Between getting to the airport on time, catching your connecting flight, and making sure your bags made the trip with you, traveling isn’t for the faint of heart. So once you’ve finally arrived at your hotel, why make things any harder on yourself than they need to be? From missing out on a potentially free room upgrade to ignoring the fine print, here are nine mistakes you should avoid when checking into a hotel.

Assuming You Can Check In Whenever You Want

You’ve just spent eight hours on a plane, and all you want is a hot shower and a comfortable bed. Unfortunately, your hotel’s official check-in time is still three hours away. While there’s certainly no harm in asking whether your room might be ready early, assuming that the front desk can accommodate you — or, worse, demanding that they do so — is another story.

Hotels need time between guests to clean rooms, replace linens, and prepare for new arrivals. Showing up hours ahead of schedule and insisting on having a room that’s not ready be made available to you won’t make the process move any faster.

If you know you’ll be arriving early, contact the hotel in advance to ask about your options. Some properties may be able to accommodate you, potentially for an additional fee, while others may be willing to store your luggage until your room is ready.

Taking Your Frustrations Out on Hotel Staff

Maybe your room isn’t ready. Maybe the elevator is taking forever. Or maybe the ocean-view room isn’t as advertised. Whatever the problem, taking your frustrations out on the person behind the front desk is unlikely to improve the situation.

That’s not to say you shouldn’t expect good service or speak up when something goes wrong, but there’s a difference between politely asking someone to resolve an issue and treating them like they’re personally responsible for ruining your vacation. Most travelers would agree: According to a recent Hotels.com survey, 40% of Americans consider being rude to hotel staff one of the worst breaches of hotel etiquette.

Front desk employees are there to help, but they can’t always control everything that happens at a property. A little patience and basic courtesy can go a long way toward getting a problem resolved and starting your stay on the right foot.

Forgetting To Ask About a Room Upgrade

Who wouldn’t love a bigger room, a better view, or a suite with a few extra amenities? Sometimes, all you have to do is ask. 

Front desk employees often have some discretion when assigning rooms on the day of arrival. If a nicer room is sitting empty, they may be able to offer it to a guest at no additional charge.

Keep in mind that your chances may be better during less busy travel periods, when hotels have more vacant rooms to work with. And if you’re celebrating a special occasion, such as a birthday or anniversary, it doesn’t hurt to mention that, either.

Of course, a complimentary upgrade is never guaranteed, but a friendly inquiry at check-in could be the difference between spending the night in a standard room and enjoying a suite. Even if it’s a paid upgrade, you could score a deal by asking at check-in. As Kristen Whyly, hotel manager at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston, told Fodor’s, “In cases where we have larger rooms/suites available, we’ll often offer the upgrade to guests at a highly discounted rate while they’re checking in.” 

Not Mentioning Your Room Preferences

Not all hotel rooms are created equal, even when they’re technically in the same category or part of the same hotel group. One might overlook a peaceful courtyard, while another faces a busy street. Some are conveniently located near the elevator, while others require a trek down a seemingly endless hallway. 

Light sleepers, in particular, may want to request a room away from elevators, ice machines, and other potentially noisy areas. Other guests might prefer a room close to the elevator, especially if they have mobility concerns or simply don’t want to walk long distances. Families traveling together may want adjoining rooms, while others might prioritize a particular bed configuration.

It’s best to communicate any important preferences when making your reservation, then confirm them at check-in. Not every request can be accommodated, but hotel staffers have a much better chance of meeting your needs if they know what they are.

Ignoring the Fine Print on Resort Fees

Discovering that your supposedly affordable hotel room comes with a collection of additional charges you hadn’t factored into your budget is an unwelcome surprise.

Resort fees, destination fees, parking charges, pet fees, and other extras can significantly increase the total cost of a stay. And despite the name, resort fees aren’t necessarily limited to sprawling beachfront properties. Some city hotels charge similar fees for amenities such as Wi-Fi, fitness centers, or other services.

Under federal rules that took effect in 2025, hotels and other short-term lodging providers must disclose mandatory fees up front when displaying prices. Before checking in, review your reservation confirmation and make sure you understand the total price and what specifically the resort fee covers. If you see a charge you don’t recognize, ask the front desk to explain it.

Assuming Your Room Will Look Exactly Like the Photos

Thanks to professional lighting, carefully chosen camera angles, and artfully arranged furniture, it’s easy to fall in love with a room before you’ve even arrived. But the room pictured on a booking website isn’t necessarily the exact one you’ll be assigned. 

Many hotels feature several layouts within the same room category, and details such as views, furnishings, and square footage may vary. That doesn’t automatically mean you’ve been shortchanged, but before leaving the front desk, it’s worth confirming that you’re receiving the type of room you actually reserved and any specific features you paid extra for.

And if your room doesn’t match what was promised, speak up promptly. A polite conversation with the front desk may be all it takes to correct an assignment error or find a suitable alternative.

Forgetting To Ask About Hotel Amenities

You’ve checked in, collected your room key, and headed upstairs — only to later discover that the complimentary happy hour ended 15 minutes ago, the pool requires reservations, or the hotel offers a free shuttle you could have used instead of paying for a taxi.

A few questions at check-in can save you time, money, and unnecessary frustration later. Ask about breakfast hours, Wi-Fi access, parking arrangements, fitness center hours, and any other amenities you’re interested in using.

It’s also worth inquiring about complimentary services that might not be immediately obvious. For instance, some hotels offer luggage storage, transportation to nearby attractions, or other perks that guests may overlook. And if you’re enrolled in the hotel’s loyalty program, confirm that your membership is attached to your reservation and ask whether any applicable benefits are available during your stay.

Making Yourself at Home Before Inspecting Your Room

Once you check in, it’s tempting to drop your bags, kick off your shoes, and immediately collapse onto the bed. But before you get too comfortable, take a few minutes to make sure your room is actually ready for you.

In an article for Business Insider, former hotel employee Dani Quesnel recommended checking that the room is clean, the hot water and heating work properly, and amenities such as the television and lamps are functioning. This simple inspection can save both guests and hotel staff considerable time and frustration. If you discover a problem, report it to the front desk right away.

You’ll also want to inspect the mattress seams, headboard, and surrounding furniture for signs of bed bugs before unpacking. In fact, travel experts recommend keeping your luggage in the bathtub while checking the room, rather than immediately placing it on the bed or carpet.

Additionally, don’t assume every appliance is as clean as it looks. Hotel coffee makers, kettles, and irons may have occasionally been misused by previous guests for purposes that have nothing to do with making coffee, boiling water, or pressing clothes. Give anything you plan to use a quick inspection first.

Assuming Every Hotel Has the Same Policies

Hotel policies can vary significantly from one property to another, and making assumptions about what is or isn’t permitted can lead to some unpleasant surprises. For example, a hotel that advertises itself as “pet-friendly” may still have restrictions on the number, size, or type of animals allowed. Some properties charge additional pet fees, while others prohibit leaving animals unattended in guest rooms.

Housekeeping policies can also differ. Some hotels provide daily room cleaning, while others offer it only upon request or on a reduced schedule. Even check-in requirements can vary. Hotels may require a government-issued photo ID, a credit card for incidentals, or additional documentation for certain reservations.

Before arriving, take a few minutes to review the property’s policies, particularly if you’re traveling with pets, arriving late, or have special accommodation needs. The last thing you need after a long travel day is an unexpected surprise at check-in.

Featured image credit: © Jon Tyson/Unsplash.com