Hotel hacks
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Check the Bible in your hotel room for hidden money left by previous guests.
Some people hide money there and forget it.
- It is becoming less common.
- You might find other items like books instead.
one person who lived it
Check the bed and nearby spots for bed bugs right away when you get into the room.
Bed bugs ignore hotel ratings and hide in tight spaces like seams, wood joints, under mattresses, behind curtains, closets, and between sheets. Look for dried blood spots under the mattress or hairs in the bed.
5 people, independently
Use a spare keycard, loyalty card, piece of cardboard, or paper sleeve to keep hotel room electricity on when leaving the room.
In most cases, the slot is just a switch triggered by any card-like object.
- Cardboard can get stuck in the switch mechanism.
2 people, independently
- Insert a thin plastic card, such as a business card, into the keycard slot to keep electricity running while you leave the room with the actual keycard.2
Tip housekeeping staff a few dollars upon checkout; consider $5 per day or $10 if you have left a mess.
They do not make much
one person who lived it
Avoid third-party booking sites that require payment by money order.
You can lose thousands of dollars to scams.
one person who lived it
Place luggage in the bathtub or on tile while inspecting the room for pests.
Avoid placing bags on soft surfaces until the room is checked.
2 people, independently
Do not use the coffee cups provided in the hotel room.
Staff have been reported using cloths used for toilet bowls to clean them, and some people urinate in them.
one person who lived it
Fill out executive comment cards with positive feedback and include your name.
Employees who receive multiple cards with their names may get raises, and this practice has led to promotions for some staff members.
one person who lived it
Bring your own portable streaming device (e.g., Fire Stick, Roku, Chromecast) to hotels to avoid logging into hotel TVs.
This avoids the need to log in and out of hotel systems and ensures your streaming services are available.
2 people, independently
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Do not opt out of daily housekeeping service via apps or portals.
Hotels use these declines to cut staff hours and do not allow for extra cleaning at checkout.
one person who lived it
Unplug the hotel alarm clock upon arrival.
Glowing digits can disturb sleep, and backup batteries can cause the alarm to sound unexpectedly.
4 people, independently
Open window blinds or curtains to let light into the room.
So the room isn't dark.
one person who lived it
Leave a thank-you note for housekeeping staff.
They don't get many and will appreciate it.
one person who lived it
- Tip housekeeping staff daily to show appreciation for their work.1
Leave cash tips directly for the housekeeping staff rather than pooling them or giving them to management.
Tips go directly to the people doing the work.
one person who lived it
Ask high-end hotel concierges to acquire event tickets in advance to avoid third-party fees.
Concierges can often secure tickets directly, saving on extra fees.
- This is particularly helpful in countries where buying tickets from outside is difficult, such as Japan.
one person who lived it
Spread the shower curtain fully open rather than bunching it on one side.
This allows the curtain to dry.
one person who lived it
Bring your own drinking vessels, pillow, soap, shampoo, slippers, and blankets.
To avoid touching the floor with bare feet while showering and to have personal items available.
one person who lived it
Hang used towels and washcloths up rather than leaving them on the floor.
This makes them lighter and less wet for the housekeeper to pick up.
one person who lived it
Take a photo of the hotel business card with your phone.
You may forget the physical card when leaving the hotel.
one person who lived it
Place used hotel soaps and shampoos in the trash.
This prevents the housekeeper from having to handle slimy soap.
one person who lived it
Check high places in the shower area, such as the shower rail, for cockroaches.
Cockroaches may be found resting on elevated surfaces like shower rails.
one person who lived it
If staff cannot fulfill a request, say 'thank you for trying' to leave a positive impression.
True gratitude is refreshing.
one person who lived it
Take all provided consumables such as shampoos, soaps, and coffee with you when you leave.
Charities appreciate these items, and you have already paid for them by purchasing the room.
one person who lived it
If you are alone and your hotel room door does not latch or lock properly, and no other room is available, consider sleeping in your vehicle instead.
One person reported feeling unsafe in a room with a broken lock and no alternative accommodation.
one person who lived it
Carry all valuables inside immediately upon arrival rather than leaving them in your car.
Leaving visible items like wrapped gifts in cars can lead to smashed windows.
one person who lived it
Request that room service remove all paid items from your room before arrival to avoid temptation and accidental charges.
Some hotels have systems that detect if an item was touched and will charge you; removing them eliminates this risk.
one person who lived it
Ask hotel security guards for help or local information.
They are often locals, friendly, and may know the area better than the owners.
one person who lived it
If your cruise ship stateroom has adjoining balconies, ensure the connecting door is locked to prevent access from neighboring rooms.
Cleaning crews may unlock doors while working, and unlocked connecting doors allow others access to your balcony.
one person who lived it
Set a PIN for media purchases on streaming accounts to prevent unauthorized spending by others.
Others might buy or rent content without permission if left logged in.
one person who lived it
Request a room located away from the elevator to avoid constant noise.
Rooms near elevators are subject to nonstop clicking, whirring, and dinging sounds.
one person who lived it
Wrap the TV remote control in a plastic bag, ice bag, shower cap, or sanitizing wipe because they are rarely cleaned.
They’re rarely cleaned
one person who lived it
Avoid booking hotel rooms through third-party websites.
Canceling or modifying reservations is difficult, and issues with incidentals or card charges can lead to unexpected costs if staff make mistakes.
one person who lived it
Check for shampoo in refillable dispensers before showering.
It is annoying to discover supplies are missing mid-shower.
one person who lived it