We all have different habits when staying in hotels, including involving things like housekeeping. I figured I’d share my general approach with hotel housekeeping, and I’m curious to hear how the habits of OMAAT readers compare. I realize people have greatly varying approaches here…
In this post:
I always have the “do not disturb” sign on
When I stay in a hotel, I typically have the “do not disturb” sign on from the moment I check-in until the moment I check-out. The only exception is that I might not put it on the day of arrival, if I think a welcome amenity may be coming.
Why do I religiously use the do not disturb sign? Because if I need something, I’ll ask for it. I’ve had way too many hotel staff knock once and open the door a second later, and I’ve had way too many unnecessary interactions from people knocking on the door (like the housekeeping manager checking to see if everything is okay in the room — I’m sure it’s well intentioned, but I’ll let the hotel know if there’s an issue).
While not specific to housekeeping, I also always have the deadbolt out when in the room. This is something all travelers should do for safety… period.
If I’d like housekeeping, I explicitly ask for it
Since I have the “do not disturb” sign on during most of my hotel stays, my approach is always that I call housekeeping when I’d like my room serviced:
- Since I typically work when I travel, I spend more time in my hotel room than the average person
- When I am ready to leave my hotel room, I’ll typically call housekeeping, and explain that I’m leaving the room for X amount of time, and would appreciate if the room could be cleaned
- I try to be realistic with my expectations; if I’m not staying at a luxury hotel and if the hotel has a lot of guests checking in and out, I recognize that between 11AM and 3PM they might not be available immediately (since the priority is cleaning rooms for guests checking in)
- I do the same thing for turndown service (for hotels that offer it), where I’ll call housekeeping when I get ready to leave for dinner, and ask them to provide turndown service
I always assumed that this is what most people did, but I’m starting to realize that maybe I’m in the minority. It seems that a lot of people don’t use the “do not disturb” sign as much, and wait for housekeeping to knock.
Personally, that system seems inefficient to me. I imagine when housekeeping knocks on doors, a large percentage of those guests aren’t ready to have their rooms cleaned at the moment, and I would guess in some situations housekeeping has to knock on rooms several times before they’re ready to have their rooms cleaned.
That brings me to my next point…
I’ll leave the room when housekeeping is there
Again, I’m not sure if others feel similarly to me, but I never want to be in the room when housekeeping is there. Why?
- If I were a housekeeper, I wouldn’t want someone watching me do my job, so I don’t want to do that to others
- In this era a lot more people are concerned about personal space, and for that matter, it can be awkward to have someone cleaning around you in tight quarters
- Last but most certainly not least, I’m an introvert, and I’ll go long ways to avoid social interaction (I’m just being honest!)
This is another reason I use the “do not disturb” sign, and request for housekeeping to show up at a certain time. The only catch is that sometimes I’ll return to my room and find that housekeeping is still there, in which case I’ll just leave for a bit longer and return when they’re done.
I don’t always want housekeeping
I think the last point to make is that I often just don’t request daily housekeeping at hotels that offer it. Truth be told, at more moderately priced hotels, I’ll typically only ask for housekeeping every two or three days, because it’s not like I’m making a huge mess.
Usually when I’m staying at a luxury hotel, it’s a different story. Super nice hotels are more of an “experience,” and part of that is always having a clean space. Housekeeping at luxury hotels often also puts more effort into room service. For example, at Four Seasons properties, they’ll typically put a cleaning cloth next to a pair of glasses or a laptop.
Meanwhile at Airelles properties, they’ll typically leave a different gift with turndown service every night.
Besides, who doesn’t like their favorite toiletries being refilled? 😉
Bottom line
We all have different habits in life, and obviously that extends to hotel housekeeping. I always use the “do not disturb” sign, and always call to request housekeeping if I want it. I just find that to be the easiest and most efficient for all parties involved. I had assumed that many people take a similar approach, but I’m not sure if that’s the case.
I’m curious to hear from OMAAT readers — what are your habits when it comes to hotel housekeeping?
I do want housekeeping to service my room, so remove DnD when exiting the room for a longer period (i.e., to attend meetings, to do sightseeing). Usually, I even advice housekeepers (if I meet them in the hallway) that I am out and for how long. Like this, my room is usually made up when coming back in late afternoon. At that stage, I put the DnD sign out again, in order to avoid the...
I do want housekeeping to service my room, so remove DnD when exiting the room for a longer period (i.e., to attend meetings, to do sightseeing). Usually, I even advice housekeepers (if I meet them in the hallway) that I am out and for how long. Like this, my room is usually made up when coming back in late afternoon. At that stage, I put the DnD sign out again, in order to avoid the "only checking" visits (many hotels are so obsessed to check their housekeepers that they send several verification person in a row).
wow, a lot of people spend a lot of time in the hotel room. I never put on DND and if cleaning staff come i go to the lounge. In literally thousands of hotel stays i have NEVER had anything taken, and i don't think i have used a hotel safe in 5+ years. I love a set of fresh towels and a bed made :)
I spend very little time in my hotel room and it isn't an issue of worrying about having things stolen either. It is just that the hotel room is my private space and I like things to be how I left them. When I used to travel for work I would sometimes work in the room and was more likely to ask for service. But now I only travel for leisure and spend so little...
I spend very little time in my hotel room and it isn't an issue of worrying about having things stolen either. It is just that the hotel room is my private space and I like things to be how I left them. When I used to travel for work I would sometimes work in the room and was more likely to ask for service. But now I only travel for leisure and spend so little time in the room that I rarely need or want any service. For the same reason I place a low value on most hotel amenities other than a comfortable bed because I am not in the hotel to use them.
I always leave the do not disturb sign on the door. If I need anything I usually just catch housekeeping in the hallway and ask for it, or occasionally ask at the front desk. I rarely need anything except for the trash to be emptied and perhaps another towel. Hotel toiletry products have too much perfume for my tastes so I bring my own, and I am picky about my coffee so I bring my...
I always leave the do not disturb sign on the door. If I need anything I usually just catch housekeeping in the hallway and ask for it, or occasionally ask at the front desk. I rarely need anything except for the trash to be emptied and perhaps another towel. Hotel toiletry products have too much perfume for my tastes so I bring my own, and I am picky about my coffee so I bring my own coffee as well. And I realize I am an outlier, but I find turn-down service to be the most ridiculously overrated thing out there so I would rather skip it than have somebody in my room. I do tip based on getting service every day even if I never actually use it.
I totally agree, I never use room service.
If I need clean towels or empty the trash I get them myself after breakfast when the cleaning crews are in the hallways. I tip that person who gives me the towels.
I totally agree, I never use room service.
If I need clean towels or empty the trash I get them myself after breakfast when the cleaning crews are in the hallways. I tip that person who gives me the towels.
While traveling, I’m only in the room to shower, shave, and sleep for the night. During the day, I’m gone, so let them service the room at will. Anyway, the most you get today are fresh towels and maybe fresh sheets every 2 to 3 days.
As for expensive travel items, my 6 yr old iPad is the best they’ll steal from me. Purposely wear an old watch while traveling incase it misplaced. Most have a room safe, so the passport goes there.
Traveling solo: Keep the DND sign up the whole time because I do not want housekeeping. I can keep the room tidy enough on my own and hate when people rearrange my things (they ALWAYS do to clean the countertops - I understand it, but I hate it).
Traveling with my husband (he loves housekeeping): DND is up when we're in the room, and off when we're not. Usually the room gets cleaned while we're...
Traveling solo: Keep the DND sign up the whole time because I do not want housekeeping. I can keep the room tidy enough on my own and hate when people rearrange my things (they ALWAYS do to clean the countertops - I understand it, but I hate it).
Traveling with my husband (he loves housekeeping): DND is up when we're in the room, and off when we're not. Usually the room gets cleaned while we're out because we tend to be gone a good 6++ hours. Occasionally we get missed and it's no big deal.
From experience, it’s always better to communicate with the front desk about not wanting housekeeping the night before. Otherwise somebody tends to get sent home early if they were assigned the room and can’t clean it by the end of the day. That said, I do always leave my DND on the door and on days I expect housekeeping , I try to work with the housekeeper staff person assigned to the floor. Depending on...
From experience, it’s always better to communicate with the front desk about not wanting housekeeping the night before. Otherwise somebody tends to get sent home early if they were assigned the room and can’t clean it by the end of the day. That said, I do always leave my DND on the door and on days I expect housekeeping , I try to work with the housekeeper staff person assigned to the floor. Depending on the timing, something along the lines of “I’ll be in my room until 1pm”. Or “I’m in room 830 and I just took off my DND”
Related question: do hotels with key cards track room-door openings? If a room door has *not* been opened after check-in, presumably no maid service needed or offered (though possibly welfare check, after 10-plus hours!). Or would that amount to "spying" on a customer?
Some (hopefully most/all) hotel locks will log opens and unlocks for security reasons. Very few hotels use that data to schedule housekeeping. I've only ever stayed in one where I suspected that was the case -- 4/5 days I had room service come when I was out, each day my out hours were pretty different. The one day I didn't leave during the day they never came or knocked.
Doesn't feel particuarly invasive to...
Some (hopefully most/all) hotel locks will log opens and unlocks for security reasons. Very few hotels use that data to schedule housekeeping. I've only ever stayed in one where I suspected that was the case -- 4/5 days I had room service come when I was out, each day my out hours were pretty different. The one day I didn't leave during the day they never came or knocked.
Doesn't feel particuarly invasive to me. Preferable than a maid knocking while you're asleep and entering before you had a chance to respond, lol.
320 nights a year in hotels, I leave the DND sign on always, however, I don't call. If I am working in the room and want Housekeeping, I take the DND sign away. And let them knock when they are ready. It is usually when I just want my bathroom refreshed, towels replaced, coffee, etc. But same as you, I only get full service every 3 days if it is only me. If I want...
320 nights a year in hotels, I leave the DND sign on always, however, I don't call. If I am working in the room and want Housekeeping, I take the DND sign away. And let them knock when they are ready. It is usually when I just want my bathroom refreshed, towels replaced, coffee, etc. But same as you, I only get full service every 3 days if it is only me. If I want full service, I take the DND sign away, I wait until they come, and I too leave the room while they are working. If and when I do the leave the room while they are doing a full service, I pack away all electronics, I even pack away all the cords and plugs ( have you seen how much Apple charge for Macbook Air cord!!! ) and of course I lock the Safe. I leave no temptation whatsoever. If I am in a foreign country with no Australian language, I use Google Translate if I need them to take care of a specific item/s. It always gets a laugh from both of us. It creates a nice interaction and usually, just that little bit extra care. When I leave, if the Housekeeping do a nice job and are friendly, a tip is left. Usually a minimum of USD 10. Minimum. Especially if I know I am coming back to that same hotel in the future.
I left the 'mommy will fix it' mindset behind a long time ago. On longer stays I just let housekeeping know, when I require their service. Apart from that, nobody in my room please. I just keep my room clean myself, and leave used towels in a separate pile, and garbage in the bin, not on the floor. I have supervised housekeeping for 28 years, and have seen everything, so I know it's a hard...
I left the 'mommy will fix it' mindset behind a long time ago. On longer stays I just let housekeeping know, when I require their service. Apart from that, nobody in my room please. I just keep my room clean myself, and leave used towels in a separate pile, and garbage in the bin, not on the floor. I have supervised housekeeping for 28 years, and have seen everything, so I know it's a hard job, and they really appreciate it when a room is left in decent shape for an easy clean.
One thing you didn’t mention- do you leave a tip and if you do not why and if you do about how much?
White privilege unfortunately.
As a brown person, if you keep your DnD sign on the door for more than 24 hours, you almost certainly will have hotel security doing a "welfare check" on your belongings while you're out next. They even leave a nice friendly card saying it's for my own good.
Good point. It's very easy to "universalize" one's own experience....which is why W.E.B. DuBois suggested, more than a hundred years ago, that African-Americans had to have a "double consciousness" to survive in the U.S. They had / have to know their own thoughts...but also those of the majority of the population.
I think you're showing the racist card here Sean M. ANYONE who leaves the DND card out for 24+ hours is gonna get a roomcheck from management. And the welfare check is for you, not your belongings. It's the unwritten rule for most hotels guests are unaware of.
As a manager from some years back I can recall a tragic incident (a double suicide) happened during the 24 hours the DND card was left out.
This is an interesting comment as my understanding is that most hotels do a welfare check if a DND sign is up for more than 24 hours and no one has seen the occupant. I don’t use the DND sign so have not had this experience (I am Caucasian). Has anyone else had a welfare check?
Same same. Only difference is I tell the front desk at check in on 2-3 night stays at non-luxury properties no housekeeping so I don't get a rude knock, which happens even sometimes with the do not disturb sign up.
No way. I pay for housekeeping and I want it every day, regardless of hotel category. I have had enough of that during covid, it was understandable and logical, but not now. I’m not a messy guy, but I like to find my room the same way I found it when I checked in. No change of bed, but towels, yes.
How do feel about the trend of no cleaning unless you request it? Also love the fact that you receive a note telling the name of the person who cleaned your room(of the last person's mess) and presumably hinting at a gratuity when you leave.
It seems they are continually looking for ways to charge more for less service.
I am sure in large hotels with hundreds of rooms they really appreciate it if everyone called them when they are ready to have their room refreshed and later again when it may be convenient to have the turndown done.
If the hotel has a turndown service, they either do not have "hundreds of rooms" or they are probably well staffed with several housekeeping shifts.
You obviously have no clue, what you’re talking about. Just think Las Vegas or Dubai and you may get an idea about large luxury hotels.
But let’s look at a moderate and recent example:
Lucky wrote about the re-opening of the Waldorf Astoria in NYC recently. It has only 375 rooms. Let’s say 200 of them are occupied and let’s assume half of those would call housekeeping in the morning to arrange refreshing...
You obviously have no clue, what you’re talking about. Just think Las Vegas or Dubai and you may get an idea about large luxury hotels.
But let’s look at a moderate and recent example:
Lucky wrote about the re-opening of the Waldorf Astoria in NYC recently. It has only 375 rooms. Let’s say 200 of them are occupied and let’s assume half of those would call housekeeping in the morning to arrange refreshing their room at their preferred time and again in the evening to do the same for turndown service.
That’s 200 phone calls. Each call may take maybe one minute, more than three hours just to deal with those calls.
I think Ben wrote this from the perspective of someone with elite status in the respective hotel loyalty program, who will receive preferential treatment.
You cannot seriously expect or recommend that every guest individually arranges housekeeping services at their own preferred individual time…
I too work from my hotel room and generally don't want to be disturbed. Getting rid of trash can sometimes be a pain. I generally just ask the front desk for additional toiletries as needed. I'm also lazy, I never make my bed. Something I do religiously at home.
I follow many of these same habits, and I also like to tip the housekeeper either during my stay or at checkout. If I’m staying somewhere for more than 4–5 days, I make a point to tip before I leave to ensure the person who cared for the room during most of my stay receives the gratuity, rather than someone who might just be on duty at checkout. While I usually don’t request room cleaning...
I follow many of these same habits, and I also like to tip the housekeeper either during my stay or at checkout. If I’m staying somewhere for more than 4–5 days, I make a point to tip before I leave to ensure the person who cared for the room during most of my stay receives the gratuity, rather than someone who might just be on duty at checkout. While I usually don’t request room cleaning or turndown service, I often ask for extra amenities—like bottled water, shaving cream, or toothpaste when I see the housekeeping cart on my floor.
Can't say I've ever had an issue with DND signs falling off the door handle, but then again I'm mostly staying at places where DND or housekeeping services are request through an in-room button and not some cardboard hanger.
I enjoy having my room refreshed. If I'm there when housekeeping knocks I always introduce my myself and my requests. They are not mindreaders, so don't complain if you don't communicate. This has served me well and I always show my gratitude for good service. Especially when the turndown service has a gift!
The housekeeping motive to knock on your door with DND sign on the day of checkout is to see if the room is already vacated or not. In the U.S. you can get a knock pretty early about 9am.
If I initiate a request for more coffee or towels on my way out they will enter the room even though there is DND sign on. That has been my experience 100% of the time in Switzerland.
Although a minor point, I find it discourteous to staff, leaving the DND sign on the door once one has checked out of the room for this reason ....
I hate how many do not disturb cards are so prone to falling off the handle every time you open the door. Alas, I still keep it outside 24/7. Only exception is for longer trips, where I'll try and get the room cleaned at the midpoint of the stay.
Love newer cruise ships that have small digital panels with options for DND, please service room, etc. Makes it so easy to alert your room...
I hate how many do not disturb cards are so prone to falling off the handle every time you open the door. Alas, I still keep it outside 24/7. Only exception is for longer trips, where I'll try and get the room cleaned at the midpoint of the stay.
Love newer cruise ships that have small digital panels with options for DND, please service room, etc. Makes it so easy to alert your room steward that you're out for dinner/entertainment and that it's a perfect time to do turndown (or at breakfast/gym in the AM and it's an ideal time to do the main cleaning of the room)
I've seen some midrange hotels in Japan that have metal doors would have magnetic signs for DND, service requested that you can stick on. Such a simple solution to the doorknob hanger falling off.
Oh yeah, these doors are amazing.
Wonder how many of those magnets are pilfered by the guests for a cute 'refrigerator collection' ? Or maybe they're just part of the marketing calculus for advertising !
Ben, this is why I like your blog and participate here... posts like this because it's these sort of things you think about when traveling.
I rarely am in a hotel for more than 1-2 nights so housekeeping isn't typically a concern. And at least 50% of the time, once I enter the room on check-in, I'm not leaving until I wake up and leave for good in the morning. Unless I'm starving, give...
Ben, this is why I like your blog and participate here... posts like this because it's these sort of things you think about when traveling.
I rarely am in a hotel for more than 1-2 nights so housekeeping isn't typically a concern. And at least 50% of the time, once I enter the room on check-in, I'm not leaving until I wake up and leave for good in the morning. Unless I'm starving, give me my bottles of water, and the room could be a cube floating in an endless white void for all I care.
If I am in the room, every security measure is shut and locked on the door.
If I leave the room, that's the only time I think I ever turn on a TV in a hotel room so that I can put out the Do Not Disturb and there's noise. In the US where the vast majority of police departments will just go shake down housekeeping and the MX staff if you make a report for stole property, I don't really care but I'll put my laptop in the safe (not that 10 seconds on YouTube won't show you how to get into one... I sometimes practice that when I'm bored in a room) just to tick that box. Internationally, I usually take my small bag/backpack with me when I leave. I've been to places where the police are more than likely pissed that there isn't anything left to take as a bribe versus taking any other actions.
On longer stays, I'll take my small bag with me especially if I have a car and let housekeeping do what they will. I don't ever make a mess of rooms and at least pull the bedding back up when I get up, I don't leave towels in a pile kicked under the counter, etc.
I also keep a stack of post-its and a sharpie with me and will put a post-it on the back of the door above the lock with a number on it. That means that there are that many post-its with a big X on them in the room that are over something of mine not in plain sight... like in the fridge or safe.
That's not for you to decide. That's for the person cleaning up after you to evaluate.
But you didn't know that because you're an insufferable stupid self centered low class person with an IQ under three digits.
Cute ! ... " A 'mess' is in the eye of the beholder! " !
For me the key is if I'm in. When i've been away for work I'll have the do not disturb on all weekend as I don't want someone coming in and asking to clean when I'm sleeping etc. During the week however I don't bother and it's quite nice to have a clean room with a made bed to come back to. The only thing of value I take with me on those trips are my laptops and my passport and they go to the office with me.
In my case, I try to spend the least amount of time inside a hotel room. Even if I need to work, I try to find a nicer place with more light, close to a garden, etc... If I am inside my room I am either sleeping, showering or getting changed. When I am inside my room, DO NOT DISTURB sign is always on and so is the deadlock. Now, if I leave my room...
In my case, I try to spend the least amount of time inside a hotel room. Even if I need to work, I try to find a nicer place with more light, close to a garden, etc... If I am inside my room I am either sleeping, showering or getting changed. When I am inside my room, DO NOT DISTURB sign is always on and so is the deadlock. Now, if I leave my room and housekeeper hasn't come yet, I place no signs by the door. Also, if a hotel has turndown service, I want that so no signs at the door either. Calling housekeeper not always work. I had several instances when I needed soap or shampoo and had to call several times until someone showed up at my door. I do not have time to manage a housekeeper.
I’m always struck by people who don’t want room service or turndown because they are worried about “their stuff.” I’m thinking, “You mean your white gold Patek Philippe Nautilus and those 10 carat yellow diamond earnings? Because I’m betting it’s an old iPad with a cracked screen, a crappy laptop and a suitcase full of dirty underwear - nothing that anyone would ever have any interest in taking.
It’s almost like a form of...
I’m always struck by people who don’t want room service or turndown because they are worried about “their stuff.” I’m thinking, “You mean your white gold Patek Philippe Nautilus and those 10 carat yellow diamond earnings? Because I’m betting it’s an old iPad with a cracked screen, a crappy laptop and a suitcase full of dirty underwear - nothing that anyone would ever have any interest in taking.
It’s almost like a form of narcissism - me and my thighs are so important everyone must want us. Everything you have is crap and no one thinks twice about you.
When I’m abroad I keep like $40 , some foreign currency , and a CC in my luggage when I leave the room in case of emergency. While I’m out I keep my currency on me in 2 different places in case I’m robbed I can give up my cash.
I don’t travel with valuables good point. But on the flip side you have to get a safe at home while you’re away. I had a gun stolen one time I was away in China.
You had a gun stolen in China?? WTF are you doing travelling with a gun??
Reporting that in China would be .... interesting!
So I take it that your 'thighs' aren't gym toned ?
..... lol
Two tidbits.
1, I was newly married and despite all my serious attention I could not locate the new gold watch my wife had given me. I prepared all types of plans to quickly replace it. Soon after I located the watch in my pocket. Never did I consider staff being involved.
2, I really did have a laptop disappear. I enlisted Hotel security, they tracked down the staffmember and I found out...
Two tidbits.
1, I was newly married and despite all my serious attention I could not locate the new gold watch my wife had given me. I prepared all types of plans to quickly replace it. Soon after I located the watch in my pocket. Never did I consider staff being involved.
2, I really did have a laptop disappear. I enlisted Hotel security, they tracked down the staffmember and I found out he was disturbed by my innocently leaving it charging in view. The laptop was in the room, in the safe, charging, albeit unlocked.
So was the laptop removed from the room; you don't say...
Was the room attendant sacked?
I used to think like you: I never have anything valuable and my most expensive items are probably my apple chargers. But some years ago I stayed at a Marriott and housekeeping stole my old cheap sweater. I was there for a conference for 3 days, and had no other sweaters, and froze my xxx off for my entire stay. Hotel store has nothing, and I am still salty at Marriott for refusing to compensate...
I used to think like you: I never have anything valuable and my most expensive items are probably my apple chargers. But some years ago I stayed at a Marriott and housekeeping stole my old cheap sweater. I was there for a conference for 3 days, and had no other sweaters, and froze my xxx off for my entire stay. Hotel store has nothing, and I am still salty at Marriott for refusing to compensate me. I travel super light and bring no extras, and a loss of that dirty old underware will be a huge annoyance, plus I just hate strangers pawing through my posessons.
Ben, SAME. SAME. SAME. Don't come for me unless I call for you.
I just put in the deadbolt, they don’t come in.
I very much appreciate a freshly serviced toom. I am likely to forget the dnd card and then the room does not get serviced.