Staying Happy
A Guide For The Hotel Guest

Make a reservation: Even during off season hotels may fill up for different reasons. Conventions, military stays, sport events, etc., can happen at any time of the year.
Expect the rate of the rooms to vary according to what your are requesting, but don't be shy about negotiating for the best deal. Prices will also depend on what type of hotel you plan on staying at. While online and travel agents may seem a good choice, you would do better negotiating with the hotel itself.

Arrival time: Try your best to be early. This gives you time to get to the front desk and get checked in without feeling rushed. Don't assume your room will be ready. Often when people arrive the housekeeping staff is still working. If the hotel is not full you may be able to have your room changed for another. Waiting for a room is usually short so if you can wait you are sure of a freshly cleaned room.

Inside your hotel room: Take a look around your room. Is everything available you expect to be there? If not call the front desk and ask for it. Ask for extra items if you need them.
Put away anything you want kept out of sight. This includes cash, change and anything of value if the hotel does not supply safekeeping. Don't leave money around that the housekeeper may assume is a tip unless you mean it to be and don't test the housekeeper's honesty by leaving it out.
You have heard the bedspread horror stories where a light shows stains on the spread. If you are worried about this either take the spread off and don't use it or ask for another one. Don't automatically assume the housekeeper left you with a dirty spread. There are hotels where the staff has limited resources or where the management has rules about what housekeeping can do. Often it is only one person washing, drying and folding the laundry. With the amount of towels and sheets to wash there is seldom time for all but the dirtiest of spreads and blankets. This is not to say you should put it with it, just so you have an understanding of why it may happen.

Housekeeping: To get the best result from the housekeeper make it easy for him/her to clean your room. At some hotels the housekeeper is not allowed to touch your belongings. If your bed is covered with your belongings you may find the bed left unmade. Suitcases left where they have to be stepped over to do a job makes it more difficult. Use your trash cans. Often it is hard to tell what a person wants to keep

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