Ten hotel secrets revealed by inside workers

A discussion on online community site Reddit has revealed a series of gripes, handy tips and confessions about things to look out for by hotel workers.

It followed a question posted by user Smadisond on Tuesday. The site user asked: “Hotel staff of Reddit, what is something that hotels keep from their guests?”

1. Whisky is yellow… but so is urine

Among the tales was a hotel worker in Sweden telling how she stumbled upon a guest’s sneaky attempt to dodge a minibar bill – by refilling an empty whisky bottle with urine.

Current and former hotel staffers from around the world contributed to the discussion on Reddit.

2. Suspect stains… gone with a quick wipe

One employee told how in training she was directed to simply “wipe” a suspicious white stain off the duvet with a “damp cloth, until you can’t see it anymore”.

The traumatized hotel trainee’s advice was steer clear of anything but the sheets.

3. Dirty hotel room glasses? Rinse in bathroom sink and dry with pillow case

One former housekeeper admitted to simply rinsing glasses in the bathroom sink then drying them with a clean pillow case – and that was only if they looked dirty.

4. Hair, hair, everywhere

A hotel maid said her major gripe is when guests leave behind an almost unimaginable amount of hair. Especially when it “just keep coming”.

5. You try completely cleaning a room in just 15 minutes

Also on the subject of cleaning, one user said the hotel where they worked allotted only 15 minutes per room so if things didn’t look as if they’d been cleaned it’s likely that they weren’t.

6. One room, one simple rule

An employee at a top hotel told Reddit that people wanting just one room should avoid online travel sites.

He said third parties often charge more than the hotel’s actual rate so people should book directly because if there are vacancies, they’re willing to bargain.

“If you are just reserving a room, you’re getting the short stick,” he said.

7. Need to cancel without paying a fee? Think ahead

Another useful tip was on how to avoid paying a cancellation fee when you have to ditch a reservation at the last minute.

A receptionist said a clever solution is to call the hotel and push your reservation forward a few weeks. Then, call back later that day and cancel.

8. The night-time credit card con

One thing to look out for is a scam used by hackers who pose as front-desk workers calling late at night to persuade half-awake guests that they suddenly need a credit card.

According to hotel workers, the front desk won’t ever call late at night.

9. Make friends with the all-powerful bellman

When it comes to getting perks at a hotel, one bellman at a Hilton in Arizona has also revealed all.

He said advised people to ask for everything from free water bottles to cigarettes, shuttle rides to pizza because bellmen might have the power to grant it.

10. Ritz-Carlton goes the extra mile

According to another former high-end employee, at a Ritz-Carlton hotel, the chain has a $1,500 “special employee allowance” to be used at their discretion for improving a guest’s stay.

The employee witnessed the purchase of a new Rolex for a guest whose own watch had gone missing days before.