Ask any hotel worker: guests say more than they think they do. Tiny details tell the tale and staff usually notice them on the spot. Some of these actions are harmless, some are annoying and all are observed. We spoke with hotel workers from several hotels, and they shared the kinds of things they instantly pick up on. These are 11 of the most common things guests do in hotels that staff clock immediately.
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Guests who linger in the lobby without checking in
Staff know the difference between a person waiting for a friend and someone who isn’t going to check in. Linger in the lobby, pace, or slouch in the corner and you’re sure to draw attention. It’s not suspicious behavior but it’s noticeable enough to remain in staff’s memory.
Bringing food that clearly didn’t come from the hotel
Stepping inside with bags of fast food, takeout boxes, or grocery bags? You’ve been pegged. It’s not a rule violation, but it speaks volumes about the intentions with which you’ll use your room. Housekeeping especially will take notice because it often means extra messes or strange odors in the room afterward.
Asking for extra key cards right away
There’s usually no reason for the average traveler to request more than one or two key cards. Requesting four or five key cards at check-in immediately triggers suspicion among staff. Key attendants and front desk associates often read this as the indicator of a large group and they are internally bracing for late night complaints or unregistered guests.
Too curious about staff schedules
Staff immediately notice if a guest repeatedly inquires about cleaning times and/or who is working late. That’s not information the average guest cares about, so it’s just different and noticeable.
Rearranging furniture in odd ways
Housekeeping staff always notice when the bed is dragged away from the wall, the chairs are all turned to face the door, or the lamp next to the bed is pulled off the wall. Staff become instantly aware of such unusual occurrences because they don’t encounter them very often. It’s probably just a nervous tick, but it does make staff wonder what else happened in the room.
Traveling guests with no luggage
Checking into a hotel without a suitcase in your hands, and not even a backpack is one way to get noticed. It’s rare to spend a night with no luggage at all. This becomes apparent to staff from the moment you walk in the door. Sometimes they’re locals just using the hotel for non-sleep purposes, and the staff note it quietly without a word.
Covering smoke detectors
You may not be able to tell, but staff sees it during room checks right away. It’s one of those, “hey, they may be smoking in here” signs they look for. The employees pick up on it even with just a napkin or tissue over the detector.
Odd requests during odd times
Calling down at 12AM asking for ten pillows is a thing staff notes. Asking the front desk if they can unlock the pool early? Staff remember. These requests are outside of the normal routine. Plus, nine times out of 10 the guest is going to be memorable one way or another.
Heavy perfume or strong odors brought in
Staff notice when guests come through the lobby trailing a cloud of cologne. It could be perfume, cigarettes, or a strongly-scented food item, but housekeeping definitely takes notice because it’s usually going to mean a little more work to get the room back to a neutral state.
Guests who don’t make eye contact
This may seem insignificant, but the staff picks up on it fast. Most guests offer at least a smile or a greeting, but the ones who avoid interaction in every way are memorable. It can just be a personality thing, but it’s usually enough to make a worker remember you because it’s off-putting.
People who treat the room like home immediately
Ok, so some people really are like this and it’s the first thing they do, but staff can always tell as they make their cleaning rounds. The room is a mess, all the drawers are open with things being moved in and out, clothes are being flung over the back of the chair like a throne, and there’s a distinctive “Wow, so much space!” atmosphere about the room.
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