What to do if something is missing from a hotel room?

Missing Something From Your Hotel Room? Don’t Panic, Here’s What To Do

Finding something missing from your hotel room can be frustrating, especially after a long journey. Whether it’s a forgotten towel, a missing robe, or an absent amenity promised in your booking, a calm and methodical approach is key to getting the issue resolved. Avoid escalating the situation unnecessarily; most hotels are eager to make your stay comfortable.

1. Check Thoroughly (and Twice): Before contacting the hotel staff, take a moment to thoroughly search your room again. Missing items are often misplaced, tucked away in unexpected corners, or even inadvertently packed in your luggage. Look under beds, in drawers, behind furniture, and even inside the closet. A second, more methodical search can save you a phone call and potential wait time.

2. Review Your Booking Confirmation: Double-check your booking confirmation to ensure the amenity you’re missing was actually included in your package. Some hotels advertise amenities that are only available in specific room types or upon request. Clarifying this early can save you time and prevent misunderstandings.

3. Contact the Front Desk (Politely): If your thorough search yields nothing, contact the front desk. A polite and clear explanation will yield the best results. Be specific about the missing item – mentioning the exact type of towel, the brand of toiletries, or the specific amenity – will help them quickly understand your request.

4. Be Patient and Persistent (Respectfully): While most hotels are responsive, there might be slight delays depending on availability and staff workload. If your request isn’t fulfilled immediately, remain polite and persistent but avoid being demanding. A simple follow-up call or visit to the front desk after a reasonable time is perfectly acceptable. Remember to express your appreciation for their assistance, regardless of the outcome.

5. Document the Issue (If Necessary): If the problem persists or involves a significant amenity (e.g., a promised crib that never arrived), consider documenting the issue. Take photos or videos as evidence, and keep records of all your communications with the hotel staff. This documentation can be helpful if the issue remains unresolved and needs escalation.

6. Escalate to Management (As a Last Resort): If your polite requests are repeatedly ignored or the problem is significant and affects your stay negatively, you can escalate the matter to hotel management. Explain the situation calmly and professionally, referencing your previous attempts to resolve the issue. Most hotels value guest satisfaction and will strive to rectify the situation at this point.

7. Review Your Hotel’s Policies: Many hotel websites outline their policies regarding missing amenities or issues with the room. Reviewing these policies before contacting the staff can give you a clearer understanding of the hotel’s procedures and expectations.

Missing something from your hotel room is never ideal, but with a calm, polite, and systematic approach, most issues can be resolved quickly and efficiently. Remember, a positive and respectful attitude goes a long way in ensuring a positive outcome.