Title: Shocking! The Unhygienic and Disrespectful Behavior of Holidaymakers When Checking Out
Holidaymakers’ Behavior When Checking Out
Laziness or Disrespect?
When Social Responsibility Matters
WHEN I see debate on social media about whether holidaymakers should tidy their room before check-out, I have to shake my head in disbelief. Honestly, I think only lazy slobs would leave their room in a total state.
Writer Catherine Lofthouse worked in a Travelodge when she was 16, and lived through some experiences as a chambermaid that left her in shock. She encountered rooms left in an appalling condition, some even with used condoms and whipped cream strewn all over the bed. This revelation speaks volumes about the seeming laziness or utter disrespect of some holidaymakers when it’s time to check out.
Personal Responsibility and Social Respect
Especially when thinking of the hotel workers who are already doing tiring jobs with long hours, and not being paid much. It’s only right that we, as guests, take a few minutes to tidy up after ourselves before checking out. Simple tasks like stripping the beds and putting the rubbish out signal respect for the workers who will clean up after us. Furthermore, nice gestures such as this could just be a small way to show appreciation to the staff for their hard work and effort.
Benefit of Tidying Up
Not only does taking a few minutes to prepare the room for cleaning show respect, but it also has unexpected benefits. Many times, Catherine found her kids’ items while stripping the beds. So, it’s fair to say that tidiness may just be in everyone’s best interest.
When The Cleaner is at the Door
Because “life happens,” sometimes leaving things as tidy as we’d like may not be possible. That said, in instances where the cleaner is at the door, it might be unfeasible to get the room sorted to satisfaction for checkout. Tidiness, after all, cannot always be assured.
Out for a Meal – Setting a Good Example
When going out for a meal, especially when on holiday, it’s heartbreaking to see the state some tables are left in. It is reasonable that kids can make a mess, but that doesn’t mean parents shouldn’t tidy up after them. It’s simply good manners, and a way of showing respect for the waiting staff.
Reciprocating the Gesture of Respect
Tidying Up Goes Both Ways
While doing our part to ensure the room is prepared for cleaning, it’s only fair to expect a certain standard in return. Stained pillows or dirty mattresses should not be tolerated. If we are expected to tidy up after ourselves, we should not be made to put up with unacceptable cleanliness or hygiene standards that we would never tolerate in our households.
The Golden Rule
Giving Common Decency its Due
In addition to making the cleaner’s job easier, showing respect by leaving the room ready for cleaning is simply the golden rule. Moreover, it enhances the shared environment’s safety and cleanliness, not to mention it is the only right thing to do when someone else’s livelihood and well-being is attached to it.
Guests’ Role in Keeping Rooms Clean
Keeping Rooms Clean – Not Just a Suggestion
More workers across various hotels are of the opinion that guests need to do more when checking out of a room. Not just a suggestion, it is about a shared responsibility towards cleanliness, and considering the well-being of the staff attending to our needs.
Guests Need A Reality Check
Desperate pleas from hotel workers asking guests to maintain cleanliness have gone unnoticed for far too long. In 2022, a hotel cleaner was forced to label guests as “animals” after their room was left in an appalling state, with cigarette boxes, wrappers, and empty bottles left all over.
Do Your Part
In conclusion, doing our part by maintaining respectful conduct and tidying up after ourselves is expected, whether on holidays or eating out. It’s essential to remember that everyone’s life is made easier when everyone pitches in, ensuring every experience is made special, and making establishments clean and welcoming for one and all.