Why you shouldn't just put your room service tray outside your hotel room, according to an expert
Room service can be one of the best - albeit expensive - things about staying in a hotel.
But what do you do when you've finished eating?
It's common to see empty trays laden with plates left outside rooms in the corridor.
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What should you do with your room service tray when you've finished? Getty
But it can be a bit off-putting as a fellow guest to see someone's discarded pizza crust as you're heading to breakfast.
Bethany Lambie, duty manager at one of London's most luxurious hotels, Shangri-La The Shard, London, has cleared up the etiquette.
And she tells 9Travel doing this could also prove a health risk to some guests.
While it is okay to pop your tray outside your room, she says you should really phone room service to come and fetch it as soon as they can.
"While it is common to leave trays outside, we encourage guests to call for a quick collection," she tells us.
"This ensures that the corridors remain clear and devoid of any obstruction, especially in the rare eventuality of a fire evacuation.
"It also ensures that the air in the corridor is free of any allergens that may affect guests with specific allergic requirements."
Shangri-La, The Shard in London Supplied
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And when it comes to rooms, if you value your sleep, there are ways to try and get a quiet spot at a hotel, she reveals.
"It is recommended to request a higher floor room away from any lifts and service areas," she says.
As for getting an upgraded room, the secret is to be a loyal customer to the brand, including by joining any clubs they might have.
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Meanwhile, another hotel dilemma can be tipping.
While it's common in the USA, in other places such as London, Bethany advises it's not expected.
However if you do want to thank somebody, such as a porter, she says to keep small denominations of cash, and hand it directly to the person.
