Answering the door in a hotel room involves certain etiquette guidelines to ensure safety, privacy, and a pleasant experience for both guests and hotel staff. Here's how to handle it appropriately:
Verify the visitor's identity: Before opening the door, use the peephole (if available) to see who is outside. If you have ordered room service or are expecting someone, ask for their name or confirm their identity through the door.
Use the door chain or latch: Most hotel room doors have a chain or latch. Engage it before opening the door fully. This provides an extra layer of security and prevents anyone from forcing their way in.
Dress appropriately: Make sure you are decently dressed before opening the door. If you were not expecting anyone, take a moment to tidy up your appearance if necessary.
Ask for identification: If the person at the door claims to be a hotel staff member, ask to see their identification or call the front desk to verify their identity before allowing them entry.
Speak through the door: If you are unsure or uncomfortable, it's perfectly acceptable to speak through the door to ask who is there and the purpose of their visit.
Keep valuables secure: If you have valuable items in the room, make sure they are either locked in the room safe or stowed away out of sight.
Avoid sharing personal information: Unless you are expecting a specific visitor or service, avoid sharing personal information or your room number with strangers.
Avoid leaving the door open: Once you've verified the person's identity and purpose, avoid leaving the door open while conducting business or waiting for someone else to arrive.
Don't feel pressured: If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, do not feel obligated to open the door or let someone in. Contact the hotel front desk or security if necessary.
Tip appropriately: If you receive room service or any other assistance, it's customary to tip the staff for their service.
Remember, the primary concern when answering the door in a hotel room is your safety and privacy. Follow these etiquette guidelines to ensure a secure and pleasant stay during your hotel visit.