News & Trending Travel News

16 Hotel Behaviors You Think Are Harmless (But Staff Say Are Actually Really Annoying)

Common guest behaviors that secretly annoy hotel staff.

By Amanda Teague

Edited by Calista Headrick

Updated March 11, 2026

Add Us On Google

You probably think you're a pretty good hotel guest. You don't trash the room. You tip when you can. You smile at the front desk.

But some of the most common hotel habits are the very things staff quietly vent about after their shift. And here's the twist: a few of these behaviors can also cost you in surprise fees, denied requests, or fewer perks, which is not exactly how you save money on travel.

Below, we break down the specific guest behaviors that hotel staff say are surprisingly frustrating, and why knowing them can make you a savvier traveler.

Trying to check in under someone else's name

You might be the spouse, best friend, or coworker of the person who booked the room. That still does not mean the front desk can hand you a key. Hotels have strict ID policies for security. It is not personal. It is about protecting guests.

Who really has the cheapest auto insurance in your area? Check your zip code here.

Asking housekeeping to unlock your room

You locked yourself out. It happens. But asking housekeeping to let you in puts them in an awkward spot. They are trained not to open doors for safety reasons. The fastest solution is still the front desk, even if it feels less convenient.

Talking on speakerphone in the lobby

The lobby is not your living room or your office conference room. Speakerphone calls, loud FaceTimes, and dramatic business negotiations echo more than you think. Staff hear it. Other guests hear it. Headphones are your friend here.

Earn a travel bonus worth $250 with this incredible card

With the Bank of America^® Travel Rewards credit card you can earn 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

The 25,000 bonus points can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel or dining purchases.

The best part? There's no annual fee.

Click here to apply now.

Arriving hours early and expecting a room immediately

Getting into town early is smart. But expecting a spotless room at 9 a.m. when check-in is at 4 p.m. is another story. If the hotel can accommodate you, they will. But rooms need to be cleaned and inspected first.

Hovering at the front desk during peak check-in

Standing inches from the counter while another guest is checking in does not speed things up. It makes everyone feel rushed. Peak hours are already intense. A little space and patience actually help the line move faster.

Treating the front desk like a complaint hotline for everything

Flight delayed? Did it rain on your vacation? Does the city have traffic? The front desk did not cause any of that. They are happy to solve real hotel issues, but venting about life in general just adds stress to an already busy shift.

Earn Points and Miles: Find the best travel credit card for nearly free travel

Using towels for makeup, shoe polishing, or spills

Those white towels are not meant for mascara removal or cleaning muddy sneakers. Heavily stained linens often cannot be salvaged. Hotels go through hundreds a week, so if you need makeup wipes or extra rags, just ask.

Rearranging furniture

Pushing beds together or moving chairs seems harmless. But it adds extra physical labor for housekeeping and can scratch floors. If you need a different setup, call the front desk and ask what is possible.

Asking for "just one more" thing repeatedly

One extra pillow? Totally fine. Five separate calls for ice, towels, more hangers, and then another pillow? Not ideal. Try to think of everything you need at once. It saves staff multiple trips and keeps service smooth for everyone.

Get a protection plan on all your appliances

Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.

Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.

For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.

Get a free quote

Ignoring checkout time

Checkout time is not a suggestion. When guests linger without arranging a late checkout, it delays cleaning and affects incoming arrivals. Even 30 extra minutes can throw off the schedule. If you need more time, ask. Hotels can often accommodate when planned.

Taking "souvenirs" that aren't meant to leave

Mini toiletries are fair game. Bathrobes, pillows, hangers, and decorative items are not. Replacing those items costs the hotel money and creates more work. If you love something, ask if it is available for purchase.

Booking third-party and blaming the hotel for restrictions

Nonrefundable rate? Specific room type not guaranteed? That often comes from the booking site, not the hotel. Front desk agents cannot override every third-party rule. Booking directly usually gives you more flexibility and clearer communication.

Grow Your $$: 11 brilliant ways to build wealth after 40

Not reporting issues until checkout

If the shower pressure is bad or the AC is not working, say something right away. Waiting until checkout to mention it means staff cannot fix it for you. Hotels genuinely want to solve problems while you are still there.

Letting kids run wild in the hallways

Hallways amplify sound in a big way. What feels like harmless fun can sound like a stampede to other guests trying to relax or sleep. Staff often get complaints, despite the fact that they can't help it.

Leaving room service trays in the hallway for days

Setting a tray outside after you are done makes sense. Letting it sit there until checkout does not. It clutters shared spaces and creates sanitation issues. A quick call to let staff know it is ready for pickup helps everyone.

Requesting a late checkout after checkout time has passed

Calling at 12:15 p.m. to ask for a noon late checkout puts staff in a bind. Housekeeping schedules are already moving. If you think you will need extra time, mention it the night before.

Bottom line

Most hotel guests are not trying to be difficult. But small habits, from ignoring checkout times to pressuring for upgrades, can create real strain behind the scenes and sometimes even affect your own experience.

Also, hotels track incidentals, damages, and even guest notes in internal systems that can influence future stays. Being an easy, respectful guest does not just earn goodwill; it can lead to smoother service, flexibility, and sometimes better treatment over time.

If you want to start traveling more, the smartest move is not just finding flight deals or reward points. It is understanding how hotels actually operate. A little awareness can mean fewer fees, fewer awkward moments, and a much more enjoyable stay for everyone involved.

More from FinanceBuzz:

$0 annual fee
Simple, flat-rate rewards
Flexible redemption options
Up to 75% Bank of America Preferred Rewards® bonus potential
Apply Now

25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on everyday purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center.
Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants, including takeout.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 17.49% - 27.49% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 5%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Bank of <span class='whitespace-nowrap'>America<sup>®</sup></span> Travel Rewards credit card

4.4

Apply Now

on Bank of America's secure website

Read Card Review

Intro Offer

Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases

Annual Fee

Why we like it