15 Things Hotel Staff Won’t Tell You Unless You Ask
You can book your room, pack your bags, and show up with your confirmation number in hand, but that doesn’t mean you know what’s really going on behind the front desk. While hotel employees might smile and hand over a key, there’s a lot they don’t say unless you ask. Here are 15 insider facts worth knowing.
You Might Get a Better Room Just for Asking
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Hotels don’t always give out the best rooms automatically, even when they’re available. Staff can and sometimes do assign less desirable rooms if you’ve booked through a discount site. But if you politely ask at check-in if a better room is open, they might upgrade you for free, especially if you show up during slower hours or midweek.
That Remote Control Isn’t Exactly Clean
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TV remotes consistently rank among the dirtiest items in hotel rooms. A 2012 study by the University of Houston found that remotes and bedside lamps can carry bacteria levels comparable to those of toilet seats. And unlike towels or sheets, they’re rarely disinfected. Staff may or may not tell you upon asking, but they will clean it for you anyway.
Call the Hotel Directly for a Cheaper Rate
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Online travel sites seem convenient, but hotels often pay up to 25% commission on those bookings. If you call the hotel directly and ask to book with them instead, there’s a good chance they’ll offer you a lower rate or toss in a freebie. Just ask to speak to a manager or supervisor.
Housekeepers Rush Through Rooms
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A typical housekeeper may clean 15 to 30 rooms in a shift. That leaves about 15 minutes per room, which is hardly enough time for deep cleaning. Staff usually won’t admit it unless prompted, but surfaces like light switches, handles, or coffee machines might not be cleaned thoroughly.
Don’t Rely on the Safe for Valuables
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Hotel room safes seem secure, but many can be opened by staff using a master code or reset tool. Some safes even have default codes like “000000.” If you ask, staff may recommend using the hotel’s main safe behind the front desk. It’s rarely advertised, but it’s usually the safest option for storing valuables.
You Can Ask for Clean Blankets and Bedspreads
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While sheets are changed between guests, bedspreads and throw blankets are often not. A former hotel housekeeper told The Mirror that unless there’s a visible stain, they might be cleaned once a week or even once a month. If fresh linens matter to you, simply ask at check-in for replacements.
There’s a Secret Menu for Kids
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Even if the room service menu doesn’t list it, many hotels can whip up smaller, kid-friendly portions on request. Grilled cheese or fruit plates are all common off-menu options. Kitchen staff can usually accommodate dietary preferences too. They don’t always advertise this to avoid overcomplicating the menu for general guests.
Concierge Tips Might Not Be Neutral
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Local restaurants or tour companies sometimes pay a referral fee or offer free meals in exchange for sending guests their way. If you want unbiased advice, ask for two or three options and do a quick online search..
You Can Score Free Amenities—Just Ask Ahead
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Items like toothbrushes, razors, phone chargers, and even yoga mats are often available for free at the front desk. Hotels don’t promote these extras because they’d rather not replace them often. Some luxury hotels even offer loaner clothes, steamers, or humidifiers.
Early Check-In Can Be a Jackpot or a Dud
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Checking in before standard time doesn’t guarantee a good room. You might get stuck with whatever’s already clean, which could mean a room by the elevator or next to the ice machine. But on a slow day, early check-in could also land you an upgraded suite. Staff often won’t explain the risks either way unless you ask what’s actually available.
Room Service May Not Be What It Seems
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Some employees have admitted to sneaking bites from room service trays before delivery. Others say they’ve reused unclaimed food from other rooms if it still looked “fresh.” These aren’t industry-wide practices, but they do happen. If food safety matters to you, call the kitchen directly and ask how long your order will take.
There’s a Good Chance Someone Died There
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It’s not a pleasant thought, but hotel deaths are more common than people realize. Hotels rarely disclose this information to avoid bad press or “dark tourism.” According to Thrillist, rooms are professionally cleaned and put back in rotation. Asking staff won’t always get you the truth, but if you’re squeamish, request a recently renovated or high-traffic room.
You Can Be “Walked” If the Hotel Overbooks
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Hotels routinely overbook rooms to account for no-shows, much like airlines. If they run out of rooms, they’ll “walk” a guest to another hotel, covering the first night’s rate and tax. Those with third-party bookings are the most likely to be bumped.
Some Staff Haven’t Been Background Checked
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Most large hotel chains run basic background checks, but not every property goes beyond that. Smaller or independently run hotels, especially those hiring temporary or seasonal workers, may skip deeper screenings. Some employees get hired fast and start work the same week. Guests usually assume every staff member is vetted, but that’s not always the case.
Polite Guests Really Do Get Perks
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Front desk staff deal with complaints all day, so they remember the people who don’t give them a hard time. It’s not unusual for a polite guest to get a better room or a late checkout, even if it’s not official policy. One employee said they mentally keep track of who’s easy to deal with and who isn’t. That can matter when there’s only one upgrade left.