Hotel rooms may look spotless when you walk in, but behind that crisp bedspread and folded towel swan lies a world of chaos most guests never see. And housekeepers? They’ve got stories. From mysterious stains to abandoned leftovers that defy logic, hotel staff deal with it all—often with a smile that hides a silent plea: please stop doing that. They notice everything—every hidden mess, every “harmless” spill, every towel mountain left on the floor. And while they’re pros at turning disaster back into perfection, there are a few habits they secretly wish would disappear forever.
So before you toss your wet towels everywhere or leave your toothpaste art in the sink, take a peek behind the curtain. These are the 14 things hotel housekeepers really wish guests would stop doing.
Leaving Wet Towels Everywhere
Walk into any hotel room post-checkout, and you’re bound to find towels draped over chairs or tossed on the floor. This common habit creates extra work for housekeepers, who must gather and sort these damp linens.
Hanging towels neatly in the bathroom can help streamline their efforts. It minimizes the need for additional washes, saving water and energy.
Remember, a small gesture like this can significantly ease their workload, leaving more time for other important cleaning tasks.
Leaving Food Wrappers Everywhere
Crumbs, wrappers, and half-eaten snacks scattered around the room can turn a simple cleaning job into a monumental task. These remnants attract pests and require thorough vacuuming and sanitizing.
Guests often forget that leaving food waste can lead to unpleasant odors and even pest issues. Keeping trash contained is crucial.
By using the provided trash cans, guests can help maintain cleanliness and order, making it easier for housekeepers to refresh the room for the next visitor.
Hiding Trash in Drawers
Some guests mistakenly believe that hiding trash in drawers is helpful. In reality, it creates more work, as housekeepers must check each drawer thoroughly.
This practice can cause delays in room turnover, as concealed trash is often forgotten until a thorough inspection. The additional time spent searching could be used for other cleaning tasks.
Instead, consider using the trash bins provided. It’s a simple way to ensure the room is cleaned efficiently and effectively.
Taking Home Hotel Property
Taking home more than just memories is a common temptation. Towels, robes, and other amenities often disappear, forcing hotels to replace them frequently.
While the allure of soft towels and plush robes is understandable, these items are intended for guest use only during the stay. They are not complimentary souvenirs.
Guests should respect hotel property, allowing these amenities to be enjoyed by others. It’s a simple way to help maintain hotel service quality and reduce unnecessary costs.
Overloading the Safe
The in-room safe is a secure place for valuables, but some guests use it to store everything from electronics to snacks. This can lead to long delays during room cleaning.
Overstuffing the safe makes it time-consuming and difficult to inspect and reset for the next guest. Housekeepers must ensure no items are left behind, adding extra steps to their routine.
Keeping the safe for essential valuables only speeds up the cleaning process, benefiting both guests and staff.
Leaving Makeup Stains
Makeup stains on towels and counters are more than just unsightly; they can be a headache to remove. Some stains become permanent, rendering towels unusable.
Using disposable makeup remover wipes can prevent this issue. It’s a considerate choice that preserves hotel linens.
By being mindful of how cosmetics are removed, guests can help maintain the quality of the hotel’s amenities, ensuring they remain fresh and clean for future visitors.
Rearranging Furniture
Some guests enjoy customizing their space, but moving furniture can lead to safety hazards and additional wear and tear. It also complicates the cleaning process.
Shifting heavy items can damage floors and walls, creating more work for maintenance staff. Restoring the room to its standard layout takes valuable time.
Guests should consider leaving furniture as is. This simple act respects the room’s design and streamlines the cleaning process, benefiting everyone involved.
Using Bathrobes and Towels as Cleaning Rags
Using bathrobes and towels to clean spills seems convenient but can render them unusable. These items are designed for comfort, not cleaning.
Stains from cleaning products or food may not come out, leading to unnecessary replacement costs. It’s a common issue that housekeepers frequently encounter.
By keeping towels and robes for their intended use, guests can help preserve hotel resources and ensure these comforts remain available for all.
Blocking Emergency Exits
In the hustle and bustle of travel, guests sometimes block emergency exits with luggage or furniture. This poses a serious safety risk for everyone in the hotel.
Housekeepers must often rearrange rooms to ensure clear pathways, taking time away from other essential tasks. It’s vital to keep exits unobstructed.
Being mindful of where belongings are placed can enhance safety and efficiency, ensuring a smooth experience for both guests and staff.
Leaving Air Conditioning on Full Blast
Leaving the air conditioning running at full power can lead to significant energy waste. Rooms are often left unoccupied for long periods, with guests unaware of the environmental impact.
Housekeepers frequently adjust settings to conserve energy, adding this task to their routine. It’s a small change that can make a big difference.
Turning off or down the air conditioning when leaving helps conserve energy and supports the hotel’s sustainability efforts.
Requesting Daily Towel Changes
Some guests demand fresh towels daily, unaware of the environmental impact. This practice increases laundry loads, consuming more water and energy.
Hotels often encourage reusing towels to support sustainability, a message sometimes overlooked. Skipping daily changes helps reduce environmental strain.
Guests can participate in eco-friendly practices by reusing towels, contributing to a greener planet while still enjoying quality service.
Using White Linens for Shoe Cleaning
Using white linens to clean shoes is a surprisingly common habit that leads to irreparable stains. These linens are costly to replace and vital for the hotel’s image.
Shoe cleaning kits are often available upon request, providing a more suitable option. This simple switch preserves the pristine condition of hotel linens.
By opting for alternative cleaning methods, guests show respect for hotel property, ensuring quality for all visitors.
Failing to Report Damage
Accidents happen, but failing to report damage can lead to bigger problems. Housekeepers often find broken items, unaware of how they occurred.
Unreported damage can delay repairs, impacting future guests. Immediate reporting allows for quick resolution, maintaining room quality.
Guests can help by notifying staff of any issues promptly, ensuring a smooth experience for everyone involved.
Overstuffing Trash Bins
Overstuffing trash bins creates a messy and difficult situation for housekeepers. Overflowing bins lead to spills and require additional cleaning time.
Guests can use additional bags or request more bins to avoid this issue. It’s a small adjustment that can greatly assist housekeeping efforts.
By managing waste thoughtfully, guests contribute to a cleaner and more pleasant environment for everyone.