We each have unique habits when it comes to hotel stays, particularly regarding housekeeping. I thought I’d outline my general method for dealing with hotel housekeeping, and I’m interested in how OMAAT readers’ behaviors stack up. I understand that people’s practices can vary widely…
In this article:
I consistently display the “do not disturb” sign
During hotel stays, I usually keep the “do not disturb” sign on from check-in to check-out. The only time I might not is on the day I arrive, in case I expect a welcome amenity.
Why do I strictly adhere to using the do not disturb sign? If I require something, I will ask for it. I’ve experienced hotel staff knocking once and entering shortly thereafter far too often, along with unnecessary encounters, like the housekeeping manager checking if everything is alright in the room — that’s well-meaning, but I will inform the hotel if there is a problem.
Though not specifically related to housekeeping, I also always engage the deadbolt when I’m in the room. This is a safety measure all travelers should observe… end of story.
I consistently utilize the “do not disturb” sign
When I want housekeeping, I specifically request it
As I have the “do not disturb” sign displayed during most of my hotel visits, my standard practice is to call housekeeping when I desire my room to be serviced:
– Since I generally work while traveling, I tend to spend more time in my hotel room than most guests
– When I’m prepared to exit my hotel room, I usually call housekeeping, informing them that I’ll be out for a certain period and would appreciate it if my room could be tidied up
– I strive to manage my expectations; if I’m not in a luxury hotel and the hotel is busy with guests arriving and departing, I understand that between 11AM and 3PM they may not be able to respond immediately (as their priority is preparing rooms for incoming guests)
– I follow a similar procedure for turndown services (in hotels that provide it), where I’ll call housekeeping as I get ready to head out for dinner and ask them to prepare the turndown service
I had always believed that this was the common practice, but I’m starting to think I might be in the minority. It seems that many guests do not utilize the “do not disturb” sign as frequently and instead wait for housekeeping to knock.
That approach feels inefficient to me. I assume that when housekeeping knocks, a significant number of guests may not be ready for their rooms to be serviced, and I would guess there are instances where housekeeping has to knock multiple times before guests are ready.
This leads me to my next observation…
I generally call to request housekeeping and turndown service
I vacate the room when housekeeping is present
I’m not sure if others share my perspective, but I prefer not to be in the room while housekeeping is working. Why?
– If I were a housekeeper, I wouldn’t want anyone observing me while I perform my duties, so I’d prefer not to put others in that situation
– Nowadays, many individuals are more aware of personal space, and it can be uncomfortable to have someone cleaning in such close proximity
– Last but certainly not least, I’m an introvert and will go to great lengths to bypass unnecessary social interactions (I’m just being truthful!)
This is another reason why I display the “do not disturb” sign and request housekeeping at specific times. However, sometimes I’ll return to my room and find housekeeping still working, at which point I’ll simply leave for a while longer and return once they’ve finished.
I exit the room during housekeeping visits
I don’t always need housekeeping services
Lastly, I often choose not to request daily housekeeping at hotels that allow it. To be honest, at more moderately priced hotels, I typically only seek housekeeping every two or three days, as I don’t create much mess.
When I do stay at luxury hotels, the situation is different. High-end hotels are more about the “experience,” and part of that includes having a constantly clean environment. Housekeeping at luxury hotels tends to put extra effort into room service. For instance, at Four Seasons properties, they often place a cleaning cloth next to a pair of glasses or a laptop.
Cleaning cloth from housekeeping at Four Seasons Madrid
Meanwhile, at Airelles properties, they usually provide a unique gift with turndown service each night.
Airelles Courchevel included a different gift nightly.