Globeo blog

How to Score Points as a Perfect Hotel Guest

June 10, 2021 · Updated April 28, 2023 · 5 min read

June 11th, 2021

Exceptional customer service—it’s the name of the game in the hospitality industry. Those of us in that game pride ourselves on providing guests the best service possible, from booking to check-out.

While you are entitled to the finest hotel experience during your stay (no matter the star rating), know that this isn’t your mother’s house! It’s more like your in-laws. When you’re a gracious guest, you can trust the staff to go above and beyond what is expected of them to make sure your stay is as cozy and hassle-free as possible. After all, they will want you to come back.

All a guest needs to improve their hotel experience is to ask the right questions. Keep scrolling because we’ve listed 5 ways you can ace your entire stay by being the ultimate 5-star hotel guest.

1. Those 7 famous words…“I’d like to speak with the manager.”

The phrase that launched a thousand memes (and a few haircuts–JK). It’s true that supervisors and managers do have the power to handle more complex problems or make special considerations for situations that call for it. But of course you have the power as the customer to take charge of your own needs. Ever heard the phrase, “You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar?” Keep that in mind when dealing with hotel staff too! Nine times out of 10 the hotel staff will give you what you want, if you just ask nicely. Even exceptional service has limits; try not to expect people to bypass their duties or protocols to accommodate your requests. Remember, you’re the manager of your stay, be mindful of the tone you set.

The inside scoop on being a guest:

It doesn’t cost anything to be kind.
Special requests are not guaranteed, they’re based on availability. Demanding something at the last minute means that as much as they want to give it to you, they might not be able to accommodate your request. It’s always a good idea to give the hotel as much notice as you can. (Free upgrades, first floor room, birthday surprises, etc.)

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2. Mind your mess!

Before COVID, you probably never wondered the last time the light switch, tv remote, or glassware in your hotel room was sanitized. Over the last year, millions of properties around the world implemented enhanced cleaning protocols and safety measures to keep guests and employees safe.

What level of cleanliness do you seek during your hotel stay? Be sure to ask the property about the health initiatives they’ve put in place prior to booking. (Most hotels list updated cleaning measures on their website.)

The inside scoop on hotel housekeeping:

Housekeeping & Maintenance is not available 24/7.
If you have specific cleaning requirements, it’s worth asking what the basic housekeeping schedule is. Hotels can usually accommodate adjustments, but cleaners can only do what’s on their list.
If you have a DND sign on your door, housekeeping will not enter your room and there is no guarantee that they will be available to clean whenever you remove it.
Extended Stay properties clean 2-3x week vs. once a day at standard hotels.

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3. Let them know when the party starts…especially if it’s later.

A reservation number confirms the room, but it’s always good guest etiquette to let the hotel know if your arrival has been disrupted in any way. If you don’t notify the staff of late check-in, your reservation is subject to cancellation or you may even be charged a no show fee. Better safe than sorry! A simple call, text or email will ensure they won’t give your room away and help you dodge some unnecessary confusion and/or unwanted fees.

The inside scoop on hotel arrivals:

Hotel systems automatically cancel reservations when they process the night audit.
- Hotel staff typically runs a night audit report between 10:00pm-2:00am. A good rule of thumb is to always notify the hotel if you’re going to be arriving after 10:00pm.
Save time by requesting extra towels, toiletries, and linens upon check-in. This way you’re not waiting for service if housekeeping is not available once you make it to your room.
If they offer keyless check-in, don’t go to the front desk. Your hotel will notify you when your room is ready via text, email, or app and provide keyless entry instructions,

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4. The easy way out.

The easiest and worst part about a really nice hotel stay is…leaving. Saying goodbye to the fluffy pillows and luxurious linens is hard especially when standard check-out time is at 11:00am. But hey, the easy part still awaits you. If you are checking out on time, don’t need a copy of your receipt, and you don’t need assistance with your bags or transportation, you can just leave. It’s that simple.

The inside scoop on hotel departures:

Late check-out requests are limited and based on availability. It’s best to schedule these ahead of time.
If you don’t check-out by check-out time you may be charged for another night.
Checking out early? Hotels won’t know unless you verbally or physically check-out early with the front desk. You may still incur charges even if you check out early.

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5. “Hello, front desk? There’s been an incident.”

If you arrive at your room and something is not right; a missing item, a defective amenity, or your room wasn’t cleaned properly–report it to the staff immediately. Hotels want to make sure your stay goes without incident. Politely let them know if something is not right so the problem can be fixed.

The inside scoop on incidentals:

Housekeepers know how many towels, pillows, robes, linens are in each room and you will be charged if you take something home.
To avoid extra fees on stained towels, ask if the hotel has towels specifically for make-up removal or other messes.
Report room damages or accidents as they happen. Do not wait until the end of your stay to let them know you spilled red wine on the carpet or burned the comforter with a clothing rion.
Can you cancel my non-cancellable reservation? Read the fine print: some hotels require you to cancel 24 hours or more in advance.

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Bonus Tip Show Appreciation

Whether it’s by tipping housekeeping or bell services, writing a positive review about your stay, or filling out the hotel survey–Taking the time to say thank you is always a good idea.

Up your hotel relationship game with Globeo!

We partner with your favorite brands across the U.S. and maintain close relationships so that our clients receive the best service and price when staying at one of our contracted facilities.

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