Hotel Etiquette....

So I have worked in the hotel industry a long ass time. During this time I have checked in and out thousands of people. During my time in the hotel I've noticed a few things that I would like to point out to travelers. I know that in fact most of the people that read this blog...and I know that no one that I know would ever behave poorly in a hotel...but on the off chance that I may reach out to some travel jerk....I'm posting this here.

1. Don't call the hotel directly for reservations. Some hotel front desk clerks have to make them and answer 50 other calls and deal with the guests all by themselves...call the reservations desk...it is their soul purpose in life to make reservations. You won't get a better deal by calling the hotel directly-I PROMISE! Sometimes you can walk in to a hotel and get a great rate if the hotel is slow and the front desk clerk is in a good mood. Be nice, tell a joke...be cool and you could get a better rate, depending on the hotel.

2. When you check in....do not call the front desk clerk a pet name....i.e. sweetie...honey...sugar....any of those-we don't think its cute.

3. If the front desk clerk is friendly and smiles at you....9 times out of 10...she/he is not interested in coming up to your room later...they are smiling and being friendly because it is their job. It is not amusing to be invited up to a guests room, it is annoying-so don't do it.

4. If you would like to request a special room, a particular floor, a free upgrade-mention that when you make the reservation. It is easier to make those types of changes before you check in...and before you are standing in the middle of the lobby whining about the floor you've been assigned.

5. Be nice! Always be nice! If you are rude to the front desk clerk....do you really think they are going to give you a free upgrade? UMMMMM....nope...."I'm sorry there doesn't seem to be any available". Ever heard that before? Well it isn't always true....but if you're rude or annoying...I guarantee it is what you will hear.

6. If you have a huge concern or issue with the hotel...DO NOT SCREAM at the front desk person. Calmly tell them what happened and listen for their response. If you feel like you are getting no where with them...kindly ask to speak with their manager or supervisor. Unfortunately hotels are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week...yaddi yada....so there isn't always a manager available. If this is the case, ask for the managers business card and contact them later. It varies upon the hotel...but many front desk agents do not have the authority to issue you more points for your stay or to refund you for your stay. Be patient and allow them to do their job. They are definately not paid enough to take any verbal abuse from you.

7. If you see the front desk agent speaking with another guest, do not barge in. It is rude, and no one thinks you are as important as you do.

8. Tip the housekeeping staff. They work very hard and are not paid well. Especially if you leave your room particularly messy...it is considerate but not expected to leave a 1-2$ tip per day. Of course you can always leave more if they did an excellent job.

9. If you enjoyed your stay, let them know...if you did not, please let them know. Most hotels actually do care about what their guests think. Feedback helps us to decide which employees are best and what we can do to improve.

10. I guess most of these are just common decency tips that can be applied to any day to day activities, but I hope that people will try and recognize them as they travel. Remember...you are representing your company, your country and your family.