5 Bad Hotel Habits to Break Now – A Guide for More Considerate and Enjoyable Stays
Staying in a hotel should be a relaxing and enjoyable experience—not just for you, but also for the staff and future guests. Unfortunately, many travelers unknowingly develop bad habits that can make their stays less pleasant or even create problems for others. Here are five common bad hotel habits you should break right now, along with detailed explanations of why they matter and how to fix them.
1. Ignoring the “Do Not Disturb” Sign
The Problem: Many guests forget to use (or misuse) the “Do Not Disturb” (DND) sign, leading to unnecessary interruptions or missed housekeeping services.
- Leaving the DND sign on all day means your room won’t get cleaned, towels won’t be replaced, and trash won’t be taken out.
- Not using it when you need privacy can result in awkward encounters with housekeeping knocking at inopportune times.
How to Fix:
- Use the DND sign strategically—place it when you’re sleeping, working, or need privacy, but remove it when you leave so housekeeping can refresh your room.
- If you don’t want daily cleaning, inform the front desk to reduce unnecessary visits.
2. Stealing or Overusing Hotel Amenities
The Problem: Some guests take “free” toiletries, towels, or even electronics, assuming they’re complimentary—but many aren’t.
- Taking robes, slippers, or high-end toiletries often leads to extra charges on your bill.
- Hoarding excessive amounts of shampoo, coffee, or bottled water means the next guest might go without.
How to Fix:
- Only take what you need—hotels usually provide enough for your stay, but if you require extras, politely ask the front desk.
- Check what’s actually free—items like bathrobes, hairdryers, and minibar snacks are often chargeable.
3. Being Loud and Disruptive
The Problem: Hotels are shared spaces, yet some guests forget basic courtesy, especially in hallways, elevators, and late at night.
- Slamming doors, loud TV volume, or late-night parties disturb neighboring guests.
- Early-morning noise (e.g., loud phone calls, suitcase wheels) can ruin others’ sleep.
How to Fix:
- Keep voices down in hallways—hotel acoustics often amplify sound.
- Use headphones for late-night entertainment.
- If traveling early, pack quietly and avoid rolling suitcases in the hallway at dawn.
4. Leaving a Huge Mess for Housekeeping
The Problem: While housekeeping is there to clean, some guests treat their rooms like trash bins, making their job unnecessarily difficult.
- Leaving food scraps, spilled drinks, or excessive trash attracts pests and creates extra work.
- Not flushing toilets, leaving used towels on the floor, or staining linens is disrespectful.
How to Fix:
- Dispose of trash properly—use bins instead of leaving wrappers everywhere.
- Hang towels if you plan to reuse them (many hotels encourage this for sustainability).
- Report major spills or stains immediately to avoid permanent damage.
5. Skipping the Check-Out Process
The Problem: Many guests assume they can just leave without checking out, but this can cause billing issues or delays for the next guest.
- Unresolved charges (e.g., minibar, room service) may lead to disputes later.
- Late check-outs without approval can delay housekeeping and inconvenience incoming guests.
How to Fix:
- Always check out properly—either at the front desk or via the hotel’s app.
- Request late check-out in advance—don’t just assume it’s okay.
- Double-check your bill for any unexpected charges before leaving.
