Kevin Gilbert has been a boutique hotel manager in Arizona, USA for 19 years. The man shared his observations and advice for Wellandgood visitors.
While on vacation in another country, sometimes tourists, without noticing it, can behave rudely and incorrectly towards other guests and hotel staff. Kevin Gilbert talked about the most common mistakes visitors make.
Early check-in or late check-out without prior notice
Regardless of whether the guest plans to arrive earlier than the expected time or not, it is important to notify the hotel in advance the day before arrival or as soon as possible. It would also be polite to advise if the visitor is planning a late check-out. Gilbert explains that it takes some time to clean the rooms between arrivals, and this can be delayed in the event of a late check-out.
Of course, the hotel staff will do their best to help you with early check-in or late check-out. However, there are times when this is not possible, and the impression is spoiled for the guests. And the staff, who sincerely tries to please every guest, is under stress.
Ignoring “quiet time”
“Between 10 pm and 7 am, many hotels have a so-called ‘quiet time’ where guests are encouraged to be quiet in elevators, lobbies, and even in their room, avoiding loud music, conversations, or parties. This is a common respect for each other, respecting which, guests create a good hotel experience for everyone,” he says.
Refund to the card for additional expenses
When checking in, hotel guests register their cards in case they use additional hotel services. As a rule, the money will be returned to the card in full if you did not operate, say, room service or a minibar. However, many guests do not understand that the money is not returned to the card immediately.
The hotel manager says that very often hotel guests call and ask why the hotel has not yet returned the money, many even quarrel. However, in this case, it does not depend on the hotel, because the bank is responsible for the transactions, which hold the money from five to seven business days.
Gilbert encourages hotel guests to keep track of their spending and if they are not sure about something, contact the staff for clarification.
Neglect of the words “please” and “thank you”.
The words “please” and “thank you” do not cost guests anything. But for the staff, it can mean a lot.
“Employees are very pleased to hear ‘please’, ‘thank you’ or ‘you did a great job.’ It’s also good to show your appreciation for the staff’s hard work with a tip,” says Gilbert.