6 Things Hotel Housekeepers Beg You to Stop Doing Before You Check Out
Image Credit: liudmilachernetska via 123RF
Staying at a hotel, whether it’s for a business trip or a vacation, often involves more than just checking in and out. As you enjoy the amenities and comfort of your room, have you ever wondered about the behind-the-scenes work that keeps your stay pleasant? Hotel housekeepers are essential to making sure everything is spotless and welcoming for the next guest.
However, there are certain behaviors that guests do which complicate their jobs and can cause unnecessary stress. To make their job easier and your stay more enjoyable, here are some things hotel housekeepers beg you to stop doing before you check out.
Forgetting to Check the Safe and Drawers
It’s easy to forget about the contents of your hotel safe or the drawers that you used for your clothes. Housekeepers frequently find items left behind in safes or drawers that could be valuable or important to the guest, such as wallets, keys, or chargers. Not only does this delay the cleaning process, but it can also lead to lost items that could have been avoided with a quick check before checking out.
Before leaving, take a moment to double-check the safe, drawers, and closet for any forgotten belongings. It’s a small habit that helps both you and the housekeeper ensure nothing gets overlooked.
Overstuffing the Trash
Hotels often provide multiple trash bins in the room—small ones in the bathroom and by the desk, and larger ones in the main area. Overstuffing these bins can be a real hassle for housekeeping staff. If the trash overflows or if you leave non-recyclable items mixed with recyclable materials, it complicates the cleaning process.
Take a moment to make sure your trash is sorted correctly, and if possible, try to take it to the nearest large waste disposal bin yourself before you check out. This small effort not only helps the housekeepers but also keeps the environment in mind.
Not Communicating Special Requests or Issues
If there’s an issue with the room during your stay, such as a broken light or an issue with the bathroom plumbing, be sure to report it to the front desk or housekeeping. Ignoring these problems and leaving them unresolved can make the housekeeper’s job difficult, especially when they’re unaware of what needs attention.
Additionally, if you have specific requests, like a particular type of pillow or extra towels, letting the staff know in advance ensures they can prepare your room just the way you like it. Clear communication goes a long way in creating a positive experience for both you and the housekeeping team.
Leaving Dirty Towels on the Floor
While it’s common to hang towels up when you’re done using them, many guests leave them on the bathroom floor or in heaps on the bed. While this seems like a minor thing, it’s actually one of the most time-consuming tasks for housekeepers. They have to gather, sort, and wash all the used towels.
To make it easier for the housekeepers, place used towels in the designated tub or shower, or neatly hang them up if you’re okay with using them again. This simple habit can make a significant difference.
Not Following Check-Out Times
Many guests don’t realize that their check-out time isn’t just a courtesy; it’s also the time the housekeeping team needs to prepare the room for the next guest. Staying in the room beyond your check-out time can throw off the entire schedule, especially during peak seasons when many rooms need cleaning.
Make sure to check the check-out time when you arrive, and if you need a little extra time, ask for a late check-out at the front desk. This courtesy allows the housekeeping team to stick to their schedule and makes sure that the next guest is just as comfortable as you were.
Leaving the Room in Disarray
The first and perhaps most obvious issue housekeepers face is dealing with a room that’s been left in utter chaos. While it’s understandable that you’re in a hurry to catch your flight or head to your next destination, leaving your hotel room looking like a tornado just passed through makes it incredibly difficult for housekeepers to work efficiently.
Clothes scattered everywhere, food wrappers left on the desk, and towels strewn across the bathroom floor all add extra time to the cleaning process. Instead, try to leave your room in a reasonable state. Pick up your belongings, put your trash in the bins provided, and hang your towels up neatly. This simple act shows respect for the housekeeping staff and makes their job much smoother.
Key Takeaways
Hotel housekeepers work tirelessly to ensure your stay is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. With their attention to detail and commitment to cleanliness, they help create an environment where you can relax and unwind. By making a few small changes to how you leave your room and interact with housekeeping staff, you can significantly ease their workload.
Next time you stay at a hotel, take a moment to consider the impact of your actions. Whether it’s picking up after yourself, checking the safe for forgotten items, or simply respecting the check-out time, your cooperation goes a long way in making the hotel experience better for everyone involved.
