When checking into a hotel, there are subtle hints that tell the employees what kind of traveler you are. According to MSN.com, here are 15 things hotel workers notice about you at check-in.
Also, you might see me put my two cents in because I have either done those things or witnessed those things
1. Attitude and demeanor
-If you come in hot, with a bad attitude and wanting things to be done ASAP, that is going to set a bad mood for both you and the hotel worker. The old saying "you don't get a second chance to make a good first impression" applies here. Your attitude and demeanor is the first thing hotel staff notices about you. If you come in with a warm smile and friendly attitude, along with politeness and kindness, that will lead to excellent service. Hotel staff will be far more likely to go the extra mile for those who treat them with kindness and respect
-My personal belief is that you should treat them the same way you would expect to be treated. If you come in with a raging temper and start treating the staff like yesterday's garbage, don't expect kindness in return
2. Luggage / personal belongings
-Your luggage can tell a lot about you. One single backpack might state that the person is either a minimalist traveler or not planning on staying long. Multiple suitcases can suggest a long stay or a family vacation, especially if you have kids with you. Expensive, designer-name luggage suggests that they should be handled with care. Well-worn, well-traveled looking bags indicates someone who might look like they are being budget-friendly, but this won't affect the type of services offered
-Anytime I've ever stayed in a hotel nearby, it's usually not long, so I'll take my backpack and put multiple days of clothing in it. For example, me and my sister stayed in the Hyatt Regency Columbus in October 2022 for two days because we were in town to see Iron Maiden at the Nationwide Arena, where the Columbus Blue Jackets NHL team plays. We only stayed two days, so we both had one backpack a piece. And the staff at the hotel pretty much figured why it was so crowded in the lobby-they seen Iron Maiden shirts everywhere and figured that band was in town
3. Dress and appearance
-How you dress tells the staff what you're there for. If you come in wearing a t-shirt for a musician, that tells staff you are in town for a concert by said musician. Casual beachwear suggests some time to relax at a local beach or pool. Sharp looking business suits suggest a business trip who places high premiums on efficiency
-True story. When I was in Columbus in October 2022, I wore all of my Iron Maiden gear because I was in town to see them on their Senjutsu tour. When and if I go to Orlando, Florida, when I check in, I'll probably be wearing jeans, a t-shirt and gymshoes because I just got out of the airport and am looking to check in. Then I change into shorts because of the warmer weather
4. Being prepared
-Hotel staff do enjoy when guests arriving have everything they need right there, such as ID, form of payment, whether it be payment card / cash and reservation details. It's why it's important to print off your reservation details and bring it with you. It makes the process of checking in far more efficient and far smoother, thus allowing them to complete your check-in process and move on to the next guest. More patience and assistance are given to the guests who have to root around in their bags or luggage for important documents and items, such as ID, cash / payment card, reservation details
-Being prepared makes everything easier and faster. The staff will appreciate it. If you have everything you need right there with you, this makes the process of checking in faster and more efficient, for both you and the staff member. They appreciate when people are prepared with everything they need. Don't be the person that fiddles around with looking for their itinerary, reservation details, or worse, form of payment for the room
5. Traveling alone or with people
-Hotel staff notice if you are traveling alone or with multiple people. Solo travelers will often prefer privacy and less interaction, while couples may appreciate things like upgraded amenities and romantic additions, such as champagne. Families arriving with kids in tow may need extra towels, cribs, kid-friendly activities to keep them occupied. Groups of friends may be gathering together to celebrate something, reminding the staff to give gentle reminders to that group about noise policies
6. When you arrive
-When you arrive can tell the staff a lot about you. People who check-in early may have taken an early redeye flight or a long flight or their flight just happened to get in early. This will have staff ensuring that the room is ready to be used. Guests coming in late at night might appreciate a quick, smooth check-in with no fuss. Those checking in at close to midnight might be offered snacks or extra amenities to help them settle in after a long day of trying to get to their destination
-Anytime I've ever checked into a hotel, it's never been at a specific time. I've checked into hotels at 11am, 5:00 pm, all sorts of crazy times
7. Requests / special accommodations
-Guests can come with all sorts of requests / accommodations. This can give insight to the hotel staff as to what that guest might need. From dietary restrictions to room preferences to specific types of bedding helps the staff member personalize the experience for the guest. People who travel on a regular basis might have more particular requests, such as extra pillows or blackout curtains. First time travelers would need more information about the amenities offered by the hotel, since they are curious and unfamiliar with traveling
8. Body language / eye contact
-These two can tell a lot about you to hotel staff. Nonverbal cues can speak loudly. I know it sounds strange, but it's true. Hotel staff are trained to read subtle nuances in body language and eye contact. This tells them the level of comfort and emotions. Avoiding direct eye contact and being fidgety indicates a nervous nature or frustration. A relaxed posture and smiles reveal ease and satisfaction, even curiosity at being in a new place.
-Sometimes, guests who come in might be visually / hearing impaired and would need extra assistance in getting checked in. Some hotel staff are trained in sign language and will assist the hearing impaired while those checking in who are visually impaired are able to check in and also be provided documents and signs for things in braille. Or if a guest checking in speaks a different language, hotel staff will get an iPad or tablet with a translator service on it to translate for that guest, to make things easier
-Anytime I check in, I make sure to have a relaxed demeanor and maintain eye contact, because it shows you are giving that person your full attention. But, unfortunately, sometimes hotel staff will treat you a certain way only because of your gender, race or something else. In those times, maintain a professional, respectful demeanor and get through the process of checking in. I've had hotel staff treat me with contempt only because I am a woman. In those times, I maintain a professional demeanor and do not treat them the same way they are treating me- I treat them with kindness and move on. The less you say, the better
9. How you pay
-How you pay says a lot about you. Using a corporate credit card indicates to hotel staff that this is a business trip. A personal credit card suggests leisurely travel. Some guests prefer the option of pre-paying for a trip, signaling to them a strong avoidance of surprise charges while others might want to split the costs amongst multiple payment cards
-I almost always pay with a payment card. I only carry cash if needed
10. Style of communication / accent
-This tells hotel staff a lot as well. The way a guest communicates or if they have an accent tells of their reason for travel and even their background. This helps hotel staff adjust how they communicate to ensure the maximum amount of excellent service offered. International guests might appreciate tips and hints about local interests and customs, local attractions, even local places to eat. Guests from different parts of the country may also have unique requirements. They may even ask the hotel staff where are some good restaurants or attractions
11. Membership / loyalty status
-Hotel staff are trained to pay attention to those using membership / loyalty points for traveling. Frequent guests will have specific requirements. Members of elite loyalty programs may receive upgrades, such as late check-outs, welcome amenities and other perks. When longtime guests are recognized, staff personalize their experience and ensure that the guest remain a long-term guest and maintain that long-term relationship
12. Reason for travel
-Everyone who travels has a reason behind it. Whether it be a business trip, trip to see family / friends, a concert out of town, sporting event, vacation to go relax / sightseeing, the list of reasons are endless. Each traveler has a specific reason why they are traveling. Hotel staff will pick up on the possible reason why the guest is checking in. Those in business suits might appreciate a quick and efficient check-in, with a reliable spot for Wi-Fi. Those on leisurely vacations might appreciate local spa services. Those attending an out of town wedding, conference for work or a family reunion might need amenities specific to their needs
-If hotel staff ask the reason I am checking in, I will gladly volunteer the information. I'm the kind of person who turns into an excited little kid saying they can't wait to do this or that and I tell them the reason I am checking in
13. First impression of the hotel
-Like the old saying goes "you don't get a second chance to make a good first impression." First impression is the most important thing when it comes to hotels. If the hotel looks dirty, rundown, with bad smells and an overall sense of unease or low safety, it's highly likely no one will want to stay there. But if a hotel is clean, tidy, smells nice, that sets a good mood of ease for both the staff and guests. When guests arrive, and they look around at the decor, this can tell you if the guest appreciates the hotel or not.
-When I was in Columbus in 2015 for the annual Rock on the Range music festival, the only hotel me and my sister could find a room in was a Comfort Inn right off of the highway. The lobby was okay, but the hallways smelled strongly of mold and the rooms, unknown to us at the time, had bedbugs. We didn't find out about the insect problem until about a week later when we found these little parasites crawling all over our furniture and had to have our house heat treated. The hallways had carpeting coming up at the ends and the staff held a wedding there, and as such, guests took up all of the parking. There was even an attendant in the lot asking those pulling in were they there for the wedding or something else. My sister told him "we're here for a concert at MAPFRE Stadium."
14. Tone of voice / choice of words
-It's always important to treat the hotel staff the same exact way you would want to be treated. Unfortunately, not all hotel staff do this. Some hotels have staff members who will treat people certain ways because of one factor another. The way the guest speaks, in both their tone of voice and choice of words, tells of their mood and expectations. A friendly, upbeat vibe tells the staff to provide warm, friendly service while a reserved or formal approach tells the staff to maintain a professional demeanor
15. Level of experience
-Depending on how often you travel, this will tell hotel staff if you're a seasoned traveler or a first timer. Seasoned travelers know how the check-in process works. They will move through the process with flying colors, knowing what to expect, knowing what the hotels offer and even requesting particular amenities. First time travelers may be unsure about what the hotel offers. This is where the hotel staff can show they know their job by providing guidance on hotel facilities, local attractions, options for dining and more. When staff can recognize what a traveler's needs are, this will help them tailor their service provided and ensure a good stay for the guest. And ensure that the guest feels well informed, making them more likely to return in the future
-Most of the time, when I travel, it's with my mom, stepdad and sister. It's usually out of the country, to either Mexico or the Dominican Republic, where they have "all inclusives." The only thing required at check in / check out is passport. Me and my family make things a breeze for the hotel staff because we have what they need to make checking in easy!
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