Expedia recently published the findings of its 2015 Hotel Etiquette Study. Conducted by independent global market research firm GfK, more than 1,000 Americans answered questions about tipping practices and the hotel behaviors they find most bothersome.
Tipping practices vary widely. Twenty-seven percent of surveyed guests say they do not tip hotel staff during their stay. Housekeepers receive the most tips, with 51 percent of respondents reporting that they tip for housekeeping services. Room service delivery follows at 40 percent, and 31 percent of guests tip valet attendants. Guests also admit to some common hotel missteps: taking complimentary toiletries (26 percent), smoking in non-smoking rooms (5 percent), negotiating room rates at check-in (6 percent), and bringing unregistered overnight guests (9 percent).
The study also ranked the top hotel etiquette violations that annoy travelers. From most to least bothersome, respondents identified:
- Inattentive parents – 67%
- Noise and disruption in hallways – 64%
- Frequent complainers – 54%
- Loud in-room parties – 52%
- Couples arguing in public spaces – 26%
- Poolside parties – 22%
- Loudly amorous guests – 21%
- Hot tub displays of affection – 20%
- Disruptive behavior at hotel bars – 12%
- Excessive chatter in elevators – 6%
Do these results match your experiences? Email us at [email protected] to share your thoughts.