Guidelines for Hotel management: Steal shampoo bottles, reserve rooms, and manage other facilities
Common Hotel Policies and Practices for Guests
Staying at a hotel can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience, but it's essential to be aware of the rules and customs to ensure a smooth and hassle-free stay. Here are some common hotel policies and practices that guests should keep in mind:
Taking Towels, Bathrobes, or Shampoo Bottles
Guests are generally not allowed to take bath towels or bathrobes from hotel rooms without permission, as these items are considered hotel property and are charged if missing. However, smaller toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, soap, and lotion are often complimentary and intended for guest use and can usually be taken. Policies vary by hotel, but it's safest to assume towels and robes should stay unless the hotel explicitly states otherwise.
Reserving Sunbeds with a Towel
Many hotels, especially in popular tourist areas like Spain, prohibit reserving sunbeds by placing towels or personal items on them without occupancy. Some resorts have even introduced fines for doing so to prevent hours-long reservation of pool loungers by unattended towels.
Taking Food from the Breakfast Buffet to Make a Lunch Package
Generally, buffet food is meant to be consumed on-site during serving times. Taking food away to create lunch packages is typically not allowed as it violates buffet terms and hygiene rules, though policies can vary by hotel.
Inviting Someone to Stay Overnight in Your Hotel Room
Most hotels require guests to register all occupants staying overnight in a room for security and safety reasons. Inviting unregistered overnight guests is usually not permitted without notifying hotel management in advance.
Dress Code at the Hotel Buffet
Many hotel buffets have a casual dress code but usually expect guests to avoid beachwear like swimsuits or going shirtless. Smart casual or resort attire is typically recommended to maintain a pleasant dining atmosphere.
Requesting Towel or Bed Linen Changes
Many hotels do not automatically replace towels or change bed linens daily to promote environmental responsibility but provide these services upon guest request. Guests typically notify housekeeping or reception to have towels or linens changed.
Why Toilet Paper Cannot be Thrown in the Toilet in Some Hotels
In some hotels—especially in developing countries or where plumbing is fragile—the sewage systems cannot handle toilet paper, and guests are asked to dispose of used toilet paper in bins instead to avoid plumbing blockages.
Filling out a Registration Form
It is standard practice worldwide that guests must fill out a registration form or provide ID at check-in for security, legal, and record-keeping reasons.
Tipping Hotel Staff
Tipping customs vary by country. In many places, tipping hotel staff such as bellhops, housekeeping, and concierges is customary and appreciated as a reward for good service, though it is not mandatory.
These points reflect common hotel policies and practices but can vary depending on the country, hotel class, and local regulations. Hotel rules are usually explained at check-in or outlined in hotel information materials. In popular tourist destinations like Spain, stricter enforcement and fines (especially for sunbed reservation) are increasingly common.
The sustainability of our environment is considered in the hotel industry, with many hotels requesting towel or bed linen changes only upon guest request to promote environmental responsibility.
Integrating the principles of sustainability into one's lifestyle can be observed during travels, as some hotels strictly prohibit taking towels, bathrobes, or shampoo bottles without permission, while smaller toiletries are usually complementary and intended for guest use.
