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Tip, or not to tip - and other hotel etiquette
Solid advice for dos and don’ts of hotel manners.
One of the best parts of staying in a hotel is the convenience of daily housekeeping. While hotel staff are there to tidy up, guests should still be mindful of etiquette and cleaning standards. Though there’s no need to go overboard by making the bed or perfectly folding towels, taking a few simple steps to maintain order can help ensure a smoother housekeeping process.
For those wondering how messy is too messy when leaving a hotel room, etiquette experts recommend a few key practices to keep the space neat and respectful for the staff and future guests.
Do: Tip the Housekeeping Staff
Housekeeping staff work hard to ensure a clean and comfortable stay for guests, and tipping is a thoughtful way to show appreciation for their efforts. Leaving a small gratuity each day rather than at the end of a stay ensures that different staff members who service the room receive a fair share. A general guideline is to tip between $2 and $5 per night, with a bit more for luxury hotels or extra services. Placing the tip in a marked envelope or leaving a note indicating it's for housekeeping ensures it reaches the right person.
Don’t: Make the Bed
While tidying up is courteous, making the bed before checkout isn’t necessary. Since linens are always replaced between guests, the housekeeping staff will strip the bed immediately, regardless of its appearance.
Do: Clean Up Any Breakage
Accidents can happen, and if something breaks, cleaning up any shards or splinters is important for safety. This helps prevent injuries for both guests and housekeeping staff.
Don’t: Leave Dirty Dishes in the Hall
When ordering room service, the best approach is not to place trays and dishes in the hallway. Instead, calling room service or housekeeping to collect them directly from the room helps keep common areas clean and free from clutter.
Do: Pick Up Your Trash
A good rule of thumb is to treat a hotel room with the same consideration as a guest in someone’s home. Trash should be placed in the designated bins, and if recycling options are available, they should be used accordingly.
Don’t: Use a Bathrobe as a Tissue
Bathrobes should be kept clean and free from excessive stains. Using them as tissues or makeup remover wipes can cause stubborn stains that are difficult to remove, making the housekeeping team's job extra challenging.
Do: Designate Space for Different Belongings
Keeping personal items organized allows hotel staff to clean efficiently. A good approach is to place dirty towels in one corner, keep shoes together, and store clothes inside a suitcase rather than leaving them on the bed or floor. This minimizes the need for housekeeping to move personal belongings while cleaning.
Don’t: Leave Wet Towels Out
Wet towels left on the carpet or furniture can damage them, leading to stains or mildew. Instead, it is better to hang towels up or neatly pile them in the bathroom.
Do: Return Furniture and Items to Their Original Position
If furniture is moved during a stay, whether for comfort or practical reasons, it should be returned to its original placement before checkout. Small items like the remote control or telephone should also be put back where they were found. Additionally, unplugged electronics, such as lamps or alarm clocks, should be reconnected before departure.
Parting Words
Leaving a hotel room tidy and respectful makes a big difference for the housekeeping staff. Small actions, such as organizing belongings, disposing of trash properly, and minimizing unnecessary mess, help ensure a smooth and efficient cleaning process, making the space ready for the next guest.