Does being polite make sense? As the philosopher Schopenhauer argued, politeness is a vice comparable to an inflatable pillow which, although empty inside, allows it to soothe the blows experienced in life.
You can also argue with the question of whether there is one theory of courtesy, because in different countries of the world the rules of what is tactful and what is not are different. However, hotels get us out of this confusion by offering a set of clear and seemingly obvious rules regardless of the region of the world.
Equal if we make such places equal, traveling the world and identifying with the fact that the hotel is not our home and we are not alone in it. It is from this very fact that this space is shared with many people that the question of rules and the responsibility of each individual in following them arises. After all, the rules of good manners apply everywhere, but in a hotel it is additionally necessary to pay attention to certain issues. What is the correct way to behave in a hotel?
The kindness mentioned in the introduction is something you will experience in hotels from the moment you cross their thresholds. Good hotel staff are extremely tactful and patient with wayward guests. The more reflective ones will take advantage of this and implement a similar courtesy in their behavior. It will manifest itself in smiling, greeting, saying goodbye, asking permission or clarifying any uncertainties. Seemingly not so much, but nevertheless we have this habit of assuming we know something without asking, even if we are not at home. What else besides politeness?
First of all, in the public areas of the hotel, avoid noise, loud conversations, and when connecting at work or with family for an online call, remember to use headphones. Also important is the silence at night itself, which usually applies from 10 p.m. Unfortunately, hotel walls are not as soundproof as we would like, so even in the rooms you should try keep the noise down. In the hotel you will usually find bottled mineral water or kits for making coffee and tea. Often we’ll also find a minibar, the use of which is subject to a fee, as stated in the hotel’s terms and conditions, which are also available in the hotel room.
With any products available in the rooms, the rule is that you can take them with you if they are disposable items, like a bathing cap, toiletries, a sewing kit. Other accessories, such as a bathrobe, glasses, bedside lamp or coffee maker belong to the hotel and taking them is considered stealing.
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There are different standards for bringing your own meals to the hotel. There is no single rule here, much depends on the availability of the hotel’s restaurant or bar. However, it should be noted that even if the staff does not pay attention in this regard, you should not flaunt your food, consume it in the common area of the hotel or demand a plate or cutlery from the staff in order to eat more comfortably.What about using a restaurant? Of course, the principle of relative silence and courtesy also applies here, but it should also be remembered that entering a restaurant is often associated with the need to provide a room number to the service person. This applies to meals included in the price of the stay. Often, it is also the service that directs us to a specific table.
Any need to join tables should be agreed with the staff, not done on your own. There is also a rule in a hotel restaurant not to take food out to stock up. Layering smaller portions at a buffet type is also well received. It is better seen to go up more often for refills than to put on a heaping plate. Smoking is also prohibited in restaurants. Hotels usually have separate areas where smoking is allowed. You can get a fine for smoking in a common area, not to mention that fire protection systems installed in hotels can react to smoke and then cause an uncomfortable situation for all guests and staff.
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A hotel, as a different territory from our own, may be governed by rules different from ours. It is not said that we are to follow hotel rules in our own homes on a daily basis, but mostly we follow some, as social individuals. We may be late-night types who like loud music. But if we are not ignorant, we can take an interest in what is expected of us, just as we take an interest in the culture of the country we are visiting. So it all comes down to our willingness and sensitivity to the presence of others.
