Top 12 mistakes to avoid when checking in and out of hotels: the right paths to compromise and financial savings
Travel organization is usually accompanied by euphoria associated with choosing the right accommodation option with a list of luxurious services. Often, tourists do not even think about what they are paying for when checking into hotels. We want to warn travelers against unwanted expenses and "lay out" possible mistakes to avoid when checking in and out of hotels.
Not asking for early check-in or late check-out
Although the check-in policy clearly states the requirements for on-time check-in and check-out, travelers are free to ask for earlier check-in or late check-out. Establishments that value their reputation are often more accommodating.
Just voice your wishes at the front desk and state the reason why you want to check in a little earlier or check out later, and you will probably not be refused.
Being embarrassed to ask for a change of accommodation that does not match the descriptions offered
Before entering the hotel room, vacationers have every right to inspect the room in advance to clarify the availability of amenities presented on the website or voiced by an employee of the travel agency. Pay attention to the views from the window, the presence of specific odors, and the correct operation of the flush in the toilet so that there are no difficulties later.
If there is a discrepancy in the room description in terms of area, location, and list of amenities offered, travelers have every right to ask to change to a more suitable room.
Ignoring the information shared by concierges upon check-in to the hotel
Usually, travelers devote all their energy to exploring the hotel's amenities and do not listen at all to the staff who tell them about the important details of staying in the room. Often, they provide the Wi-Fi code and inform them about the free amenities of the establishment. If guests ignore this information, they often miss important details and may have to clarify later.
Late communication of their wishes regarding the stay in the hotel
Hotel accommodations often require guests to request additional amenities for a comfortable stay. Often travelers need extra pillows, chairs, or bathrobes, and it is better to request these in advance to avoid unpleasant situations. Perhaps you simply need a glass of warm water before going to bed, and it is also better to mention this immediately at check-in at the reception desk.
Not stating the reason for coming to the hotel
It is not uncommon for vacationers to come to the hotel to celebrate an important date or to mark a significant celebration. At the reception desk, be sure to mention the reason for your visit during these particular days, and the service staff will likely congratulate you with special bonuses. This could be a bottle of excellent wine, a tray of tempting sweets, or a gift certificate for services in the fitness room or spa.
Paying extra charges without first clarifying the list of services
Often, after checking into a hotel, especially an individual cabin or bungalow, the staff may provide inaccurate information about additional charges for certain amenities. Before paying substantial amounts for these services, ask other guests if they have been charged for them. This will help you avoid deception and unexpected costs associated with your hotel stay.
Silent dissatisfaction related to room inconveniences
If you are dissatisfied with the functioning of the shower or a dripping faucet, do not immediately post negative reviews on social networks or the hotel website. Always try to resolve current issues by directly contacting the concierge.
Most often, the staff provides prompt feedback and tries to resolve the problem as soon as possible. Additionally, as a gesture for temporary inconveniences, many hotels offer pleasant bonuses such as complimentary dinners or spa treatments.
Checking in without providing contact information at the front desk
Providing personal information, including email, offers additional benefits for travelers. Those who provide this information often receive detailed information about their chosen package via email. This allows them to carefully review the information about the services offered and compare it with reality.
Ignoring the final pre-departure inspection
A few hours before departure, it's better to calmly pack all your belongings in advance to avoid additional stress. Carefully inspect every corner of the room to ensure you don't forget any valuables and to avoid missing your train or plane due to tardiness.
Not following the tradition of leaving tips for maids
The service staff of good hotels usually pays a lot of attention to guests to make their stay as comfortable and serene as possible. They regularly clean the rooms, change linens, and ensure clean towels in the bathrooms. Maids diligently fulfill guests' requests throughout their vacation, and their work definitely deserves recognition.
Not checking out on time without a good reason
When tourists pack their bags and prepare to leave, they should always remember that there may already be guests in the hotel lobby who have recently arrived. It's better to notify the hotel about any potential delays in departure in advance to avoid unwanted overlaps.
Not checking the bills before check-out
One common mistake made by vacationers when checking out of hotels is not reviewing the list of services rendered, which are recorded in the final receipt upon departure. While inclusion in the payment is not necessarily due to fraud, there can often be common inaccuracies that are better addressed immediately to avoid disappointments and hasty conclusions about the hotel's overall service.
From the above, we can conclude that to avoid difficulties and misunderstandings, it's important to properly communicate with the hotel staff, as many problems can be quickly resolved. Instead of immediately causing a scene if something is unsatisfactory, try calmly explaining the reasons for dissatisfaction, as you may receive pleasant surprises for your loyal attitude. Hotel employees are ordinary people who may forget things, so there's no need to take everything too seriously. A dose of healthy humor often helps to solve problems and find solutions to difficult situations.
Happy traveling and full "understanding" with hotels!
