There are times when you may have to stay overnight as part of your business travel. In all such instances, it is important to make a reservation and fax or courier the confirmation to the hotel staff for easy check-in. Ensure that the hotel staff takes out your baggage on arrival and keeps it ready to be taken to your room. If there is already a person waiting then wait for your turn with patience. Mention the preference regarding your room, check out time and any other information that the hotel staff should know.

1. Chapter 30
Overnight Etiquette

2. When you need to travel out of town
and you need to stay overnight,
you could stay
at a hotel,
a company guest house
or with family/friends

3. Hotel
Make a reservation in advance and procure a written
confirmation from the hotel. Get it couriered or faxed so that
check-in is easy.
On arrival at the hotel, ensure that your suitcases have been
taken out and taken care of by the hotel staff before you check
in.
If there are persons waiting, wait for your turn with patience
Mention your preferences regarding the room, check-out time,
and any other information that the hotel should know

4. When you are taken into your room, you will be shown the
various things about your room
The luggage will be placed on the place allotted for it. Thank the
person and it will be appreciated if you tip.
Hotels provide robes, towels, toiletries and slippers for the
guest’s use and not to be taken away as gifts
Some hotels permit you to buy these. Contact the relevant
person

5. If you are traveling with a female colleague it is best not to share the
room
When you need to check out, ring the cashier and inform him. This will
help keep your bill ready when you reach his station. Check the bill for
accuracy
If you wish to have a late checkout you should inform the manager
If you wish to leave your luggage behind till you finish a meeting after
checkout, hotels give the facility of a locker/luggage room and take it on
the way to the airport
On leaving the hotel ensure to leave a tip for the hotel staff

6. Guest House
Company guest houses are convenient as they give you a
homely atmosphere
They are manned by a caretaker who doubles up as “Man
Friday”- cook, cleaner and errand boy
If he requires money to buy provisions to cook food you
should pay him.
At all times you should remember that you are a guest
Tip the caretaker when you leave. The amount should be
according to the number of days you stayed and the
service you received

7. Staying with friends/relatives
Staying with friends/relatives gives the ambience of a
house
Remember that your hosts are doing you a favour and
cannot be looking after you all the time as they have their
share of responsibilities to look into
On arrival take a bouquet of flowers and a box of
chocolates for the hostess and gifts for the children
Do not be fussy in regard to food. Be on time for their meals
as they have a routine that they follow

8. Keep the room allotted to you tidy.
Hang your clothes and neatly stack your papers
Tip the servants who have served you when you
leave
As soon as you reach home, you should send a
thank you note along with flowers/chocolates