Etiquette coach William Hanson has revealed the biggest hotel guest faux pas, including jumping the breakfast buffet queue, washing undergarments in kettles, and stealing items from rooms. The list, compiled in collaboration with Hotels.com for a 'Grand Etiquette Hotel' guide, also includes reserving pool chairs with towels for long periods, leaving rooms excessively messy, and being loud in hallways late at night.
Other Frowned-Upon Behaviours
Smoking or vaping in hotel rooms, putting the incorrect number of guests on the reservation, and leaving alarms or phones to ring without turning them off are also considered no-nos. Not reading reviews when booking and not collecting or cashing in rewards points are viewed unfavourably as well. The research, conducted through OnePoll, found that 90% of respondents consider themselves to be considerate guests, although 39% think residents have become less respectful in recent years.
Nationality Rankings
Those polled were asked which nationalities they consider the gold standard for politeness and which they perceive as rudest. Japanese tourists topped the list for being the most considerate, followed by Sweden in second place, with UK respondents placing themselves third. At the other end of the scale, Americans are regarded as the most impolite, just beneath those from Germany, according to the Hotels.com research.
Rewards Programme
In response to the findings, Hotels.com is offering holidaymakers £100 in 'Hotels.comCash' for future trips after staying for 10 eligible nights through its rewards programme. Melanie Fish, travel expert and spokesperson for the global marketplace, said: “Small tweaks can make a world of a difference. Taking the time to check reviews or making the most of rewards can turn a good trip into a great one, and help your travel budget stretch further, too.”
Expert Advice
William Hanson said: “Better hotel etiquette doesn’t just benefit others, it can directly enhance your own stay. At the heart of my guide 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.” Other divisive acts include hanging damp laundry on the balcony, not leaving a review after staying, being rude to staff, sneaking extra guests in, and constant public displays of affection around the pool.
Top 20 Biggest Hotel Faux Pas
- Being rude to hotel staff
- Being really loud (e.g., loud hallway conversations, blasting music late at night or early in the morning)
- Putting the incorrect number of guests on the reservation
- Becoming drunk and annoying other guests
- Not reading the reviews when booking
- Smoking or vaping in hotel rooms
- Not looking at the pictures when booking
- Leaving rooms excessively messy at check-out
- Washing undergarments or personal items in the in-room coffee maker
- Stealing items you’re not supposed to from the room
- Jumping the queue at the hotel breakfast buffet
- Reserving pool or beach chairs with towels or personal belongings for long periods
- Playing music on a personal speaker at the pool
- Allowing pets at the table in the hotel restaurant
- Bringing children into the adults-only pool
- Sneaking extra guests into rooms
- Walking through hotel hallways or common areas wearing only a robe or sleepwear
- Not collecting reward points when booking
- Not checking out on time
- Leaving rubbish or room-service trays in the hallway
