November 30, 2025 | 11:39 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Staying in a hotel is part of the travel experience that offers comfort and service. However, there is hard work behind the neatly arranged sheets and fragrant rooms that are often unseen by guests.
Some simple practices by guests can help improve service efficiency and show appreciation for the workforce. Here are seven tips to be a better hotel guest according to hoteliers as reported by Travel and Leisure and The English Manner.
1. Hanging Wet Towels and Clothes
Ploypailin Funnimit, housekeeping supervisor at Twinpalms Surin Beach Phuket, Thailand, stated that hanging wet towels or swimwear in designated areas such as the bathroom, balcony, or specific hooks significantly helps prevent moisture spread in the room. This speeds up the air-drying process and facilitates bed-making services.
2. Keeping Tidiness and Collecting Trash
Mia Pirrello, housekeeping manager at The Harpeth Hotel, Franklin, Tennessee, United States, suggests that guests should not leave personal items scattered on dressing tables or work desks. Additionally, collecting used glasses, empty bottles, and other trash into one container near the door will expedite the cleaning process and ensure thorough disinfection of all surfaces.
3. Communicating Schedules
Funnimit added that many guests forget to inform the housekeeping team of their room entry and exit schedule. Notifying the desired cleaning time through the receptionist or a note on the door allows the housekeeping team to schedule more efficiently without disturbing the guest's privacy.
4. Expressing Appreciation through Small Notes
Housekeeping teams at various properties state that a brief thank-you note left on the dressing table or bed carries significant emotional impact. At The Curtis Hotel, Denver, United States, small interactions such as expressions of gratitude or light-hearted jokes are often responded to personally by the staff.
5. Diplomatically Addressing Concerns
When things do not go as expected, such as a less-than-clean room or delayed service, the manner in which concerns are addressed is as crucial as the content. It is advisable to discuss these matters privately with the supervisor, rather than in public, to avoid embarrassing the hotel or other guests.
6. Monitoring Children's Behavior
Family vacations should be enjoyable, but uncontrolled children's behavior can disrupt the experience for other guests. Educating children early about hotel norms, such as not running in the corridors or shouting in public areas, is important. Lead by example, and they will learn to respect others. This preventive step ensures that the vacation remains harmonious, where one family's enjoyment does not compromise the tranquility of others.
7. Regular and Targeted Tipping
Giving tips in the morning before leaving the room is the most direct form of appreciation. The suggested tip amount is US$3-5 per night for standard hotels and US$5-10 per night for luxury properties. Tips should be placed in an envelope labeled "Housekeeping" to ensure they reach the staff on duty that day.
These practices, though seemingly simple, reflect a mutual respect between guests and service providers. By implementing them, travelers not only receive a better lodging experience, but also contribute to the well-being of workers in the hospitality industry.
Contributed by Putri Az zahra Suherman
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