There’s a quiet kind of thrill in stepping into a hotel room. The beds are perfectly made, the towels fluffed just right. There’s a certain scent—clean, crisp, maybe lavender or citrus—that instantly makes you feel like you’ve left your everyday life behind. For many of us, that moment marks the start of something we’ve worked for, saved for, and looked forward to: rest, comfort, indulgence.
If you’re wondering how to enjoy your hotel stay to the fullest—without the stress, the awkward moments, or the post-checkout regrets—this guide is for you. Based on years of experience both as a hotel guest and a hospitality professional, here are my best tips for making your next stay feel smooth, meaningful, and wonderfully relaxing.
What Not to Take: How to Enjoy Your Hotel Stay Without Trouble
Let’s start with this: a hotel room is not a pasalubong shop.
Years ago, when my sons were still pre-teens, we had a slightly embarrassing moment during check-out. One of them had stashed a brightly colored resort towel in our bag—maybe by accident, maybe not. When the staff flagged it, I decided to just pay the charge rather than fish it out in front of other guests. But it cost me—four times the towel’s retail price!
Since then, I’ve been extra mindful. Here’s the general rule: if it’s meant to be reused or is part of the room’s setup, it stays. If it’s individually packed or labeled complimentary, then yes, you can bring it home.
Please leave behind:
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All towels and linens
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Bathrobes (take all the selfies you want, but leave the robe)
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Ceramic cups, saucers, teaspoons, and glassware
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Hair dryers, ironing boards, hangers, menus, trays, and yes—even the remote control
You can take with you:
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Bottled water
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Welcome fruits or sweets
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Coffee, tea, and creamer sachets
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Slippers, pens, notepads
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Individually packed toiletries
Housekeeping usually checks rooms before you check out. Save yourself from an uncomfortable moment and double-check your bags.
“Not everything in the room is a souvenir.”
—A truth that saves time, money, and embarrassment.
Minibar Reminders: How to Avoid Extra Charges During Your Hotel Stay
Gone are the days when you could replace that minibar soda with one you bought from the convenience store. These days, most hotels use motion-sensitive sensors in the minibar. Move an item—even if you don’t consume it—and it might be charged to your room.
So unless you’re sure you’re having that P200 soda or that chocolate bar, don’t even touch it. Look, admire, but resist.
Check-in and Check-out Tips: How to Enjoy Your Hotel Stay from the First Hour
You might think “2 days and 1 night” means two full days. But in most hotels, that means check-in at 2:00 or 3:00 PM, and check-out by 12 noon the next day. It’s just how it works.
But here’s a tip: if you want to make the most of your stay, you can ask for an early check-in or a late check-out. Many hotels will say yes, especially if the room is available. You just have to ask nicely.
“A smile, a gentle tone, and a bit of courtesy go a long way in hospitality—both ways.”
Ask What’s Included: How to Make the Most of Your Hotel Experience
A lot of people don’t realize how many extras are available to them. Some of the best experiences I’ve had as a guest came simply because I asked.
Many hotels offer:
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Use of the gym, library, game room, or kiddie playroom
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Assistance with restaurant or show bookings
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Shuttle service to the city center or airport (some have minimal fees)
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Room upgrades or complimentary treats for birthdays or anniversaries
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A short tour of the property (especially if it’s a large resort)
If you’re not sure what’s included, just ask. You might be surprised at what’s available—free of charge—if you simply let the staff know you’re celebrating something or would appreciate a little help.
Respect Hotel Staff: A Key to Truly Enjoying Your Hotel Stay
Here’s something I’ve seen too often—guests treating hotel staff as if they’re personal helpers, or worse, invisible.
Let’s be clear: hotel staff are professionals. They’ve trained for their roles. They understand service and care deeply about doing their jobs well. But that doesn’t mean they’re at your beck and call for unreasonable requests or entitled behavior.
If something goes wrong—maybe the towel delivery was delayed, or the air-con isn’t working quite right—inform the person in charge. Politely. Calmly. Most of the time, they’ll solve it quickly and even offer something extra to make up for the inconvenience. But shouting or acting superior? That helps no one.
“Hospitality is a two-way street: the staff take care of us, and we treat them with kindness, too.”
You’ll find that when you approach staff with respect, the service becomes warmer, more personal, and genuinely more enjoyable.
“Don’t You Know Who I Am?”
We’ve all seen it—or maybe even said it: “Kilala ko ang manager.” Or the classic “Don’t you know who I am?” It usually pops up when something doesn’t go our way—like when the breakfast buffet is closing, or the pool hours are over.
But here’s a gentle reminder: name-dropping or trying to pull rank doesn’t usually make things better. In fact, it can put staff in an uncomfortable position, especially when rules are there for fairness and safety. Hotel teams are trained to be accommodating, but there are boundaries for a reason—and pushing those limits doesn’t reflect well on anyone.
If you really do know the manager or owner, let that connection speak through your kindness, not your demands. A real VIP doesn’t need to announce it.
“The best way to stand out? Be the guest they’re happy to welcome back.”
So next time things don’t go perfectly, try this instead: ask nicely, explain your side, and trust that the staff will help if they can. Often, you’ll get a better result—with no drama, no dropped names, and everyone keeping their dignity intact.
The Heart of Hospitality: How to Enjoy Your Hotel Stay the Filipino Way
A hotel stay isn’t just about fresh sheets, big pillows, or the breakfast buffet. It’s really about feeling cared for. And sometimes, it’s also about how we care in return.
We all want our stays to feel special—especially when we’ve saved up for it or planned it for weeks. But the best hotel experiences don’t just come from amenities. They come from our attitude, how we treat others, and how we carry ourselves as guests.
In Filipino culture, we value pag-alaga—looking after others, making people feel at home. We’re also known for pakikisama—knowing how to get along, being considerate, and understanding the situation. These values don’t disappear when we travel. In fact, they matter even more.
So the next time you check into a hotel—whether it’s for a quick staycation in Tagaytay or a long-awaited beach trip—bring with you what really matters: not just a packed bag, but a gracious heart. Be curious, be kind, be considerate. Say thank you. Smile at the staff. Respect the space you’re borrowing. And enjoy every minute of the comfort you’ve earned.
Because the best hotel guest isn’t the one who takes the most—it’s the one who leaves behind good energy, a few kind words, and maybe, if you’re lucky, an invitation to return.
And yes—leave the towel.
About the Author
Liza Morales-Hernandez is the Institute Director of Le Cordon Bleu at Ateneo de Manila University. With a distinguished background in hotel and resort operations, she brings decades of professional experience in hospitality to her current role in culinary education. Her insights reflect a deep understanding of service, culture, and the art of gracious living—both as a host and a guest.For more information about Le Cordon Bleu Ateneo de Manila, you can visit their official website: Le Cordon Bleu Ateneo de Manila.
