Checking in does not mean leaving your manners behind. While operating a hotel is a huge machinery that requires many key players to play their part in ensuring a smooth stay for their guests, they should never be treated as invisible.
There are a few things in life that ruffles my feathers more than rudeness towards the wonderful people that make our hotel stays pleasant. I am happily making the effort of being labelled Miss Congeniality in the way I go above and beyond to ensure that I always have a kind word, a smile or a compliment to spare to the bell boy, concierge or housekeeper looking after me.
Personally, I found it lovely to be greeted by the valet upon arrival, as I always feel so taken care of, so returning that warmth comes naturally, no matter how long and tedious the flight might have been, or how late it is at night. Remember, if you are awake at that time, there is someone else who is too, just to ensure your needs are met.
Check in and check out. Traditionally, check-in times are around 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and check-out times around 11:00 AM.
Hotels have check-in and check-out times for a reason. Imagine how much planning goes to juggling the timing of each guest’s arrival and departure and allowing for ample time to get the suites immaculate and ready for the new guest to occupy. While most hotels are doing their utmost to accommodate your requests for an early check-in or a late checkout, whether you pay that little extra to enjoy those precious morning hours or not, there is no guarantee, so try not to be difficult about it.
I always try and plan my travels to arrive within the check-in hours. Should you despite the efforts of the hotel not be able to secure a late check-out, the hotel will happily store your luggage. Why not enjoy the amenities at the hotel while waiting for the flight? A massage followed by an afternoon tea before departure will make the wait pleasant.
Breakfast
While you may show up for breakfast with your hair unbrushed in a robe in the privacy of your own home, the dress code is smart casual for a hotel breakfast. If you are adamant about slaying your cereals in your pyjamas, order in. Room service is available for breakfast as well.
When having breakfast in the breakfast room, be there on time. Most breakfasts are served between 7-10, and extended hours usually apply on weekends.
Most breakfast will have buffets, or a mix between ordering a la carte breakfast and a buffet, so wash your hands before touching the utensils to avoid spreading any germs. I know, I know, no one wants to be reminded of washing their hands, however, this is one time I would urge you to be mindful of others as well as yourself and fish the sanitiser out of your handbag.
Do not hoard on your plate, there is plenty for everyone. Do not bend over other people or talk loudly. A little politeness in the early hours goes a long way. Having breakfast, or any other meal at the hotel is no different than eating out, so what applies to dinner manners, applies at the hotel.
Room Service
Sometimes it is a blessing not to have to leave the comfort of your room to eat, particularly on holidays. Perhaps it is getting too late to get ready for a dinner downtown, or you want to enjoy a quiet night in, either way, room service will be available for you.
Do not Place the tray outside when done, call for housekeeping to take it away as no one wants to see old chicken bones, let alone encounter the lingering smell of them in the corridor.
Consider other guests
A truly fabulous hotel will make you feel like the only guest in the world, but the truth of the matter is that you are not, so considering other guests is an unwritten rule. Be mindful and keep the noise level down. Parties should not be held in your hotel room, venue hires within the hotel are designed for this, and no, most likely you are not living a rock-star life, so keep it down and stick to air-guitars if you must.
While smoking rooms are a rarity today, and rightfully so, keep smoking to designated areas only.
Housekeeping Rules
A good guest, whether staying at your auntie Jane’s, or at a hotel, leaves the place in good shape. While we travel, there is a big change, and I mean big, almost certain, that we engage in some shopping activities. I am guilty of this and the first one to raise my shopping bags in the air! All tags, shopping bags and other litter that we gather belong in the bin. Do not leave these floating around the room when packing your bags for departure.
If you plan to use your towel again, hang it up on a hook. If you want your towels to be replaced, leave them in a pile on the bathroom floor. It is nice to be mindful of the environment, and perhaps reusing a towel as you find fit, is a small yet nevertheless a contribution towards keeping our planet healthy. Do not rub off make up on towels as these stains are hard to wash off. Good hotels will always have tissues and vanity kits with cotton better suited for this purpose.
Do not hoard shampoo and shower gel for the same reasons, to reduce landfill.
If you want to enjoy your privacy, use the “do not disturb” sign, but do not forget to take it off when going out, so that the staff know when to attend to your room. The same applies if you wish to enjoy turndown service, take the sign-off.
Show Gratitude
A smile goes a long way, but please remember that many people rely on tips to make a living. After all, as nice as a smile or a compliment is, it does not pay the bills. Carry some change around you to tip room service, housekeeping, or the bell boy, or leave some on your bedside table when you depart.
Whether it is a weekend away, or a long stay in the Caribbean, I trust that you, my fellow travellers, will let your manners shine as brightly as your suntan. Your manners are the passport to success, so do not store your manners in the same hotel locker as the passport but let them travel with you whatever your destination.
For more advice on etiquette, manners, interior design, and how to live your life with grace, elegance, and poise, read the book “Tea with the Dutchess: How to do anything with style” by Kate Gawi.
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