What are the origins of this fun-filled festive custom?
Curious about what might indicate a bigger (and worse) problem at your hotel of choice? Click through to explore.
If the hotel you're staying at doesn't request ID from you, you can be almost sure that they didn't request it from others. This is a major safety concern.
If you look around and see potentially suspicious or unsafe clientele, it can mean a risky environment. While it isn't always fair to judge a book by its cover, pay attention to the types of people who are also staying at this hotel.
When you look down the halls, keep an eye out for poorly marked or even blocked emergency exits. These safety hazards can speak to the hotel at large and how they prioritize the safety of their staff and guests.
Metal keys instead of electronic key cards can indicate outdated security practices. If someone dangerous stayed in your room before, then in theory they could have made a copy of the key. Hotels can avoid this danger by issuing electronic, custom key cards to each guest.
If you walk into a hotel and are met with a dirty or unkept lobby, this should immediately put you on alert. If a hotel doesn't care enough to keep its lobby clean and tidy, what else is dirty there?
If you smell something foul or unpleasant, especially in common areas or your room, it should make you question if the place is actually clean.
Signs of wear and tear such as peeling paint, broken fixtures, stained carpets, and otherwise are what you can see—imagine what you can't see!
If you spot a light, or multiple lights, that are out, it shows a lack of attention to detail. Hotels should always be attentive places, so a light out could be a red flag.
Always look for cleanliness, functional appliances, and a well-maintained room. If you walk in and the bed is not tidy or the room feels off or isn't pristine, it's time to take a trip to the front desk.
Staff who are rude, unprofessional, lazy, or any combination thereof should raise a red flag for you. One bad staff member can indicate a larger issue that may affect your stay.
If the hotel staff are unable to answer basic questions, then it may suggest poor training. If something serious happened, you'd want to feel confident the staff could help you out.
If the hotel isn't very communicative before your stay, it could signal poor hospitality. Remember: you're paying to stay at this location, so everything should be perfect or at least near perfect.
Unexpected rate increases upon arrival suggest dishonesty and a lack of consideration for the guest. While things may happen that warrant a rate increase, it's essential to inform and warn the guest before check-in so they can choose whether to keep their reservation or not.
If you arrive at the hotel you booked and are told there's no room anymore, it suggests poor management. Be wary of fighting to stay there, and perhaps try to get a refund and book somewhere else that is more organized.
Excessive wait times without some sort of justifiable explanation can indicate operational inefficiencies in a hotel.
Hotels want to always show that they are top-tier, tidy, and welcoming, regardless of their star ratings. But disorganized check-in processes might suggest poor management.
If the room doesn't match what was advertised, whether in size, amenities, or otherwise, it may be a concern. Be sure they aren't charging you for any of these promised but not provided amenities.
A poorly made bed reflects the quality of the housekeeping processes. If they aren't taking the time to make sure everything is crisp, clean, and properly executed, they may be cutting corners with other cleanliness standards as well.
If the hotel has thin walls and poor soundproofing or excessive noise, it can make for a very uncomfortable stay. Hotels should have walls that not only are sturdy, but that block out most if not all of the noise from other guests.
If you discover a hotel's basic amenities (such as housekeeping and maintenance) are not up to par, you should be concerned.
Check online for recent reviews and pay special attention to any reviews that highlight consistent issues. These negative warnings should be taken seriously.
Have the lights and power been going out since you arrived? Recurrent power issues can mean underlying infrastructure problems within the hotel.
Insufficient lighting in rooms or common areas can imply neglect or cost-cutting measures by the hotel. Guests should expect and receive a well-lit room.
Sources: (Business Insider) (Quora)
See also: The world's most unusual hotels
The risks of staying at a hotel (and the red flags to watch out for)
Watch out for these telltale signs!
LIFESTYLE Accomodation
Have you recently stayed or thought about staying at a hotel? If so, you're in good company. People all over the world are choosing hotels over other options like Airbnb or staying with friends and family. However, staying at a hotel can come with a certain amount of risk. In this gallery, we'll explore red flags you may not have known were things to look out for. From unprofessional staff to a dusty hotel lobby and not requesting ID upon arrival, there are numerous signs you should be aware of before your next hotel booking and stay.
Curious about what might indicate a bigger (and worse) problem at your hotel of choice? Click through to explore.