The twinkling of lights and your favorite holiday sounds set the tone for merry and magic as you make your way to your destination. Holiday travel is in full swing, and even though you are paying a premium to stay in a hotel, you are still expected to follow some basic etiquette rules. After all, a pleasant hotel stay for the holidays involves more than the check-in counter. A little extra kindness and some basic courtesies will ensure your trip is more enjoyable for everyone involved. Keep reading for a handful of 2023 holiday travel etiquette tips.
Greet the front desk clerk with a genuine smile
You may be tired after a long trip, but greeting the valet or front desk with a smile goes a long way in making a good impression. You never know when you may need extra assistance, and they will remember your kindness.
Bathrobes are not free
While some toiletries are complimentary, there are certain items in the hotel room that are not meant to go home with the guest. Towels and bathrobes are on the list, and you can be charged a fee at the end of your stay if you “accidentally” walk off with a robe (or two).
Smoke-free means “no smoking”
Trying to get away with smoking makes the stay a fire and health hazard for everyone. Follow the rules or you can be charged a hefty fine.
Pets and extra guests are not welcome
Although we all love our furry friends, it’s important to be honest with the front desk when you are traveling with an unexpected guest.
The hotel lobby is not your living room
Walking through the hotel barefoot or in your pajamas is disrespectful to your host and fellow guests.
Avoid sleeping on the throw pillows
You can feel reasonably sure the decorative pillows have not been cleaned between guests and they usually end up on the floor.
With a housekeeping staff, it’s not necessary to make your bed
It is necessary to leave a tip daily to the housekeeping staff who cleans your room, which includes making your bed ($3-$5 per day). Don’t skip a tip because you made your own bed!
If you break it, clean it up
Accidents happen, but if you break a glass or bottle, make sure and pick up the shards and splintered pieces to the best of your ability so no one, including you, steps on it and causes bodily harm.
Keep your volume down and watch your children
The long hallways are tempting to small children who love to run up and down to get rid of extra energy, but your fellow travelers will appreciate you reminding your kids to walk, not run through the halls and play ball in the park, not the hallway. Your voice should also be an “indoor voice,” rather than a roar when getting back to the hotel late at night.
Leave a positive review
If a staff member goes above and beyond, letting the manager know, in writing, helps the employee when it comes to getting a raise. It also helps fellow travelers know what they can expect if they are guests at the hotel.
For more information about working with Diane, America’s “Go to” social and professional (manners) skills authority, please visit The Protocol School of Texas.
You may also like Holiday Road Trip Must-Haves for December Adventures. See what Diane is up to by following her on Instagram and Facebook. Find etiquette inspiration on her Pinterest account and keep up with her latest tweets. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, refer to her posts on Inc. and HuffPost.
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