{"id":18176,"date":"2026-06-24T08:51:16","date_gmt":"2026-06-24T08:50:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expedia.co.uk\/newsroom\/?p=18176"},"modified":"2026-06-24T08:59:35","modified_gmt":"2026-06-24T08:59:35","slug":"hotel-etiquette","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia.co.uk\/newsroom\/hotel-etiquette\/","title":{"rendered":"Hotel etiquette: Brits spill their dark stay secrets \u2013 as Hotels.com reveals how good habits could land you \u00a3100 back"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

 Jumping the breakfast buffet queue, washing undergarments in kettles and stealing from hotels rooms revealed as some of the biggest hotel faux pas<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Etiquette expert William Hanson launches playful \u2018Grand Etiquette Hotel\u2019 guide with Hotels.com to educate Brits on how to hotel properly, including not missing out on \u00a3100 in Hotels.comCash after 10 eligible nights<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

From breakfast buffet \u2018jumpers\u2019 to being rowdy in the hallways, Brits are lifting the lid on their hotel habits \u2013 and it turns out, we\u2019re not always on our best behaviour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new hotel etiquette study* commissioned by Hotels.com\u00ae reveals that while nearly 40% of us think hotel etiquette might be slipping, we still like to believe we\u2019re doing our bit, with 90% of Brits convinced they\u2019re the perfect house guest away from home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But even the most well-intentioned travellers admit to the occasional cheeky shortcut. In fact, guest quirks start before check-in and carry on throughout the stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More than a third confess to entering the wrong number of guests when booking, with Gen-Zs leading the charge when it comes to squeezing in an extra mate after check-in. Meanwhile, 40% of travellers admit they\u2019ve skipped reading reviews altogether, with one in 10 missing out on collecting loyalty rewards along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To help travellers get more from every stay, Hotels.com has launched a revamped loyalty programme, Hotels.com Rewards<\/a>, where holidaymakers can earn \u00a3100 back in Hotels.comCash\u2122 after 10 eligible nights[1]<\/a> \u2013 addressing one of the biggest faux pas, leaving loyalty points on the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmall tweaks can make a world of a difference,\u201d said Melanie Fish, travel expert and spokesperson for Hotels.com. \u201cTaking the time to check reviews or making the most of rewards can turn a good trip into a great one, and help your travel budget stretch further, too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brits might bend the odd booking detail, but when it comes to asking for upgrades we\u2019re surprisingly honest, with only one in 10 admitting they\u2019d lied to try their luck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Restraint goes out the window at the breakfast buffet, however, with over a third admitting to smuggling food out to eat later.\u00a0Complimentary perks \u2013 particularly tea, coffee and toiletries \u2013 are also where guests report to overindulging, while free breakfast, room upgrades and free parking top the wish list of the extras we love most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not quite 5-star etiquette<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not just the big etiquette moments where Brits say they occasionally slip. From propping suitcases on the bed to hanging damp laundry out on the balcony, some habits are hard to shake once we\u2019re in holiday mode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That said, there are lines we rarely cross. You won\u2019t find Brits engaging in PDA around the pool (2%) or being rude to staff (2%).  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And it\u2019s not just our own habits under the microscope. Brits are also quietly sizing up their fellow guests. Japanese travellers are seen as the gold standard for politeness by a third of respondents, followed by the Swedes, with Brits placing themselves a modest third. At the other end of the scale, Americans (35%) and Germans (22%) are perceived as the rudest guests, although, of course, every stay tells its own story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10 tips for better stays and better rewards<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In response to the findings, Hotels.com has teamed up with etiquette expert William Hanson to create a set of practical dos and don\u2019ts to help navigate modern hotel manners. \u2018William Hanson\u2019s Grand Etiquette Hotel Guide: 10 Tips to Reap the Rewards During Hotel Stays<\/strong>\u2019 is a guide based on the nation\u2019s biggest pet peeves. Among them, reserving sunbeds at dawn with towels is a huge faux pas \u2013 but being rude to staff is the ultimate no-go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 10 tips are designed to reflect the power of consistent actions, mirroring the simplicity of\u00a0Hotels.com\u2019s\u00a0rewards proposition:\u00a0stay eligible 10\u00a0nights, and\u00a0earn \u00a3100 in\u00a0Hotels.comCash.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

William Hanson\u2019s Grand Etiquette Hotel Guide<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. The Art of Engaging Staff with Dignity<\/strong> – Treat every member of staff, from the cleaner to the manager, with genuine respect and an open ear. This\u00a0isn’t\u00a0just about being\u00a0nice;\u00a0it’s\u00a0about unlocking personalised service. Staff are far more likely to go the extra mile for a guest who treats them as valued individuals. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Halcyon Hallways (and the Virtue of Silence<\/strong>) – Corridors are not thoroughfares for celebration, but shared spaces requiring a degree of restraint. One should move through them quietly, particularly in the later hours, keeping voices low and footsteps gentle.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Libationary Lessons<\/strong> – A well-enjoyed drink need not become a public performance. Moderation is key, particularly in shared spaces where one\u2019s behaviour is on quiet display. By remaining composed, you retain dignity and control of your surroundings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. On Burning Embers and Better Judgement<\/strong> <\/strong>– Hotel rooms are designed for comfort, not combustion. Lighting a cigarette indoors undermines both the space and the experience for future guests and inevitably results in penalties that could have been easily avoided. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Housekeeping Is Not an Archaeological Activity<\/strong> <\/strong>– A hotel room is not one\u2019s private domain to abandon entirely. Keeping your space in reasonable order (not pristine, but certainly not chaotic) ensures that housekeeping can do their job efficiently.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Lavation Gentility<\/strong> – The kettle, charmingly utilitarian as it is, exists for hot drinks only. Incredulously, some people attempt to use it for laundry, and they deserve to be cut off from society. Repurposing it for this is a step too far.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Borrowing, Ownership, and Other Dangerous Assumptions<\/strong> <\/strong>– Hotels provide generously, but not without limits. Slippers and toiletries may accompany you home; larger items most certainly may not. Understanding this quiet distinction spares one both awkwardness and unnecessary charges.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Marshalling One\u2019s Morning Repast<\/strong> <\/strong>– The breakfast buffet is not a free-for-all, but a civilised ritual governed by the simple act of queuing. Waiting one\u2019s turn may feel distinctly British, but it ensures order and ease for all.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. The Folly of Flag<\/strong>\u2011Planting by Towel\u00a0<\/strong>– Placing a towel on a sun lounger at dawn and vanishing until mid-afternoon is a practice best left unadopted. A lounger is not secured by textile alone, but by presence.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  10. Loyalty, and Why It Gets One Further<\/strong> <\/strong>– A surprising number of travellers overlook the simple advantage of loyalty programmes. By consolidating bookings and collecting rewards, one quietly accumulates tangible benefits, like Hotels.com Rewards \u2013 earn \u00a3100 in Hotels.comCash after 10 eligible nights.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cBetter hotel etiquette doesn\u2019t just benefit others, it can directly enhance your own stay. At the heart of my guide with Hotels.com is the idea that small, thoughtful behaviours add up to big rewards: from a better night\u2019s sleep and improved service to savings on future trips,\u201d said William Hanson. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Whether it\u2019s remembering to claim rewards on Hotels.com, resisting the urge to sneak extra croissants for later, or simply following Hanson\u2019s expert tips, one thing is clear: better habits don\u2019t just make you a better guest – they make your stay more rewarding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    Notes to editors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    *Methodology<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Third-party research was conducted by market research partner OnePoll in accordance with the Market Research Society\u2019s Code of Conduct. The Study was conducted online among 2,000 U.K. adults who have stayed in a hotel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The worst Hotel Etiquette Faux Pas according to Brits:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. Being rude to staff (51%) <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Being loud in the hallways or late at night (43%) <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Being drunk and annoying guests (39%) <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. People smoking in rooms (33%)  <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    5. Leaving your room excessively messy (25%) <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    6. Washing undergarments in the kettle (23%)  <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    7. Stealing items from the room (23%) <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    8. Jumping the breakfast buffet queue (21%) <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    9. Reserving pool chairs with towels for long periods (19%) <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    10. Not collecting reward points (13%)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      WILLIAM\u2019S HANSON\u2019S FULL GRAND ETIQUETTE HOTEL GUIDE: 10 TIPS TO REAP THE REWARDS DURING HOTEL STAYS <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      1. The Art of Engaging Staff with Dignity<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Treat every member of staff, from the cleaner to the manager, with genuine respect and an open ear. A polite “hello” and a brief focused question or request, rather than a demanding tone, is key. This isn’t just about being nice; it’s about unlocking personalised service. Staff are far more likely to go the extra mile for a guest who treats them as valued individuals. You gain access to insider tips, bespoke recommendations, and a level of care that money alone cannot buy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      2. Halcyon Hallways (and the Virtue of Silence<\/strong>) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Corridors are not thoroughfares for celebration, but shared spaces requiring a degree of restraint. One should move through them quietly, particularly in the later hours, keeping voices low and footsteps gentle. By doing so, you preserve the calm for others and, crucially, ensure the same courtesy is extended to you. The reward is simple: uninterrupted rest, and a hotel experience that feels civilised rather than chaotic.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      3. Libationary Lessons<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      A well-enjoyed drink need not become a public performance. Moderation is key, particularly in shared spaces where one\u2019s behaviour is on quiet display. By remaining composed, you retain both dignity and control of your surroundings. The benefit is twofold: you avoid becoming tomorrow morning\u2019s anecdote, and you ensure your evening remains pleasurable rather than regrettable, something both you and your fellow guests will appreciate.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      4. On Burning Embers and Better Judgement <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Hotel rooms are designed for comfort, not combustion. Lighting a cigarette indoors undermines both the space and the experience for future guests and inevitably results in penalties that could have been easily avoided. Exercising a little restraint by stepping outside preserves the integrity of the room and spares you an unnecessary charge. A small concession that keeps both conscience and bill entirely untroubled.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      5. Housekeeping Is Not an Archaeological Activity <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      A hotel room is not one\u2019s private domain to abandon entirely. Keeping your space in reasonable order (not pristine, but certainly not chaotic) ensures that housekeeping can do their job efficiently and discreetly. In return, your room is refreshed more thoroughly and with greater care. The result is a consistently pleasant environment – rather than one that feels as though it requires excavation.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      6. Lavation Gentility<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The kettle, charmingly utilitarian as it is, exists for hot drinks only. Incredulously, some people attempt to use it for laundry, and they deserve to be cut off from society. Repurposing it for this is a step too far. By keeping such matters confined to their proper place, you maintain standards not only for yourself, but for all who follow. The benefit is simple: one avoids embarrassment, preserves decorum, and ensures one\u2019s cup of tea remains exactly as it should be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      7. Borrowing, Ownership, and Other Dangerous Assumptions <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Hotels provide generously, but not without limits. Slippers and toiletries may accompany you home; larger items most certainly may not. Understanding this quiet distinction spares one both awkwardness and unnecessary charges. By taking only what is intended, you maintain propriety and leave with your reputation, and wallet, entirely whole.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      8. Marshalling One\u2019s Morning Repast <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The breakfast buffet is not a free-for-all, but a civilised ritual governed by the simple act of queuing. Waiting one\u2019s turn may feel distinctly British, but it ensures order and ease for all. In observing this small courtesy, you avoid friction, move more efficiently through the space, and begin the day on a note of calm rather than quiet competition.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      9. The Folly of Flag<\/strong>\u2011Planting by Towel <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Placing a towel on a sun lounger at dawn and vanishing until mid-afternoon is a practice best left unadopted. A lounger is not secured by textile alone, but by presence. By using spaces only when genuinely needed, you contribute to a more relaxed and equitable environment and, in turn, are far more likely to find one available when you actually wish to use it. Consideration, as usual, works very much in one\u2019s favour.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      10. Loyalty, and Why It Gets One Further  <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      A surprising number of travellers overlook the simple advantage of loyalty programmes. By consolidating bookings and collecting rewards, one quietly accumulates tangible benefits, be that complimentary stays, upgrades, or added comforts. It is a small shift in behaviour with a disproportionately pleasing return. In short, loyalty is not merely virtuous; it is quietly lucrative. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n\n\n\n

      About <\/strong>Hotels.com Rewards<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n