Chapter 30

Overnight Etiquette

When you need to travel out of townand you need to stay overnight,

you could stay at a hotel,

a company guest house or with family/friends

HotelMake a reservation in advance and procure a written confirmation from the hotel. Get it couriered or faxed so that check-in is easy.

On arrival at the hotel, ensure that your suitcases have been taken out and taken care of by the hotel staff before you check in.

If there are persons waiting, wait for your turn with patience

Mention your preferences regarding the room, check-out time, and any other information that the hotel should know

When you are taken into your room, you will be shown the various things about your room

The luggage will be placed on the place allotted for it. Thank the person and it will be appreciated if you tip.

Hotels provide robes, towels, toiletries and slippers for the guest’s use and not to be taken away as gifts

Some hotels permit you to buy these. Contact the relevant person

If you are traveling with a female colleague it is best not to share the room

When you need to check out, ring the cashier and inform him. This will help keep your bill ready when you reach his station. Check the bill for accuracy

If you wish to have a late checkout you should inform the manager

If you wish to leave your luggage behind till you finish a meeting after checkout, hotels give the facility of a locker/luggage room and take it on the way to the airport

On leaving the hotel ensure to leave a tip for the hotel staff

Guest HouseCompany guest houses are convenient as they give you a homely atmosphere

They are manned by a caretaker who doubles up as “Man Friday”- cook, cleaner and errand boy

If he requires money to buy provisions to cook food you should pay him.

At all times you should remember that you are a guest

Tip the caretaker when you leave. The amount should be according to the number of days you stayed and the service you received

Staying with friends/relativesStaying with friends/relatives gives the ambience of a house

Remember that your hosts are doing you a favour and cannot be looking after you all the time as they have their share of responsibilities to look into

On arrival take a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates for the hostess and gifts for the children

Do not be fussy in regard to food. Be on time for their meals as they have a routine that they follow

Keep the room allotted to you tidy.

Hang your clothes and neatly stack your papers

Tip the servants who have served you when you leave

As soon as you reach home, you should send a thank you note along with flowers/chocolates