Survey finds travelers are surprisingly tolerant of poolside PDA, but loud guests, rude behavior and coffee-maker laundry are crossing the line

Hotels.com is giving travelers a timely refresher on hotel etiquette with new survey findings that reveal the behaviors most likely to frustrate fellow guests. From blasting music late at night and being rude to hotel staff to unexpected confessions like washing underwear in a room’s coffee maker, the study shines a light on the unwritten rules of being a better hotel guest.

“Everyone knows you can’t sneak 10 people into the hotel room you booked for two, and that kids shouldn’t go in the adults-only pool,” said Melanie Fish, Vice President, Global Public Relations at Hotels.com and travel expert. “What Hotels.com’s hotel etiquette survey reveals are the unwritten rules — the ones that may not get you kicked out but will certainly earn you dirty looks from your fellow guests.”

Common Courtesy Counts

Basic respect still goes a long way. More than half of Americans say they avoid slamming doors late at night out of consideration for fellow guests, while 40% consider being rude to hotel staff one of the worst breaches of hotel etiquette.

Noisy Neighbors Are the Biggest Offenders

Travelers agree that being loud is a clear hotel no-go. Blasting music at all hours and shouting in the halls are among the behaviors most likely to prompt a call to the front desk.

Poolside PDA Gets a Pass

Not every public behavior is seen as a problem. Only 1 in 10 travelers say public displays of affection at the pool or in common areas are impolite, suggesting most guests are willing to let a little romance slide.

Pets Need Manners, Too

Pets may be welcome at many properties, but etiquette still applies. More than two in five travelers (41%) say they would ask hotel staff to step in if they saw a pet off-leash in common areas.

Guests Admit to Bending the “Rules”

The survey also revealed a few eyebrow-raising habits. A quarter of guests admit to smuggling breakfast items for later, while 16% say they have helped themselves to extra toiletries from the housekeeping cart. Most surprising of all, 5% of travelers admit to washing underwear in their room’s coffee maker.

Remember, the biggest faux pas of all is not getting rewarded for every stay. Join the ranks of smart and considerate travelers by becoming a Hotels.com member, unlocking discounts and flexible rewards.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: What is hotel etiquette?
A: Hotel etiquette is the set of written and unwritten rules that help guests share spaces respectfully — from keeping noise down and being polite to staff to following property policies around pools, pets and common areas.

Q: What annoys hotel guests the most?
A: According to the Hotels.com survey, loud behavior such as blasting music late at night or shouting in hallways, as well as being rude to hotel staff, are among the most frustrating behaviors for fellow guests.

Q: What should pet owners keep in mind at hotels?
A: Pet owners should keep pets leashed in common areas, follow property rules and make sure their animals don’t disturb other guests, as many travelers say they would ask hotel staff to step in if they saw a pet off-leash.

Q: Is it okay to take extra items from a hotel?
A: The Hotels.com survey shows some guests admit to taking extra breakfast items or toiletries, but these behaviors can cross the line of good etiquette and may go against hotel policies.