How Do Hotels Know If You Have Extra Person?
It’s always the best option, to be honest with hotels about your name and how many people are staying in a room.
You can have guests over to visit for whatever reason, but there are safety concerns with too many people being in one room.
But how would a hotel know if you had an extra person anyways?
Generally, hotel staff keeps an eye on guests, since it’s their job to ensure a safe environment. Some hotels will charge extra, depending on how many people are in a room, and therefore will be extra watchful. Other guests can also inform the hotel if you have a big group in your room or make too much noise.
Having Extra People Stay in Your Hotel Room
It probably doesn’t seem like a big deal to have an extra person stay with you in your hotel room, especially if you booked as one person and there will only be one other guest.
In most cases, it isn’t much of a big deal to the hotel.
One extra person doesn’t increase the occupancy enough to be deemed a fire hazard or unsafe and doesn’t require extra work for the staff.
Despite this, not being honest about how many people are in your room can lead to you being asked to leave.
The front desk staff keeps tabs on who goes in and out of the hotel and are usually trained to be vigilant. They’re the first line of defense to protect both the hotel and the guests staying there.
Other guests can also get you caught by bringing attention to the number of people coming and going from your room.
Noise complaints are common if you are too loud, usually resulting in a warning. A second complaint can get you kicked out.
Bringing extra people can also mean you need to ask for additional towels, toiletries, bedding, or additional beds.
Hotel managers may get suspicious if you’re asking for more than your stated occupancy would normally need.
Why Hotels Care About How Many People Are In A Room
Most hotels are legally obligated to keep room occupancy under a certain number of people.
This is because of fire hazard guidelines set up by local governments and hotels are bound by these rules.
It also allows the hotel to account for all of the guests staying there in the event of an emergency.
Other hotels will also charge based on how many people will be in the room.
One or two people is pretty standard, but additional charges may be included for every additional person.
This is especially true for inclusive resorts and hotels that offer additional services for all of their guests.
Sneaking in extra people at these hotels is the same as stealing services from them and they will move to prevent this most of the time.
What Happens if You Are Caught
Keep in mind that in most cases, sneaking in extra guests isn’t necessary, especially if the hotel doesn’t charge per person for the room.
Most hotels can slightly bend their stated rules for a good reason, like keeping a family in one room.
Hotels put their policies in the terms and conditions that you sign when you book the room or check-in.
Most will reserve the right to modify or cancel your reservation if you are found to be engaging in fraudulent or inappropriate activity.
This includes noise complaints, sneaking in extra people, or using your room for illegal activities.
Some hotels may not say anything to you about the additional person in your room and simply charge the credit card you gave them for the extra person when you check out.
They can also ask you to leave the premises, cancel your reservation, and not return your deposit.
Read Also > Do Hotels Charge Per Person or Per Room?
Do hotels keep track of guests?
Hotels absolutely keep a log of their guests.
Usually, this includes your name, how long you stayed, any services you requested or movies you rented, and any comments or complaints you gave them.
They do not keep personal information like your address or copies of your driver’s license after you leave.
Why do hotels keep records of guests?
Hotels keep records of guests for a variety of reasons, but generally, it’s to better cater to you during future stays or other guests.
They may find information about you on social media to go the extra mile and deliver something you like to your room.
In most cases, they simply keep some record of you and your stay to provide a better service later.
Hotels use their comments and complaints to address issues you had with the hotel or continue services you liked while you were there.
They can also use this information to help accommodate any needs you have while staying at the hotel.
Do Hotels Know If You Take Something From Your Room?
Hotel guests take “souvenirs” from their rooms pretty frequently.
Whether it’s a towel, robe, or pillow, taking items from hotel rooms is pretty common.
It isn’t hard for hotels to know if something is missing from your room, as housekeeping comes around fairly quickly after you leave. So what happens if you take something?
Usually, nothing happens. It isn’t hard to notice something is missing, but hotels can’t definitely say who took an item from the room when multiple people stayed in it.
The person on the reservation may be charged for the item taken if it was something expensive like a robe, finding the charge on their credit card later on.
Pillows and towels though are generally considered a “sunk cost” for hotels who usually build an extra room in their budgets for those getting stolen or damaged.
If you do get caught while stealing items, the hotel can ask you to return the item or involve the police.
Whether or not you can get away with it, stealing from a hotel is still stealing and if they choose to, they can pursue charges or payment for the items.
Read Also > Do Hotels Charge For Missing Pillows?
Conclusion
Hotels will usually find out if you have extra people staying in your room.
Whether you’re requesting extra items, other guests make complaints or let them know, or staff simply notice, a hotel will usually know if extra people are staying with you.
It’s best to be honest about the number of people in your room when you make your reservation.
That being said, one extra person usually doesn’t attract enough attention to get hotel staff to act, and typically isn’t a big deal.
