels offer charming accommodations surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Keeping these travel etiquette tips in mind ensures your stay in Waterton is as enjoyable for you as it is for everyone around you.