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Leaving a cozy hotel isn’t easy when it means the end of your vacation. It can be even tougher.
If the room is a mess, your bags are still unpacked, and check-out is only an hour away. Whether you’re ready to go home or itching to extend your stay, here are a few things you should always do before checking out of your hotel room.
Check the safe
Please remember to check the safe for any valuables you may have stored during your stay. This simple act not only ensures your peace of mind but also demonstrates your responsible behavior. It’s easy to overlook, especially if the safe is tucked away in a closet or small drawer. Still, it’s a crucial step before you leave.
Lift the sheets.
Fluffy bedding is another easy place for your belongings to hide in plain sight. Lift the comforters and move the pillows around to make sure none of your belongings got stuck in your comfy bed.
It’s like checking under your bed at home to make sure there are no monsters, but in this case, you’re ensuring you don’t leave anything behind.
Check for chargers.
Device chargers are among the easiest things to leave behind in a hotel room. Make sure you have all your chargers and double-check the outlets around the room just to be extra sure.
If you need to charge your devices while you pack, place them in your bag while they’re still connected to the wall. That’s a sure-fire way not to miss them when you leave. Nothing is worse than trying to find a way to charge your device at the airport only to realize you’ve left your charger behind.
Gather all the towels and trash.
Housekeepers have a tough job, so if you want to be a kind and respectful traveler, do your part to make their lives easier. Don’t leave your towels and robes scattered around the room. Instead, gather them all and place them on the bathroom counter so the housekeeper doesn’t have to bend down so much to pick them up.
Wet towels can get heavy! Place all your trash in the bin, including any leftover food you may have left in the fridge. And if you want to go the extra mile, you can even strip the bed. Every little bit helps!
Leave a tip.
Even if you’ve done all the above, don’t forget the importance of leaving a tip. It’s not just a gesture, but a token of appreciation for the hard work of the hotel staff. Your generosity is always appreciated and well-deserved, and it’s a great way to show your appreciation for the service you’ve received.
BONUS: Let the hotel know you’re checking out
Once you’ve completed a last sweep of the room and are ready to leave, it’s important to notify the hotel that you’re checking out. This simple act, even if you don’t have to swing by the front desk, shows your consideration and respect for the hotel’s operations.
It’s a small gesture that can make a significant difference in the hotel’s smooth operation.
It’s helpful for them to know you’ve left so they can add your room to the cleaning list. This isn’t mandatory, but like the previous suggestions, it is a nice gesture.
Jessica is a freelance journalist on a quest to see and experience everything our gorgeous planet offers and share her experiences with her fellow travelers. Jessica has written for several world-class Travel Magazines.
