Jumping the breakfast buffet queue, reserving pool chairs with towels for long periods, and being loud in hallways late at night are among the biggest hotel guest faux pas, according to a new survey. The research, commissioned by Hotels.com and conducted by OnePoll, polled 2,000 people who have stayed in a hotel, uncovering the most frowned-upon behaviors.
Top Faux Pas Revealed
Other divisive acts include leaving rooms excessively messy, hanging damp laundry on balconies, and not leaving a review after a stay. Being rude to hotel staff, smoking or vaping in rooms, and putting the incorrect number of guests on a reservation are also considered major no-nos. Leaving alarms or phones to ring for long periods without turning them off, not reading reviews when booking, and failing to collect or cash in rewards points are viewed unfavourably as well.
Survey Insights
The vast majority (90%) of respondents consider themselves to be considerate guests. However, 39% believe that hotel residents have become less respectful in recent years. Sneaking extra guests into rooms and constant public displays of affection around the pool are also frowned upon.
Melanie Fish, travel expert and spokesperson for Hotels.com, 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.”
National Politeness Rankings
The survey also asked respondents which nationalities they consider the gold standard for politeness and which tend to be rudest. Japanese tourists were ranked as the most considerate, followed by Sweden in second place, with U.K. respondents placing themselves third. At the other end of the scale, Americans were regarded as the most impolite, ranking just beneath those from Germany.
Etiquette Guide and Rewards
Hotels.com has teamed up with etiquette expert William Hanson to create a ‘Grand Etiquette Hotel’ guide. 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.”
To encourage good behavior, Hotels.com is offering holidaymakers £100 in ‘Hotels.comCash’ for future trips after staying for 10 eligible nights through its rewards programme.
