How to Get the Most Out of Hotel Housekeeping

Have you ever wanted something specific from housekeeping in a hotel but did not know how to ask? As someone who travels on a regular basis, I have picked up tips over the years. I have learned how to get the most enjoyment out of my stays by using the hotel's housekeeping staff to the fullest.

Always Tip

The first thing you need to know is that if you are going to request something special from housekeeping, you should be willing to give a tip. If you want a few extra towers, another container of shampoo, or the pillows left the way you have them, put out a dollar or two for them. If you want housekeeping to clean your window or something else which will take a few more minutes to do, I would suggest leaving three or four dollars.

Why Tip?

Granted, you are a guest in the hotel and housekeeping is there to make you happy. Most of these workers do not make much money. They might only see a few extra dollars a week from customers. If you give them a tip, they will do more to make you happy. They will remember your room throughout your stay and take extra care of it. I often find housekeeping taking extra steps I did not even request due to them mentally marking my room as the room of a tipper.

Communication Tips

Some hotels require quests to place all housekeeping requests through the front desk. Others have a number for you to call with requests. Others are fine with you simply leaving notes for the workers to see when they enter your room. A call to the front desk will let you know the way that particular hotel handles these types of requests.

If you are going to leave a note, place it on your stand or next to your TV so it can be seen. Place your tip underneath it so the workers understand the money is for them. If you have already communicated your request to the front desk or concierge, you can still leave your tip in open view. Just make sure you leave a note which says "Thank you" or "For Housekeeping."

Never

If you are going to give a tip to housekeeping, do not leave it at the front desk or give it to a worker in the middle of the hallway. Some hotels frown on the staff getting extra tips. I see nothing wrong with someone making around minimum wage getting a tip.

Also, do not leave your notes in Spanish. I have spoken to housekeeping staff members over the years, and they are often upset by this. Do not automatically assume the staff at the hotel can only speak Spanish unless you are in Mexico, South America or Spain. If they are unable to read your note for some reason, they are likely to find someone who can. Keep this tips in mind to get the most out of room service.