When you’re traveling, one of the most important things to consider is where you’ll be sleeping. A hotel can provide a comfortable place to rest after a long day of sightseeing or business meetings. However, not all hotels are created equal – and some may present problems that you weren’t expecting. Here are the six biggest problems you might come across when staying at a hotel.
1. Bugs and Pests
One of the last things you want to deal with on vacation is creepy crawlers in your hotel room. Unfortunately, bedbugs have become a problem in hotels around the world, and these pests can be very difficult to get rid of. If you see any bugs in your room, be sure to notify the hotel staff immediately so they can take care of the problem.
You can bring bed bug treatments with you or seek professional help for such an issue. Additionally, try to keep your luggage off the floor and away from the bed to prevent bringing any unwanted guests home with you.
2. Noise
If you’re trying to get a good night’s sleep, noisy hotel neighbors can be a real nightmare. From party animals returning late at night to construction workers starting early in the morning, noise pollution is a common problem in hotels.
If you’re a light sleeper, try to request a room that’s not adjacent to the elevators or ice machines. You can also bring earplugs with you to help block out any unwanted noise. Additionally, try to avoid booking a room during peak times when the hotel is likely to be full and noisy.
3. Poor Housekeeping
Depending on the hotel, housekeeping can be hit or miss. Some rooms are impeccably clean while others are downright dirty. If you find hair in the sink or dirt on the floor, be sure to notify the hotel staff so they can correct the problem.
Additionally, try to leave a tip for housekeeping each day to encourage them to do a good job. If you’re really not happy with the state of your room, you can always request a change of sheets or towels or ask to have the room cleaned again. For example, if there’s something specific that you don’t like, such as a stain on the carpet, ask the hotel staff to take care of it.
4. Poorly Maintained Facilities
Hotels can start to show their age after a while, and this can result in poorly maintained facilities. From chipped paint to broken furniture, shabby hotels can be a real disappointment. If you find that your room is in disrepair, be sure to notify the hotel staff so they can make the necessary repairs.
Additionally, try to avoid booking a room in an older section of the hotel if possible. You can also check online reviews to see if other guests have complained about the state of the hotel before you book your stay.
5. Uncomfortable Beds
One of the most important things to consider when booking a hotel room is the bed. After all, you’re going to be spending a lot of time in it! If you find that the mattress is too soft or too hard, the sheets are scratchy, or the pillows are lumpy, be sure to notify the hotel staff so they can make the necessary adjustments.
You can also bring your own pillow and blanket from home to make sure you’re comfortable while you sleep. Additionally, try to request a room with a king-sized bed if possible – it’ll give you more space to stretch out.
6. Hidden Fees and Poor Customer Service
Some hotels will surprise you with hidden fees, such as for Wi-Fi, parking, or even the gym. Be sure to ask about all potential fees when you book your room so there are no surprises when you check out.
Additionally, try to find a hotel that includes all of the amenities you need in the room rate so you don’t have to pay extra for them. For example, if you’re traveling with a family, look for a hotel that offers suites with kitchenettes so you can save money on meals. If you are looking for a great place to stay without hidden fees, make sure to check Scottsdale hotels from Sonesta.
When something goes wrong during your stay, it’s important to be able to rely on the hotel staff to help resolve the issue. Unfortunately, not all hotels have adequate customer service. If you find yourself waiting a long time for someone to help you or if the staff is unprofessional, be sure to notify the hotel manager so they can take action.
Additionally, try to avoid staying at a hotel that has a history of poor customer service. You can check online reviews to see what other guests have said about their experience.
These are some of the biggest problems you might come across when staying at a hotel. While there’s no guarantee that you’ll have a perfect experience, you can try to avoid these common pitfalls by doing your research and knowing what to expect.
