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1. Be security conscious
We often take it for granted that once we're in our hotel room we're safe. It's our very own personal space and a simple Do Not Disturb sign is all that's needed to keep the rest of the world out.
You can never be too security conscious, even if you're staying in a five-star establishment.
Rock stars are famous for wrecking their hotel rooms and don't forget the entourage. Always use the deadbolt on your door when in your room, it's there for a reason.
If there is an unexpected knock at the door, don't open it. Check with reception first.
When heading out, leave the television on as a would-be thief is less likely to break into a room if there appears to be somebody inside. We also tend to become a bit carefree with our valuable documents during hotel stays. Make use of the hotel room safe and always lock away your passport and valuables.
Lastly, if you're in a strange city and you're heading out on your own, make sure somebody knows your whereabouts, even go so far as to leave a note with your itinerary on the desk, in the event that something does go wrong.
2. Hotel-room hygiene
One rule of the delayed check-in is that you never rush the cleaning staff. If your room is still being made up, wait it out. But it is ridiculous to think that germs cannot creep in. Various behind-the-scenes investigations have shown that staff often don't change the drinking glasses in hotel rooms or use industrial strength detergents to wash them, when these bottles are clearly marked - Do NOT Drink.
If hygiene is slack there are a number of risks but you can avoid most by considering the following: How often do you think the door handle gets wiped? Wash hands often or use your elbow to open things. Packing in some alcohol-based wipes is always a good idea. Also, while the bedding has been changed, have you thought about those scatter cushions and bed throws so popular in hotels these days and whether it is washed regularly? Bet you didn't.
3. Review your expenses
Unless you're rolling in it, like the folks above - it is always a good idea to do a quick recon of the mini bar, especially if it was not included in your room rate.
The hotel telephone is fast becoming a white elephant in the room, unless you like ordering that late-nigh snack from room service (don't forget to check this bill too), leaving wi-fi to dent the tab where it left off.
Double-check the hotel's wi-fi rate and keep track of the time you used if it was not a pay-as-you go setup. Personally, we feel wi-fi really should be free, as it is the preferred way to stay in touch with family and friends and translates into a degree of free marketing for hotels.
4. Collect your souvenirs
Who doesn't pack in those mini-size shampoo and conditioners? What you don't want to pack in though are the bath robes or towels. That's just not kosher; add to that you will be charged for them. While a collection of hotel room keys or cards might seem like a cool memento, it is always a good idea to make sure that you've handed this in just before checking out of the hotel.
5. Do a sweep of your suite, including the bathroom
Are you the paranoid type who is constantly double-checking to ensure your phone is in your bag? The minute it is out of sight, you search every conceivable pocket. Or perhaps you have experienced that mind-numbing sensation at the airport as you realise you've left something crucial in your hotel room, with your boarding-time breathing down your neck. Or worse yet, you make the discovery at home when you're about to brush your teeth - utterly convinced you re-packed your toothbrush.
Folks, get down on those paws!
Check underneath the bed, the safe, the walk-in closet. Check it all.
Don't overlook the plugs either, device chargers must be the most forgotten items on a traveller's list.
