Hotel experts provided answers to three common questions about service and room cleanliness
Hotel guests worldwide often have questions that staff may not be able or willing to answer, leading to various myths circulating on social media and forums.
The Washington Post sought insights from hotel experts regarding concerns about room cleanliness, minibar management, and variations among hotels of the same brand.
What distinguishes hotels of the same brand?
According to Curtis Crimmins, a former concierge at five-star hotels, over 80 percent of hotels in the United States operate as franchises, essentially renting the brand's logos. While brands have standardized guidelines, individual management decisions may vary, impacting guest services differently.
Can minibar charges be manipulated?
Most hotels with minibars rely on housekeeping staff to monitor consumption. However, some minibars are equipped with sensors that track items removed from the shelves, updating the system accordingly.
Just in case, you should check the receipt at the reception to avoid overpaying. There have been cases where staff mistakenly considered moved items, such as water bottles, as consumed.
The thoroughness of room cleaning
Guests are often curious about the thoroughness of cleaning, particularly regarding bedding and surface hygiene. According to experts, this varies depending on the hotel brand and its price category.
However, tourists have been advised to avoid large blankets and fluffy pillows where a lot of dust accumulates. Decorative elements usually receive less attention than bedding, but this does not mean that they do not impact the cleanliness of the room.
