Hotel Insiders Share 12 Green Flags Guests Do + 3 Blunders They Avoid

Ever wonder what really stands out to hotel staff during your stay? Behind the front desk smiles and polite small talk, they’re taking mental notes—good and bad. From how you treat housekeeping to how you handle a delay, your behavior can quietly earn you perks or put you on the “do-not-upgrade” list.

We asked insiders to spill on the green flags guests often get right—and the blunders that make a lasting impression for all the wrong reasons.

1. Say Hello To The Staff

A warm greeting creates an instant connection. Staff members remember friendly faces and often go the extra mile for guests who acknowledge them as people rather than service providers.

Hotel staff deal with hundreds of guests weekly, so those who take a moment to say hello stand out. This simple gesture sets a positive tone for your entire stay.

2. Leave A Tip For Housekeeping

Small gestures of appreciation make a world of difference. Housekeepers often work thankless jobs, cleaning up after strangers with little recognition.

Leaving a tip for housekeeping staff shows you value their hard work. Even a few dollars daily with a thank-you note creates goodwill and might even result in extra towels or special attention to your preferences.

3. Communicate Arrival Time In Advance

Giving advance notice shows thoughtfulness and planning skills. When you inform the hotel about your expected arrival, it helps them prepare accordingly and potentially have your room ready earlier.

Hotels appreciate guests who communicate their plans. This simple courtesy prevents bottlenecks at check-in and allows staff to allocate resources efficiently, creating a smoother experience for everyone.

4. Use The “Do Not Disturb” Sign Thoughtfully

Proper sign usage reflects consideration for the entire hotel operation. Housekeeping schedules are carefully planned, and knowing which rooms to skip helps staff manage their workload effectively.

The sign serves an important purpose beyond privacy. Using it only when necessary—and removing it when you leave—helps housekeeping complete their rounds efficiently without rushing through rooms later in the day.

5. Treat The Room With Care

Respectful behavior doesn’t go unnoticed by hotel staff. They appreciate guests who treat furnishings gently, avoid staining linens unnecessarily, and maintain general tidiness.

Hotel rooms may be temporary spaces for you, but they’re workplaces for staff. Showing the same care you would in someone’s home—wiping up spills, using trash bins—makes a lasting positive impression on the housekeeping team.

6. Give Constructive Feedback Directly

Addressing concerns face-to-face demonstrates maturity and problem-solving skills. Staff genuinely want to resolve issues during your stay rather than discover problems through online reviews afterward.

Hotel employees appreciate the opportunity to make things right. Politely mentioning that the shower pressure is weak or the room is too warm gives them a chance to fix the issue immediately.

7. Be Patient During Busy Times

Understanding during hectic periods earns staff gratitude. When conference groups arrive or during holiday rushes, maintaining a calm demeanor despite wait times speaks volumes about your character.

Patient guests often receive special attention once the rush subsides. Hotel staff remember who made their stressful periods easier, not harder, and frequently find ways to reciprocate with upgrades or extra amenities when possible.

8. Leave A Review After A Good Stay

Positive feedback fuels the hospitality industry’s heart and soul. Many travelers only write reviews when something goes wrong, making positive testimonials especially valuable to hardworking staff.

Your kind words can influence management decisions about employee recognition. Hotels track which team members receive positive mentions, often leading to staff rewards, promotions, and morale boosts throughout the property.

9. Ask Questions About The Property

Curiosity signals engagement and interest in maximizing your experience. Staff members enjoy sharing their knowledge about hidden amenities, lesser-known services, and special features of the property.

Inquiring about hotel facilities shows you’re invested in your stay. Questions about restaurant recommendations, gym hours, or local attractions allow staff to showcase their expertise and often lead to insider tips you wouldn’t otherwise discover.

10. Respect Other Guests’ Space

Consideration for fellow travelers creates harmony throughout the property. Keeping voices down in hallways, closing doors gently, and being mindful in common areas contributes to everyone’s comfort.

Thoughtful guests understand they’re part of a community. Hotel staff notice and appreciate those who monitor their children’s volume, avoid lengthy speakerphone conversations in public spaces, and generally contribute to a peaceful atmosphere.

11. Use Amenities Responsibly

Mindful enjoyment of facilities shows maturity and consideration. Returning gym equipment to its proper place, hanging up pool towels, and leaving shared spaces tidy demonstrates respect for both staff and fellow guests.

Responsible amenity use extends the lifespan of hotel facilities. Staff notice guests who follow posted guidelines, clean equipment after use, and treat shared spaces as they would their own home.

12. Thank Staff Before Leaving

Expressing gratitude creates lasting positive impressions. A sincere thank-you acknowledges the behind-the-scenes efforts that made your stay comfortable and memorable.

Staff remember guests who take a moment to appreciate their service. This simple gesture often gets noted in your guest profile, potentially leading to special treatment during future stays at the property or sister locations.

13. Arguing Over Non-Refundable Policies

Seasoned travelers avoid this confrontational approach entirely. They understand that booking terms are clearly stated during reservation and arguing about them only creates tension and awkwardness.

Experienced guests read cancellation policies before confirming. When plans change, they accept the financial responsibility rather than demanding exceptions or creating scenes that make staff uncomfortable and accomplish nothing but damaged reputations.

14. Sneaking In Extra Guests

Savvy travelers know this shortcut isn’t worth the risk. Room occupancy limits exist for safety reasons and trying to circumvent them puts staff in an uncomfortable position of enforcement.

Hotels track guest numbers for evacuation purposes and utility planning. When you register honestly, you avoid potential embarrassment, extra charges applied to your bill later, or even being asked to leave the property for policy violations.

15. Making Excessive Demands For Freebies

Reasonable expectations mark the experienced traveler. Constantly angling for complimentary upgrades, free breakfast additions, or late checkout without cause creates an impression of entitlement rather than appreciation.

Hotel staff have limited authority to provide extras. Guests who understand this and express gratitude when special accommodations are possible—rather than expecting them as rights—build positive relationships that often lead naturally to better service.