Don’t skimp on tips—etiquette expert reveals the dos and don’ts at five-star hotels

▲ Shangri-La Hotel, Toronto (Photo / Shangri-La Hotel, Toronto fan page)

By Rita

A night at a five-star hotel might sound pricey, but you never know—you might never get the chance in your lifetime, who knows? It’s essential to mind your manners when staying at such establishments.To help more people understand these nuances, the UK’s Daily Mail spoke to etiquette expert William Hanson, who delved into the small yet important etiquettes hidden in five-star hotelsand offered travelers some useful tips.

1. How should you dress?
Hanson says that while dress codes at five-star hotels have become more relaxed than in the past, that doesn’t mean guests can literally wear T-shirts everywhere. There are still unspoken rules. A smart look would be a collared shirt paired with jeans or chinos. If you’re unsure what to wear, just ask hotel staff or observe what others are wearing.

2. How should you behave?
Try to avoid exclamations like “Wow, this is so expensive!” Hanson advises guests to maintain a calm and natural demeanor, and to refrain from running around snapping photos everywhere. If you really want to share your hotel experience with friends, you can always check out photos online.

3. What are the dining etiquettes?
Service in restaurants at five-star hotels is generally of a higher standard than at regular ones, so guests should also learn how to interact appropriately with the staff. “They’ll bring you bread or clear away breadcrumbs between courses.” Guests should continue their conversations without interrupting the staff’s work, and avoid waving their arms around to prevent distracting them.

4. How should you tip?
Guests should always carry some cash for tipping. For porters, the norm is about one British pound or one US dollar (around NT$40–50) per piece of luggage, and the same applies for valet parking. Tipping housekeeping staff is often overlooked. Since they usually work night shifts, consider leaving a tip of around two British pounds or two US dollars (approximately NT$80–100) along with a thank-you note when you leave the room for dinner.

5. What if you see a celebrity?
The chances of encountering a celebrity at a five-star hotel are quite high, often in elevators or the lobby. Hanson suggests smiling or saying hello, but avoid immediately asking for an autograph or selfie—after all, they’re on vacation too, and your overexcitement might disturb their right to rest.

6. How long can you use a pool lounger?
Many people have the habit of saving poolside loungers before getting in the water, but Hanson notes that at five-star hotels, each lounger is typically reserved for a maximum of 30 minutes, and this may be reduced to just 10 minutes during peak hours.