cover 41
Most hotel guests hope for a smooth, hassle-free experience from check-in to check-out.
However, front desk staff often deal with a variety of difficult guest behaviors that lead to unnecessary frustration and complicate their daily tasks.
On her TikTok account @mamafromarkansas, a hotel front desk worker highlights some of the most common mistakes guests make during their stay.
These small missteps can escalate into bigger issues, creating headaches not only for the hotel staff but also for fellow guests, impacting the overall experience for everyone involved.
In a now-viral video, she shared her observations—and it seems even experienced travelers might be making some of these common hotel faux pas.
“I’m going to go through a list of things you should avoid doing when staying at a hotel,” she says at the start of the clip, which has since ignited widespread discussions about proper guest conduct and hospitality etiquette.
At the top of her list? Arriving on the wrong date.
“Do not show up the day after your reservation expecting to check in,” she cautions. “At that point, it’s considered a no-show, and your reservation is no longer available.”
Another common slip-up she points out is booking through third-party websites—a frequent attempt to save money that often backfires on guests.
“Do not book through third-party sites… we can’t modify that reservation because it’s out of our hands,” she clarifies. When using external booking platforms, travelers are often stuck with less flexibility, making simple changes a lot more complicated.
She also highlights how guests sometimes reserve the wrong dates and then direct their frustration at hotel employees.
“Don’t get mad at staff because you selected the wrong dates,” she advises. “Always double-check your email confirmation—you’re responsible for making sure your booking details are correct.”
Another frequent annoyance? Guests persistently asking about availability even after being informed the hotel is fully booked.
According to her, once staff provide information about availability, there’s no need to keep asking. “We’re literally staring at the system,” she explains. “If it says there’s nothing left, there’s nothing left.”
Beyond reservation frustrations, she also mentions the chaos caused by unsupervised children.
“Please don’t let your kids run wild around the hotel while you’re drinking at the bar,” she pleads, suggesting that children shouldn’t be left unattended during events.
Lastly, she urges guests to voice their concerns directly to staff instead of immediately resorting to negative online reviews. “Give us a chance to fix the issue before you jump to posting a bad review,” she says, emphasizing that many problems could be easily resolved on-site with proper communication.
Another common misstep? Booking a hotel without first reviewing its amenities.
“Always check what the hotel offers before making a reservation,” she advises, encouraging travelers to do their homework ahead of time.
However, the most frequent—and expensive—blunder comes at the end of her video.
The hotel worker highlights the importance of adhering to cancellation policies, which she describes as the most critical takeaway.
“Don’t assume the rules don’t apply to you,” she cautions. Most bookings incur a late cancellation fee if guests fail to cancel at least 24 hours in advance.
The hotel employee shares straightforward advice that sheds light on the daily challenges faced by hotel staff—and could help you avoid turning your next getaway into a nightmare.
By familiarizing yourself with basic hotel policies, you can ensure a much smoother check-in experience for your next trip.
