What is forbidden to the guests?

The hotel is a microcosm: many people from different (cultural) backgrounds come together. In order for the stay to be pleasant for all guests, it is important to treat each other with politeness and respect.

In this article, we have compiled what is and is not allowed in hotels. We also tell you about travel hacks that will make your hotel stay more comfortable.

What can I take with me from the hotel room?

Small shower gels, shampoo bottles, sewing kits, pens, notebooks: you’ll find all sorts of things in the hotel room to ensure an enjoyable stay. But be warned: you are not allowed to take any of these with you, as they are intended for use in a hotel room.

If you still want to take an open shower gel with you, for example, it is better to ask it at the reception. Often this is not a problem after a consultation. By the way: the big hotel chains offer the practical mini shampoo and shower gel in the hotel store.

Can I take something from the breakfast buffet with me?

Quickly put an apple on the flight or make a sandwich: Some travelers feel encouraged to pack something for the day due to the extensive breakfast buffet. But the rule of thumb is: “No food and drinks are allowed from the breakfast restaurant,” says lawyer Jürgen Benad of the German Hotel and Restaurant Association (Dioga).

People often turn a blind eye to a piece of fruit, but smearing bread is absolutely forbidden! Especially since there are now more and more hotels that offer small snacks on the go for free and are happy to prepare packed lunches on request.

Speaking of breakfast, this situation will probably sound familiar to you: Breakfast doesn’t start until 8am, but by then you want to start your journey. In this case, you can ask the service staff the day before if you can come a few minutes earlier. Most of the time this is possible

Also, please note that it is rude to start a long breakfast just before the end of breakfast time. Keep in mind that employees have other responsibilities, such as preparing lunch.

Can I eat the food I brought with me in the hotel room?

It sounds tempting: book a room with breakfast and in the evening simply grab a pizza and eat it in your hotel room. However, this is not a good idea. For hygiene reasons, food you have brought with you is generally not allowed to be eaten in the hotel room or stored in the mini-fridge.

Many hotels have a restaurant where guests can also dine in the evening, and room service is usually provided for those who prefer the quietness of their rooms. The exception to this is apartments or rooms with a kitchen, which are designed so that something is consumed here.

How often can I change rooms if I don’t like it?

If the room has defects that make staying in it unacceptable, such as mold, you can change rooms in consultation with the front desk. After all, the hotel is obligated to provide the service as advertised.

Whether you are allowed to change rooms again afterwards depends on whether there are also defects in your new room. For subjective or personal reasons such as location and facilities, the hotel can offer you a change, but does not have to.

How do I get a hotel upgrade?

What a great start to your holiday: you check in at the front desk and get a free room upgrade. A few small tricks will help increase your chance of being promoted. For example, you can request a room with an ocean view or a refrigerator, indicating that you will pay for it.

This makes it easier for employees to search for a room in the appropriate category. The chances of promotion are also much higher on weekdays and outside when the hotel has more vacancies.

Do you have something to celebrate, a birthday, a honeymoon or an anniversary, or are you a regular? Tell the hotel staff, and if you’re lucky you’ll get a free upgrade.

What is the best place to store my bag?

When you move into your hotel room, you usually want to go out and get your directions first. But it is not a good idea to put your bag and jacket on or next to the bed. Bed bugs may be lurking here, the tiny insects that cause the unpleasant itch.

The Federal Environmental Agency recommends keeping the bag as far away from the bed as possible, for example on a luggage rack or chair. Another tip against bed bugs: When you enter your room, first check if there are reddish-brown spots or smudges on the mattress and sheets. In emergency situations, special sprays against bed bugs can also help.

Can friends stay in my hotel room?

It is best to clarify with the front desk whether a friend is allowed to visit you in the hotel room. Usually a short visit during the day is not a problem. This also applies, for example, to non-hotel visits to the swimming pool. However, night stays of third parties are not allowed due to legal regulations.

According to the Federal Registration Act, all hotel guests must be registered. You should also discuss with the front desk if they can stay in your room or reserve their own room.

What is the dress code when going to the spa or pool?

Walking down the hall to the spa in a bathrobe can attract some disapproving glances. Of course, every hotel has its own dress code, but in general, when you go to the spa or pool, you should dress as you would at home when you go to the pool or sauna.

You can then change the site. By the way, many hotels have direct access to the wellness area or swimming pool, so you can bypass other public hotel areas. Casual clothing is allowed here.

How much should I tip at the hotel?

While staying at the hotel, many people are involved in making you feel completely comfortable, be it the waitress, the cleaning staff or the porters. If you are satisfied with the service, a tip of about 10 percent of the bill is appropriate at the hotel restaurant.

For smaller tasks such as carrying a suitcase (per piece of luggage) or parking a car, around 2 to 3 euros is recommended. You can consider a cleaning crew for one week for about 10€.

If you are not satisfied with the service, it is best to contact the reception immediately so that the problem can be quickly resolved.

What areas can I still use after payment?

Departure day is around the corner, but vacationers do not leave immediately after the mandatory check-out. If you stay at your vacation destination for a few more hours, you can temporarily store your luggage in the luggage room. This is part of the standard service in hotels.

In most cases, it is also possible to use the swimming pool, wellness area and fitness room free of charge after check-out. However, sometimes there is an additional charge for this, so it is better to ask at the reception.