Etiquette Expert Reveals the Worst Hotel Mistake
Hotel guests are making a critical error before they even reach their room, according to etiquette expert William Hanson. Speaking to Hotels.com, Hanson warned that treating staff poorly is the single worst thing a traveller can do at a hotel. He emphasised that basic good manners are essential: "No one deserves to be treated with anything but dignity and compassion - it's so basic."
Research commissioned by Hotels.com found that 40% of Brits believe their hotel manners are deteriorating, and 51% admitted to being rude towards staff. Hanson stressed that this behaviour can directly affect the quality of a stay, as staff are more likely to offer upgrades or welcome drinks to polite guests.
First Impressions Matter from the Moment You Walk In
Hanson cautioned that service staff form a first impression of guests within a minute of their arrival at the front desk. "The service staff will have a first impression of the guests, from walking up to the front desk and within that minute, in terms of who they will upgrade or offer a welcome drink to," he said. "Some guests don't realise that you are being watched the moment you arrive."
He advised travellers to be conscious that a hotel is not their own home. While guests are paying for service and pampering, they should not treat the room as a private domain. Leaving clothes and belongings strewn across the bed makes housekeeping difficult. "You don't have to make the bed; that's their job, they're going to do that for you, that's part of the bargain. But they've got to be able to get to the bed," Hanson explained.
Common Guest Faux Pas Revealed
The Hotels.com study uncovered several bad habits among British travellers. 25% admitted to leaving their hotel room excessively untidy, while 23% confessed to washing their underwear in the hotel kettle. Hanson described the latter as "a step too far" and said those who do it "deserve to be cut off from society."
In response, Hanson compiled a 'grand etiquette hotel guide' to help visitors improve their behaviour. He said: "At the heart of my guide with Hotels.com is the idea that small, thoughtful behaviours add up to big rewards: from a better night's sleep and improved service to savings on future trips."
Top Tips for Polite Hotel Stays
Hanson's guide includes ten key tips for guests. He advises treating every staff member, from cleaners to managers, with genuine respect to unlock personalised service. Corridors should be quiet spaces, especially late at night. When drinking, moderation is key to maintaining dignity. Smoking indoors is prohibited and results in penalties.
Guests should keep rooms reasonably tidy so housekeeping can work efficiently. The kettle should only be used for hot drinks, not laundry. Slippers and toiletries can be taken home, but larger items must stay. At the breakfast buffet, queuing ensures order. Placing a towel on a sun lounger at dawn without being present is frowned upon. Finally, joining loyalty programmes like Hotels.com Rewards can earn £100 in credit after 10 eligible nights.
Hanson concluded: "It starts from the moment you walk in, you have a first impression as a guest, we all have a first impression of a hotel, from walking in, but the service staff are also judging the guests."
