How to behave in a hotel: rules of etiquette for guests
2 September 2025

How to behave in a hotel: rules of etiquette for guests

~ 4 min read

Staying at the hotel is an opportunity to relax, enjoy the comfort and get a pleasant experience. However, in order for all guests to feel comfortable and calm, it is important to follow certain rules of behavior and etiquette. This will not only make your stay enjoyable, but also contribute to creating a friendly atmosphere for other guests and staff.

Hotel etiquette: simple rules for a comfortable stay

We will introduce you to the key rules of hotel etiquette and the peculiarities of behavior in common hotel areas. You will also learn what is best to avoid so that your visit is as comfortable as possible for everyone.

The rules of etiquette help to maintain a high level of service in Accor hotels and ensure a comfortable stay for every guest.

Basic Hotel etiquette rules

A hotel is a common place where every guest wants to feel comfortable and safe. Observing the basic rules of etiquette helps to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts.

Your behavior affects the mood of others. Politeness, neatness and respect for one's neighbor and their personal space are the key to a good rest and creating a pleasant atmosphere around. In addition, compliance with the rules helps to maintain a high level of service and helps staff quickly resolve any issues.

We have selected for you the basic rules of how to behave in a hotel. They will help you have a good time in any hotel and leave only positive memories behind.

Основные правила этикета в отеле

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Check-in and eviction

When checking into the hotel, follow the established procedures: present all required documents, register and familiarize yourself with the rules of accommodation.

It is important to keep in mind the check-in and check-out times. The standard check-in time in hotels of international brands is from 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. If you plan to arrive much earlier, you should request an early check-in for guaranteed check-in. This service is often paid, as it requires room cleaning in advance (most often the room will be waiting for you from the previous day). If you check in an hour and a half before the official check-in time, you can expect to check in immediately, but only if you have rooms prepared for check-in.

Late check-out after 12 p.m. also implies additional booking of late check-out time and even additional days. If your flight is late in the evening and you do not want to pay extra for additional hours of stay at the hotel, it is enough to use the luggage storage service. At this time, you can take a walk around the city or relax in the hotel lobby — it does not require an additional fee.

Заселение и выселение

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Rules about smoking

Most modern hotels strictly prohibit smoking in rooms and public areas. It is allowed to do this only in specially designated places: usually on the street or in equipped areas.

Smoking in an unacceptable place may result in fines or the need to pay for cleaning the room. Information about this must be provided in each issue.

Accommodation with animals

If you plan to bring a pet with you, be sure to check the possibility of pet-friendly accommodation when booking. Many modern hotels allow accommodation with dogs, but not all.

In most cases, prior arrangement is required to check in with a pet, as additional thorough cleaning is carried out if there is an animal in the room. This is necessary so that the following guests do not have problems staying at the hotel if they have allergies.

In addition, it is important to follow the rules of keeping animals: do not allow them to common areas without permission, clean up after the pet and avoid noise. Do not leave your pet unattended in the room and avoid situations that may cause stress or anxiety to other guests or the pet itself.

Проживание с животными в отеле

Attitude towards staff

Be polite to the staff and patient. The hotel staff are professionals who work for your convenience, safety and enjoyment of your vacation. Mutual respect and courtesy create a positive atmosphere, facilitate the quick resolution of any issues and make your stay as pleasant as possible.

How to behave in shared spaces

Lobby, elevators, corridors

In the lobby or corridors, try to behave calmly: do not make loud noise, especially at a late hour, and avoid talking in raised tones. Do not take up much space at the elevators or on the stairs — let other guests pass without delay.

If you have children with you, be sure to tell them how to behave in the elevator, make sure that they do not run in the lobby. If the hotel has an escalator, always accompany the child when using it.

Politeness and friendliness are also always welcome. You can say hello when meeting with the staff or other guests — this will create a friendly atmosphere and cheer you up, first of all.

Pool

When visiting the pool, follow the hygiene rules: take a shower before entering, do not use soap or shampoo in the pool (if prohibited). Don't make any noise or turn on the music loudly. Do not splash or interfere with other vacationers enjoying water treatments.

It is also important to follow safety recommendations, especially if children are swimming with you. Never let a child out of your sight if he is in the water. Do not run by the pool to avoid injury. Use handrails when entering and exiting the water to avoid slipping.

Check out the rules for visiting the pool with children at the hotel where you are going. In some places, there are certain times when access to the pool is allowed only to adults and children from a certain age.

Правила посещения бассейна в отеле

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Restaurant

In the restaurant hall, try to behave calmly: speak quietly, do not interrupt the waiter during service. Keep an eye on the alcohol intake so as not to get into awkward situations due to intoxication.

In a buffet restaurant, stand patiently in queues for dishes and don't jostle. Do not occupy several tables at the same time unnecessarily and try to leave the place clean after yourself.

It is also important to follow hygiene rules: wash your hands or use disinfectants before eating. When using common appliances and dishes, try not to touch them with your hands unnecessarily.

Правила посещения ресторана в отеле

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What not to do in hotels

There are a number of actions that are best avoided:

  • make loud noises late at night or early in the morning, disturbing the rest of others;
  • use the room as a place for parties and other noisy events;
  • leaving dirty dishes or trash in public areas, creating a mess;
  • be rude or impolite towards the staff, because they are here for your comfort;
  • carry prohibited items (such as sharp knives or dangerous substances) through security;
  • ignore safety regulations in swimming pools and other areas.

Remember, the rules are not designed to limit you, but to ensure a pleasant and safe stay for everyone. Respect the special rules of behavior of specific hotels if you are told about them at check-in.

Основные правила этикета в отеле

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To summarize

Understanding and following the rules of behavior at the hotel is the key to a comfortable stay both for yourself and for others. By choosing high-quality service and taking care of etiquette, you will be able to spend time peacefully and get only positive impressions.

If you are looking for a place with attentive attitude to guests and a good atmosphere, choose Accor hotels. There is a large list of services and professional staff who take care of every guest.