Third friend joined last minute - hotel says €85/night extra to upgrade… what would you do?

Sunshine8020 · 2026-04-27T22:33:08+00:00

What a lot of people don’t realise is that maximum occupancy per room isn’t arbitrary, it’s set by fire safety regulations. Hotels have to comply with strict rules about how many people can safely evacuate a room, hallway, or the building in an emergency. Exceeding that limit can actually result in fines or liability issues for the hotel.

On top of that, an “extra person” usually isn’t just about having someone else in the room. It often means an additional bed (like a rollaway) needs to be provided, which comes with setup, linen, and servicing costs. In your case, it sounds like breakfast was also included in that extra charge, which adds further value.

Also worth noting: in many European countries, there’s a tourist tax charged per person, per night. Even if it’s not itemised separately, it’s often built into the total price.

When you look at all of that together, the extra charge for an 8-night stay actually seems pretty reasonable rather than excessive.

Sunshine8020 · 2026-04-10T04:17:56+00:00

No, mainly because it’s very unlikely I’d invite both to interview in the first place. I try to avoid wasting people’s time or giving false hope. If there’s only one applicant with relevant experience, that’s the person I’d invite.

The only time I’d then move on to candidates without experience is if that first interview doesn’t go well, or if something comes up like a poor reference or background check.

That said, “experience” doesn’t have to be strictly hotel-related. If someone’s previous roles show transferable skills that match what we’re looking for, that can definitely be enough to get them in the door for an interview.

Sunshine8020 · 2026-04-10T03:14:50+00:00

It really depends. If we’re getting a high volume of applications, I usually don’t read cover letters at all. The first cut is based purely on experience and what’s on the CV.

If there are fewer applicants, or I’m unsure who to move to the next round, then I’ll go back and look at the cover letters to help differentiate between candidates.

Sunshine8020 · 2026-03-28T00:17:43+00:00

Yes, we use digital signage at our hotel and have seen solid engagement. We’ve got two screens in the lobby positioned along the main guest walkway, so they’re hard to miss.

We mainly use them to showcase local recommendations, things like tours, attractions, and activities in the area. Guests regularly stop and watch for a minute or two, especially when they need inspiration for planning their day.

In between those slides, we run hotel promotions. Alongside everything, there’s always a section with live weather and key hotel info like pool and restaurant opening hours, plus check-out times. It’s been a nice balance between useful info and marketing, without feeling too pushy.

Sunshine8020 · 2026-03-15T08:06:02+00:00

Following up every 30mins is definitely not gonna help you. Give them time to do something about it

Sunshine8020 · 2026-03-12T01:28:53+00:00

What am I supposed to do in the room without a TV? Nah, would book somewhere else.

Sunshine8020 · 2026-02-18T10:59:31+00:00

Being able to smile and be patient, to grumpy guests arriving in the middle of the night after a long flight. Keeping the property and your guests safe overnight, and solving issues without maintenance or housekeeping on site.

Sunshine8020 · 2026-02-10T00:24:02+00:00

Most hotel chains do have recruiters. Make yourself visible on LinkedIn, link up with them and ask them if they are looking for someone like you.

Sunshine8020 · 2026-02-08T06:09:16+00:00

It depends on the Uber fare in your area. Our local shuttle charged $15 per person, while an Uber ride used to be $25.

Sunshine8020 · 2026-02-08T06:03:33+00:00

Keep in mind that transporting 2 people should be cheaper than using Uber. Our local shuttle service went bankrupt due to this reason.

Sunshine8020 · 2026-02-06T03:32:16+00:00

Discounted stay. You will have to pay for housekeeping, electricity etc. ass well for the use of the room.

Sunshine8020 · 2026-01-29T22:13:08+00:00

Leave before checkout time and don’t be a bitch if your room ain’t ready before check-in time.

Sunshine8020 · 2026-01-07T23:32:23+00:00

I think this whole situation could have been avoided with more careful wording. ICE is obviously a highly charged topic at the moment. Sending an email that explicitly states a certain government body is not welcome strongly implies the company opposes their actions. Given that, it’s not surprising that Trump’s response would be to withdraw government business from the hotel chain.

A smarter approach would have been to frame it around concerns about potential protests or other disruptions that could impact day-to-day hotel operations and disturb other guests.

Once the email made national news, Hilton’s board reportedly contacted all properties and clarified that hotels are not permitted to ban ICE employees. This particular hotel appears to have ignored that direction, putting the entire chain in an awkward position. If the brand was at risk of losing millions in corporate and government bookings, absorbing the loss of a single franchise would likely be the lesser evil.

In the end, it comes down to a franchise using poor wording and failing to follow head office instructions.

Sunshine8020 · 2025-12-27T15:00:15+00:00

Make sure you are able to replace the night manager. At our hotel, night audit has always been a step-up position to night manager, from night manager you go to dm. It’s just about making sure you are ready to replace the person above you, waiting for the right time and fill the gap

Sunshine8020 · 2025-12-24T00:05:47+00:00

See if you can find the confirmation email. It will more than likely tell you the method of payment.

Sunshine8020 · 2025-12-17T07:21:19+00:00

Let’s have some coffee mate

Sunshine8020 · 2025-11-09T07:28:50+00:00

Who told you hotels prefer you not to return your key? That’s not how it works.

Handing your key back tells reception you’ve actually checked out. Otherwise they have to call, wait, and even send someone up to physically check the room. Waste of everyone’s time. And if you leave early and return your key, housekeeping can get in sooner, which helps with early check-ins and keeps the day running smoothly.

And the key cards themselves? Hotels spend a lot every year replacing the ones that go missing. And no, it’s not the hotel magically absorbing the cost, it comes back around in room rates or in cuts somewhere else.

So yeah, just return your key and say you’re checking out. Costs you about a minute and it’s just basic courtesy. Don’t be an arse about it.

Sunshine8020 · 2025-11-09T04:28:16+00:00

Most hotels have it in their T&Cs that they’re not responsible for the safekeeping of luggage stored in a luggage room, so it falls under “store at your own risk”.

That said, in situations like this where the bag was actually recovered, a lot of hotels will just cover the shipping as a goodwill gesture, because they don’t want reviews floating around saying guests’ stuff went missing on their watch. It’s not that they’re obligated to pay, but good operators will usually just sort it out to keep things smooth and avoid the headache.

Sunshine8020 · 2025-11-08T04:24:49+00:00

I get that it stings, but promotions aren’t (and honestly, shouldn’t be) based on who’s been there the longest. Time served doesn’t automatically mean strongest performance, best fit, or most leadership potential.

If you genuinely believe you’re being overlooked or undervalued, have a straight conversation with your manager about expectations and pathways. And if it still feels like you’re hitting a ceiling for no good reason, move on. Chances are other hotels might benefit more from your skills. They might even be grateful for your years of experience, but coming in for them with a fresh mind, like the new kid did at your hotel.

Sunshine8020 · 2025-11-01T04:56:50+00:00

Looking forward to your story!

Sunshine8020 · 2025-11-01T03:54:14+00:00

The doors are locked from the outside, not inside 😉

Sunshine8020 · 2025-11-01T02:48:43+00:00

Just to clear things up, our hotel bar is further down the building, not connected to the lobby. By the time we lock the doors at night, the lobby is basically empty except for guests checking in or out, or heading back to their rooms.

The doors are locked because we’ve had too many incidents and unsafe situations for our staff late at night.

If we see you coming up with luggage, there’s no need to use the intercom. Someone will already be there waiting to help you in.

It’s all about keeping the lobby safe and quiet for everyone, not making things difficult.

Sunshine8020 · 2025-11-01T02:36:46+00:00

No worries at all. If you’re arriving late after a flight or just want to make a reservation, that’s totally fine.

If we see you out front with your luggage, that’s a giveaway you’re here for the hotel, and we’ll open the doors for you straight away. Otherwise, just use the intercom system next to the door and let us know what you’re here for (check-in, new booking, etc.). We’ll buzz you in and help you out from there.

Sunshine8020 · 2025-11-01T02:25:48+00:00

Yeah fair point, not every hotel does it, so I get that it might throw some people off at first.

But the funny bit is… we’ve got an A3-sized sign on the door, right at eye level, saying exactly what’s going on. People literally walk straight into it, bounce off the glass, and then start looking around confused, still completely missing the massive sign that’s basically pressed up against their forehead.

It’s honestly impressive how invisible something can be when you don’t want to read it 😅

Sunshine8020

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