A new survey highlights the most common hotel guest mistakes, from jumping the breakfast buffet line to washing clothes in kettles and stealing room items.
Other frequent complaints include reserving pool chairs with towels for hours, leaving rooms in disarray, and making noise in hallways late at night. Smoking or vaping in non-designated areas, misrepresenting the number of guests on a reservation, and ignoring ringing phones or alarms also rank high on the list.
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Not reading reviews before booking and failing to use rewards programs were also cited as missteps. Hotels.com, which commissioned the research, is offering £100 in travel credits to guests who complete 10 eligible nights through its rewards system.
Melanie Fish, a travel expert with the company, said small adjustments—like checking reviews or maximizing rewards—can improve a trip and stretch a budget further.
Japanese tourists were found to be the most considerate.
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Worst offenses, according to guests
Loud conversations, blasting music at odd hours, and misrepresenting guest counts on reservations were also called out. Drunken disruptions, ignoring room photos when booking, and leaving excessive mess at checkout were other recurring issues.
Less obvious but still frowned upon: washing personal items in the coffee maker, stealing non-complimentary items, and cutting in line at the breakfast buffet. Reserving pool chairs for extended periods with towels or belongings was another frequent gripe.
Using personal speakers by the pool, bringing pets to dining areas, and allowing children in adults-only pools were noted as well. Sneaking in unregistered guests, walking through public areas in sleepwear, and failing to check out on time rounded out the list.
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Why etiquette matters
William Hanson, an etiquette expert who collaborated on Hotels.com’s Grand Etiquette Hotel guide, said good manners benefit everyone. Thoughtful behavior, he noted, can lead to better service, a more restful stay, and even long-term savings on travel.
According to the report, most guests recognize the value of small courtesies—even if they don’t always practice them.
