When leaving your hotel room, there is some general etiquette that you need to know. Unfortunately, some guests leave their rooms in a state that creates unnecessary work for housekeeping staff and disrupts the experience for the next visitor. In this article, we’ll provide tips on how to leave your hotel room before checking out.
First, why does hotel etiquette matter?
I will assume that you were probably not raised by wolves and have some home training, as my parents would eloquently put it. So it should not come as a surprise that no one likes a messy room with trash overflowing and the lingering scent of last night’s dinner. With that said, here’s why it’s important to have etiquette before leaving your hotel room.
Respect for Housekeeping Staff
Hotel housekeepers work hard to make sure that rooms are clean and ready for the next guest. Practicing etiquette shows respect for their time and effort. Little things like tidying up and leaving towels in a pile save them time cleaning.
Considering the Next Guest
Everyone wants a fresh and pleasant hotel experience. Leaving the room reasonably tidy ensures the next guest can settle in comfortably without dealing with your mess.
Creating a Positive Experience
Following checkout etiquette contributes to a smooth operation for the hotel. This can benefit everyone – you by avoiding any last-minute hassles, the staff by having a clear and efficient checkout process, and future guests by having a clean and prepared room.
Making a Good Impression
Even small acts of consideration, like tipping housekeeping or letting the front desk know about leftover perishables, reflect well on you as a guest. This can be especially important if you travel frequently or plan on returning to the hotel in the future.
What to do before leaving your hotel room
Now that you understand why hotel room etiquette is important, let’s review some tips.
1. Tidy Up
While you don’t need to spend hours cleaning, take a few minutes to pick up your belongings, throw away trash, and put dirty clothes in your hamper (if provided).
2. Towel Toss
Don’t fold dirty towels. Housekeepers appreciate them piled neatly in the bathroom, usually on the floor or in the bathtub.
3. The Light Show
Turn off all the lights when you leave. This shows the room is ready for cleaning and saves energy.
4. Strip the Bed
In some cultures, stripping the bedsheets and placing them on the floor is a sign you’d like a full change of linens. However, check with the hotel first, as it’s not universally expected. All that said, this tip is optional.
5. Don’t Rearrange Furniture
Unless absolutely necessary, leave the furniture where you found it.
6. Unplug and Replug
If you unplugged something like a lamp to use a charger, take a moment to plug it back in before leaving.
7. Open a Window
Especially in warm weather, cracking open a window can help air out the room for the cleaning staff.
8. Tip Well
Leaving a tip for the housekeeping staff is a kind gesture to show appreciation for their service. The amount is up to you, but most recommend $1-5 per night. This tip is certainly optional but one that’s highly appreciated.
9. Tell Them About Leftovers
If there’s leftover perishable food in the mini-fridge, let the front desk know to avoid it going to waste.
Conclusion
Following these simple tips takes just a few minutes but makes a world of difference. You’ll leave the room sparkling clean, show appreciation for the staff, and ensure a smooth experience for the next guest. After all, everyone deserves a relaxing and hassle-free hotel stay, and with a little checkout etiquette, you can be a part of creating that experience!
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