When it comes to travelers from around the globe, many exhibit behaviors that hotel owners find unacceptable and offensive.
A recent survey has highlighted the demeanours that hotel guests find most unacceptable. These can range from taking decorative items to smoking in non-smoking rooms.
Awareness of these actions can enhance travel experiences and help uphold proper hotel etiquette.
Most Disapproved Hotel Room Behaviors
The survey, conducted by YouGov, showed several key points about hotel etiquette.
At the top of the list, a staggering 93% of respondents disapprove of guests taking hotel towels or other items from their rooms.
Smoking in non-smoking rooms follows closely, with 92% of guests finding this behavior unacceptable.
Other widely frowned upon activities include walking out with coat hangers and Bibles, with 86% and 67% disapproval, respectively.
Acceptable and unacceptable hotel behaviours | YouGov
Additionally, bringing pets into the room without prior approval and damaging the room also rank high on the list of unacceptable behaviors.
Etiquette on Tipping and Checking Out
Tipping etiquette varies among guests. Many find not tipping the room service waiter or the parking attendant unacceptable.
The older generation tends to be stricter on these matters and is more likely to disapprove of not tipping compared to younger individuals.
Moreover, nearly half of the survey respondents dislike guests who leave a hotel room without checking out.
To avoid any misunderstandings or problems, it's always best to notify the receptionist before your departure.
Checking out late without asking and talking loudly in rooms after 10 p.m. are also rude behaviors.
Checking into a hotel room | ming dai/Pixabay
Nearly 80% of respondents disapprove of these actions. Guests should always respect the hotel's policies and other guests' need for quiet, especially during late hours.
Handling Complaints and Visitors
When it comes to dealing with complaints, over 80% of people believe it's okay to ring reception to report noisy hotel neighbors.
However, guests should approach problems courteously and realize that sometimes noise cannot be avoided.
Inviting guests into the room without obtaining permission beforehand is considered more permissible, with 58% stating that it's acceptable as long as they maintain a low noise level.
However, 28% do not approve of this practice, particularly younger adults, who are more stringent about inviting guests into hotel rooms without prior authorization than older adults.
Technology and Safety Concerns
Guests should also avoid using a Wi-Fi-connected device in a hotel room for banking and other sensitive activities.
Public Wi-Fi networks can be insecure, and banking on such networks poses a risk of data theft. Instead, personal connections or hotspots are needed to ensure their information remains private.
Always remember to inspect the bed for cleanliness and signs of bedbugs. It's important to be aware of safety concerns, so always keep a flashlight nearby in case of emergencies or power outages.
Also, it's essential to know the locations of the exits in case of any emergency situations.
Age Impact on Hotel Etiquette
The survey also revealed that older Americans are stricter on many etiquette points than younger adults.
Those 45 and older are more likely to find it unacceptable to bring pets into rooms without prior approval and allow children to jump on beds.
Meanwhile, younger adults are stricter about other behaviors, such as bringing visitors into hotel rooms without prior approval and complaining about noise.