THERE are several differences between hotels in America and Europe, including the quality of service provided.
One expert has recently revealed why holidaymakers in Europe are more likely to be met with more hospitable hotel staff.
GettyHolidaymakers in Europe are more likely to be met with more hospitable hotel staff[/caption]
Julie Ritcher is the owner of Russo Fine Jewels, a high-end jewellery store in London.
After spending 30 years designing high-quality pieces of jewellery, it’s safe to say Julie knows the true meaning of good service.
In an article in the Telegraph, she explained that the right training could be creating the divide.
She said: “Europeans study hospitality so working at a hotel is a career, not just a job.
“They learn to sweat the small details that make everything special.”
According to a recent survey by the American Hotel and Lodging Association, well-trained members of hotel staff are increasingly hard to find, with 82 per cent of hotels in America experiencing a staffing crisis.
If you’re after good service, one Australian travel writer has revealed how leaving a tip in a hotel room could result in better service.
Kerry van der Jagt thinks that while many travellers don’t feel the need to tip the housekeeping staff, it can pay dividends.
The travel writer first started tipping hotel employees 20 years ago when she was visiting Cambodia.
Because the country was still recovering following the dictatorship of Pol Pot, Kerry decided to donate some of her cash to hotel housekeepers.
She said: “Who better than the housekeeper? The money was not solicited, nor would it alter a family’s social dynamics.
“It would be a sign of appreciation, given voluntarily for a job well done (and it’s always well done).”
Tips given to the housekeeping staff not only benefits them but the guest can get a pleasant surprise too.
While staying at a guesthouse in Luang Prabang, Kerry would leave a tip and discovered that she was getting a small gift in return.
She said: “One day – noticing I was a tea drinker – it was an envelope of freshly dried mint leaves; on another, it was posy of wildflowers.
“Although we never saw each other, a gossamer-thin connection was forged.”
She experienced a similar situation not just in Cambodia but also in Peru, Namibia and Mexico.
Although she did say that most of the time she received nothing, except “a feeling that both our lives have been made better by the silent exchange.”
Kerry though said the exception to this would be in Japan where any cash left out will just sit there untouched.
Meanwhile, one hotel expert has revealed the big mistake hotel guests make when checking out – even if you think it’s helping.
Hotel guests can make life difficult for staff when they leave their room service trays outside their rooms.
While it may seem like you’re doing a good thing, it’s actually something you should avoid doing because it makes the hotel messy and smelly for other guests.
Meanwhile, a hotel cleaner revealed the five items they never clean in the rooms.
And a former hotel housekeeper said guests should be tipping at least £7.50 a night for their work.
GettyHotel workers in Europe are trained in hospitality, with many having degrees[/caption]