Etiquette expert William Hanson was kicked out of a UK hotel before he could even check in, after asking a simple question about his room key. The incident occurred at a small independent hotel in the southwest of England, where he planned to stay after a friend's wedding.
Hotel Cancels Reservation After Hearing About Wedding
Speaking exclusively to the Liverpool Echo, Hanson explained that he realised a couple of days before his stay that the hotel required check-in before 10pm, as it was a tiny 14-room establishment. Concerned that the wedding might run late, he called the hotel to ask if he could check in online, over the phone, or if his friends—who were already staying there for three nights—could collect his room key for him.
The hotel initially told him he needed to check in person. Hanson responded in a reasonable manner, explaining he was attending a wedding. Half an hour later, the hotel phoned him back and cancelled his reservation. "On reflection, we actually don't want you staying with us, we've cancelled your reservation," they told him.
Hanson Speculates on Reason for Cancellation
Hanson believes the hotel heard the word "wedding" and assumed he would return drunk. "I thought all I was asking was if you could give the room key to my friends who are already staying—it was extraordinary," he said. Forced to find last-minute accommodation, he booked a well-known chain hotel, though he had hoped to stay at the independent property.
"The worst experience was when I was kicked out of a hotel before I could even turn up," Hanson added. Despite the mishap, he noted that he still loves hotel stays and has stayed at hundreds of hotels worldwide, often receiving surprise upgrades and thoughtful gestures.
Etiquette Expert Shares Advice for Hotel Guests
In collaboration with Hotels.com, Hanson has created a "grand etiquette hotel guide" to help Brits improve their hotel experiences. He advises guests to treat staff with dignity, be considerate in hallways, enjoy drinks in moderation, keep rooms tidy for housekeepers, behave civilised at breakfast buffets, and make use of loyalty rewards. He also warns against lighting cigarettes in rooms, using kettles for anything other than water, taking large items from rooms, and reserving sun loungers.
