Do's and Don'ts in the Property

Make the most of your stay responsibly. Whether you're staying at a luxury hotel or a budget-friendly accommodation, here are essential etiquettes to follow for a smooth and respectful experience.

Do's

• Do check-in and check-out on time. Respect the property's time slots to avoid late penalties and support smooth room transitions.
• Do inform the staff of any flight delays if your arrival time changes. This helps them prepare your room accordingly.
• Do carry a valid government-issued photo ID or passport for seamless check-in. For international hotel bookings, this is mandatory.
• Do report any maintenance issues immediately to avoid inconveniences during your stay.
• Do tip the housekeeping staff if you're satisfied with the service. Small gestures go a long way.

Don'ts

• Don’t smoke in non-smoking rooms—this could lead to heavy fines.
• Don’t bring unregistered guests without prior approval. Most hotels have guest policies tied to safety and compliance.
• Don’t tamper with safety equipment like fire alarms or security locks.
• Don’t play loud music or cause disturbances that affect other guests.
• Don’t ignore hotel emergency protocols, especially during fire drills or evacuation alerts.

Things to Carry for a Comfortable Stay

Packing smart is the key to enjoying a stress-free hotel stay, whether you’re flying to a city hotel for business or checking into a beachfront resort after a long-haul international flight. Here's a comprehensive, experience-driven packing guide every traveler should follow.

Essentials You Should Never Forget

• Government-issued photo ID or passport – Required for hotel check-in. For international destinations, your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival.
• Visa copy (for international trips) – Some hotels in countries like UAE, Singapore, or Malaysia require a printed visa copy during check-in.
• Flight tickets or boarding passes – Especially important if you're booking an airport hotel or have a “stay + flight” combo package.
• Hotel booking confirmation – Keep both digital and printed copies. Many hotels still prefer a hard copy for check-in verification.

Financial Essentials

• Credit/Debit card – Especially the one used for booking, as some hotels verify card authenticity at check-in.
• Foreign currency or travel card – For international travelers, having some local currency on hand avoids card acceptance issues or ATM hunting.
• Cash for tipping, taxis, and emergencies – Not everything is card-friendly, especially in smaller towns or budget stays.

Comfort & Hygiene Kit (Because Not All Hotels Provide Everything)

• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Deodorant & perfume
• Face wash & moisturizer
• Razor and shaving cream
• Comb, hairbrush, and hair ties
• Compact travel towel (especially useful in hostels or guesthouses)
• Cotton pads, Q-tips, nail cutter
• Small laundry detergent sachets (handy for longer trips)

Medical Kit

• Basic first-aid (band-aids, antiseptic cream, painkillers like paracetamol)
• Prescribed medications with doctor’s prescription
• Antacids and digestion aids (especially when trying local cuisine)
• Motion sickness tablets (if you’re taking connecting flights or road trips)
• Mosquito repellent or patches (essential for tropical or jungle resorts)

Safety & Convenience Add-Ons

• Travel lock for luggage
• Mini torch or keychain light
• Reusable water bottle (some hotels offer water refilling stations)
• Ziplock bags for wet clothes or toiletries
• Printed emergency contacts + hotel address in local language (very helpful when abroad)

What to Do in Emergencies During Your Stay

Even the best travel plans can be disrupted by sudden emergencies. Whether it’s a medical issue, a flight delay, a fire alarm at midnight, or losing your passport in a foreign country—being prepared can turn a stressful situation into a manageable one.

In Case of Fire, Earthquake, or Building Evacuation

• Stay calm and listen for alarms, intercom announcements, or knocks from hotel staff.
• Leave your belongings behind. Only grab your phone, wallet, passport if they’re within arm’s reach.
• Use the stairs, not elevators. Elevators may stop functioning or expose you to fire or smoke.
• Follow the nearest fire exit signage—most hotels display evacuation routes on the back of the room door.
• Close the door behind you to slow down the spread of fire or smoke.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a cloth (damp, if possible) if you’re in a smoky area.
• Assemble at the emergency muster point (ask reception about its location during check-in).

In Case of a Medical Emergency

Your Immediate Actions:

• Call the hotel reception or concierge. Most hotels have a 24/7 medical assistance tie-up or an on-call doctor.
• Use emergency buttons (if available) on your room phone or dial the designated helpline from the hotel directory.
• Explain your condition clearly. Mention symptoms, allergies, or medication needs.
• If you're abroad, ask for English-speaking medical support.
• In serious situations, request transport to the nearest hospital—hotel staff can arrange a cab or ambulance.

What to Have with You:

• Travel insurance details – Often included with international flight bookings. Always carry a digital and physical copy.
• Medical prescription copies – Especially if you're carrying life-saving drugs (e.g., insulin, inhalers, heart medication).
• Passport and local emergency numbers – Required for admission in many foreign hospitals.

In Case of Theft or Loss (ID, Passport, Luggage)

First Steps:

• Inform hotel security and the front desk immediately.
• Request to review CCTV footage or incident logs if it occurred within the hotel.
• File a formal complaint at the nearest police station. Hotel staff can help guide or escort you.

If You're Abroad:

• Visit your country’s local embassy or consulate.
• They can issue temporary travel documents or guide you on passport reissuance.
• Get a written police report (mandatory for most embassies and insurance claims).

If Your Luggage is Lost:

• If it was in the hotel’s possession (e.g., stored at reception), they are liable.
• If lost in transit (e.g., airline misplaced luggage), file a lost baggage report at the airport immediately.

Hotel Timing Tips for Flight Travelers

• Avoid mismatched itineraries. Time your check-in/check-out to match your flight timings.
• For early morning flights, choose hotels offering 24-hour check-in or flexible arrival times.
• For late night arrivals, let the hotel know in advance—some cancel no-shows by midnight.
• Some hotels allow early check-in (as early as 6 AM) for a nominal fee—especially useful after red-eye flights.

Cultural Etiquette at Hotel Destinations

Avoid culture shock or offending locals. Every country has its own hotel culture and unspoken rules.

• In Japan, remove shoes before entering certain rooms (ryokans).
• In Middle Eastern countries, avoid public displays of affection in hotel premises.
• In Europe, don’t expect daily room cleaning in budget accommodations—it may be weekly.
• In India and Nepal, left hand is considered unclean—use right hand to hand over keys, ID, etc.