Are Hotel Guests Expected to Clean Up After Themselves?

(SPOT.ph) When you spend the night in a house other than your own, common courtesy dictates that you at least fold the blanket that you used or clean up after yourself in the bathroom. You don't expect your friend or a relative—no matter how much they insist that you leave the mug you used in the sink—to clean up after you. But staying in a hotel is a different story. Or is it?

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Are hotel guests expected to clean up their hotel rooms?

"No. It is only expected that they keep the room in good condition. Part of what they paid for was housekeeping personnel to keep their room tidy," says Alex Aquino, Head of Marketing at Swissotel Clark, in an exchange with SPOT.ph.

One of the upsides of staying in a hotel is the housekeeping service. After a mad dash in the morning (especially when you're still nursing a hangover from an all-night beach party), the comforter on your bed may need a bit of straightening up and the small bottles of toiletries in the bathroom may need a refill. The staff usually does the turndown service during that window time when you're out and about so that your hotel room's as good as new when you return. But still, it doesn't hurt to keep your rooms tidy, especially upon check-out.

"If guests can clean before they leave, it shows that they have respect for the housekeeping and they appreciate [the hard work] they [do] every day. [...] It would be polite to do some basic cleaning before checking out of your hotel room. For example, you can pick your hair out of the drain and clean up any bodily fluids from different surfaces," adds Jose Marie Ouano III, General Manager of Robinsons Hotels and Resorts.

Hotels and resorts in the Philippines also follow a strict no-smoking policy in compliance with Executive Order No. 26 ("Providing for the Establishment of Smoke-Free Environments in Public and Enclosed Places"). Should smoking be done inside the rooms, there is usually a five-digit corresponding fee.

Fortunately, the hospitality industry saw an emergence of conscientious travelers. More and more guests clean the rooms when they arrive and before they leave, explained Ouano.

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What are the common violations among hotel guests?

Non-payment, obviously, is frowned upon. Guests should not try to Anna Delvey their way out of booking a hotel room.

Disorderly conduct is also a common violation. This may include the use of premises for an unlawful act, bringing in items that may be dangerous to others, and using false pretenses to obtain accommodations. An unaccompanied minor is also not allowed to check-in.

Hotels and resorts usually send you a list of policies when you book online. Guests are also asked to sign forms upon check-in, which include the hotel's terms and conditions.

Should a violation be committed, the hotel's duty manager will speak to the guest and discuss actions and settlements to be taken. "We assure that all guests are treated fairly to ensure comfort and safety that would lead to guest satisfaction and a memorable stay," says Aquino.

What are the basic etiquette that hoteliers wish guests would follow?

• Be kind to the hotel staff. A tip also goes a long way.
• Respect the other guests.
• Keep the noise level down at all times.
• Head to the breakfast buffet during off-peak hours, unless you're willing to wait (patiently).
• Take only what you can eat at the buffet.
• Don't exceed the maximum occupancy in the hotel rooms and make sure that all guests are accounted for.
• Be an eco-friendly guest.
• Leave the room as tidy as possible.

Ouano says that hoteliers are grateful when guests fill out the survey forms after they check out. This not only gives the hotel staff specific points to improve, but also shows appreciation for a delightful stay.