How Tidy Should You Leave Your Hotel Room? Insights from Etiquette Experts

One of the greatest perks of staying at a hotel? The daily cleaning service, without a doubt. While it's wonderful to have a dedicated team to make your bed and remove your trash, this doesn't absolve you from the responsibility of tidying up. As Diane Gottsman, etiquette specialist and founder of The Protocol School of Texas, mentioned to Dinogo, 'Housekeeping is glad to tidy your room,' yet it's crucial to be considerate and aware of cleaning protocols. In essence, while you don't need to go to extremes like perfectly making the bed or folding the towels (though kudos if you do) — there are simple measures you can take to maintain order and avoid adding extra tasks for hotel staff. If you're curious about what constitutes as too messy for your hotel room, you're not alone. We reached out to etiquette professionals to discuss this contentious subject — here are their recommendations and pitfalls to avoid.

Ensure you have designated areas for your belongings. 

Gottsman suggests that guests keep their rooms organized, allowing hotel staff to clean effectively without having to 'sift through personal items on the floor or dresser.' She advises designating specific areas for your belongings, such as 'dirty towels in one corner, shoes grouped together, and clothes stored in your suitcase instead of strewn across the bed,' ensuring that housekeeping can clean without needing to rearrange your things.

Avoid making the bed.

While it's important to maintain a tidy room as a courtesy to housekeeping, there's no obligation to make the bed before you check out. Don't just take our word for it—modern etiquette expert Myka Meier shares with T+L that 'The bed will be stripped right away, so you don't need to concern yourself with making it.'

Remember to clean up after your pet.

While it seems obvious, it's worth reiterating. Accidents can occur, and the most accommodating pet-friendly hotels will surely be understanding. Just remember to bring plenty of bags for cleaning up after your pet. And please dispose of waste correctly (i.e., don’t flush it down the toilet, as it can cause clogs).

Avoid using a bathrobe as a tissue.

In short, Gottsman clarifies that bathrobes are not tissues. Similarly, they aren't suitable for removing makeup either. 'Even if they are washable,' she notes, 'removing tough stains can be quite challenging.'

Remember to dispose of your trash.

Would you leave your litter behind while visiting a friend's house? If the answer is no — and it definitely should be — then don't do it in your hotel room either. Meier suggests using the designated trash cans for your waste. Additionally, be proactive about recycling if in-room recycling bins are available.

Avoid leaving damp towels out.

'Always avoid placing wet towels on carpets or furniture, as they can harm wood or fabric and create wet stains (or even mildew) on carpets that might not dry before the next guest arrives,' Meier advises. Instead, she recommends hanging used towels or stacking them 'neatly in the bathroom.'

Do take responsibility for any mess you create.

If you accidentally break something, make sure to clean it up. 'Accidents occur,' Gottsman remarks, 'but if you shatter a glass or bottle, do your best to collect the shards and splinters.' This way, you ensure that neither you nor the housekeeping staff is at risk.

Avoid leaving dirty dishes in the hallway.

The next time you enjoy room service, 'don’t leave dirty trays in the corridor,' advises Meier. Not only is this inconsiderate, but it also poses a tripping risk and can create an unpleasant smell. Instead, contact housekeeping or room service to collect the dishes directly from your room.

Be sure to rearrange the furniture back to its original layout and return everything to its proper place.

If you’ve moved around the furniture in your hotel room — whether for baby-proofing or just to enhance comfort — make an effort to set everything back as it was before you check out. This also applies to small yet important items like the phone or TV remote. Finally, if you've unplugged any devices, such as a lamp or alarm clock, remember to plug them back in before you leave.

The Final Takeaway 

In essence, Meier notes, 'It's crucial to leave your hotel room neat and respectful, akin to how you found it.' Though these steps may appear minor or unimportant, they significantly aid housekeeping staff in 'easily cleaning and preparing for the next guest.'