Buzz
Checking out can sometimes be a hassle, but the following suggestions will make it easier for you.
For many travelers, checking out of a hotel involves packing, calling a bellman, getting in a car, and rushing to the airport. Some travelers, however, need more time to check out, like forgetting to pack something or misplacing an item.
1. Take a quick look around the room before checking out of the hotel.
Lift the sheets and pillows to check underneath, inspect under the bed, open the safety box, visit the bathroom, and check the closet to ensure nothing is left behind. Experience shows that it's not easy to retrieve items once you've checked out and are en route to the airport or elsewhere.
2. Don't forget your chargers.
While you're checking the room for your belongings, one often overlooked spot is the hidden sockets under the table, lamp stands, or on the bar counter. Chargers for cameras, computers, and phones become invaluable when your devices are running low on battery and there's nowhere nearby to purchase one.
3. Pack souvenirs.
You won't be seen as cheap or tacky for bringing back items that guests can keep, such as pens, soap, lotion, shampoo, or plastic bags. Of course, items like towels, bed sheets, irons, and hair dryers won't be on this list.
Keep them as keepsakes or add them to your personal luggage for future trips in case hotels don't provide all the amenities. It's a fact that many upscale hotels and resorts focus on designing and equipping items such as shampoo bottles, soap, pens, writing paper, and envelopes meticulously to impress guests. They are also happy for you to take them to promote their image to others, and moreover, those costs are included in the price you pay for accommodation.
4. Double-check used items.
If you've used the mini-bar, snacks, ordered food, or drinks, remember to check when the hotel is billing you. A common scenario is being charged for double the quantity and thus double the price. For example, you use wifi for one day, and the hotel charges for two, or you open a pack of fries and they also charge for a chocolate bar. Request them to carefully review and only charge for what you've consumed.
5. Tipping for housekeeping staff.
Tipping is a highly personal matter, with some travelers agreeing and others not. In North America, it's common to leave $1-2 per day for housekeeping staff. The usual places to leave the tip are on the table, TV shelf, and to be more polite, you can leave a note for them. In European countries, tipping culture isn't as strong as in the US or Canada. It depends on the satisfaction with the service received.
There are some opinions completely against tipping housekeeping staff because they already have a salary and money is always accounted for when guests pay for their stay. However, in the US, these workers are less unionized and have fewer benefits compared to Europe. That's why many travelers are happy to and are getting used to tipping when traveling in North America.
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Source: Mytour Travel Handbook – According to Vnexpress
MytourJune 9, 2015
