29

I'm about to stay at a 4-star hotel in Stockholm for 5 days. Is it ok to request that I don't want my room to be cleaned or the housekeeping staff to enter the room?

The reason for this is mainly that I'm traveling with my dog (yes, the hotel is aware of this) and although he will be in a travel cage while I'm away, it would be best if there were as little distractions as possible. The other reason is that I'm generally not keen on having strangers in a room with my personal stuff and I don't really need a new towel every day.

Can I just tell the staff at checkin that I don't want housekeeping or should I contact them beforehand? Are hotels generally ok with it or do they want to check that everything's ok with the room during the stay?

Improve this question
6
  • 21
    Not exactly an answer to the question, so putting as a comment. A **** hotel should be pretty open to (almost) all requests from guests. So your best bet is just to ask (either now, or when you arrive.) They may say yes, they may say no, they may say yes and ignore you anyway. But there shouldn't be any issue with you asking.
    – CMaster
    Sep 5, 2015 at 11:41
  • 1
    I'm reminded of this scene from the 1973 movie Paper Chase.
    – Spehro Pefhany
    Sep 5, 2015 at 12:43
  • 11
    Yes it's okay. But whatever you do, don't refuse the little bars of soap
    – candied_orange
    Sep 6, 2015 at 5:35
  • 2
    If it's a Starwood hotel, they'll even give you points or F&B credit if you decline housekeeping on some days
    – Gagravarr
    Sep 6, 2015 at 10:03
  • 5
    Well I assume that's why most hotels (probably all I visited so far) have a "Don't disturb" card... There is no reason why it should bother them, it's less work. But I hope you don't leave your dog in a cage for too long ;(
    – Verena Haunschmid
    Sep 7, 2015 at 6:42

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
37

I think it is perfectly okay to reject housekeeping services at a hotel. I do this all the time. On arrival I set it up that the room is only serviced "on request" that way my things and other stuff doesn't get disturbed. And most hotels are generally very happy to comply and appreciate it.

Improve this answer
5
  • 15
    in fact I've stayed at places that offered to donate $10 a day to charity if I would say I didn't need housekeeping. Done!
    – Kate Gregory
    Sep 5, 2015 at 12:46
  • 2
    The one I've used a lot recently gives bonus points every 3 days to people who do this because it's "good for the environment" which I'm sure is more just "good for their wallet".
    – thanby
    Sep 6, 2015 at 12:50
  • 9
    Once you've done this, make sure to leave a Do Not Disturb card out, too. Hotels aren't renowned for excellent internal communications.
    – Dan
    Sep 6, 2015 at 18:14
  • The Story Hotel in Stockholm puts up a sign in their bathroom that they save money if you reuse your towels and it's also good for the environment...
    – Verena Haunschmid
    Sep 7, 2015 at 6:40
  • Definitely accepted and encouraged by hotels these days. I would see if I could catch the housekeeping staff as well and just tell them why. Usually they are very happy to help and will not want to upset your dog.
    – Magpie13
    Sep 7, 2015 at 10:52
26

Yes, just hang the "DO NOT DISTURB" sign on the outside of the door. That's what it's for. You can tell the front desk as well in case it falls off. The comments below emphasise it is important to tell the front desk if you are staying for several days.

If you need any fresh towels or toiletries, or you want the bedding changed or anything like this, you can phone the front desk to arrange for it to be done at your convenience. (Perhaps when taking the dog for a walk.)

Improve this answer
8
  • 3
    I wouldn't exactly rely on the DND sign, since, even if it doesn't fall off, it's trivial for a bored teen to flip it as a prank.
    – Nzall
    Sep 5, 2015 at 20:30
  • 3
    @NateKerkhofs At a four star hotel in Stockholm? I think it is more likely the front desk/cleaning staff will forget to honour a verbal request, to be honest.
    – Calchas
    Sep 5, 2015 at 21:18
  • 2
    I assure you that having four stars as a hotel does NOT prevent any of your guests pulling pranks on one another. Or do **** hotels have a magical field that prevents such things? All it takes is one bored adolescent with a naughty streak to take a 2 second action. It's certainly a good advice to hang the sign, but it's not foolproof. As you say, also inform the front desk.
    – Nzall
    Sep 5, 2015 at 21:27
  • 4
    Some hotels/countries have requirements to check on the guest every X days, DND or not. I've had a slightly worried visit from the manager on duty + security guard + housekeeping one time when I'd left the DND sign on the door for a long time!
    – Gagravarr
    Sep 6, 2015 at 10:04
  • 4
    Agreed. If this is all you do, it likely won't work for 4 days; I've had letters under the door, and calls from the front desk, when doing this in the past (mostly security worries, not cleanliness). Put the sign on the door as a reminder, but ask at the front desk when you check in too.
    – Andrew Ferrier
    Sep 7, 2015 at 6:31
10

5 Days is at the limit for most hotels other than long-stay hotels - they will want to check that their room is still ok. You can ask them - they might be ok with it. And you can certainly get 3 days without room service at most hotels. Just be aware that past 3 days, they will probably want to enter your room even if you have your DND sign, and they may require it as one of the listed conditions..

Improve this answer
1
  • I think it's worth noting that just because they may have a requirement to check on the room every X days, it doesn't mean they have to do it when you're not there. You should be able to set up a time with the staff that fits with your schedule and you can arrange to be there (with the dog and your personal belongings) while they do their thing.
    – lc.
    Sep 7, 2015 at 12:09

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .