Checking into a hotel should feel exciting, not stressful. Whether you’re passing through Green River on an I-70 road trip or settling in before a week of exploring Utah’s national parks, a little kindness and awareness go a long way toward making the experience better for everyone — you, your fellow guests, and the staff who keep things running.
At First Choice Inn at the Swell, we see it every day: a friendly hello at check-in, a quick “thank you” on the way out, or a guest who leaves their room in good shape without being asked. Those small moments are what turn an overnight stop into a stay worth remembering.
That said, travel habits have shifted in recent years. Longer stays, remote work, and the general blur between “home” and “away” have changed the way people behave in hotels — and not always for the better. This guide is a friendly refresher on the basics that help everyone have a great experience.
Before You Arrive: Set Yourself Up for a Smooth Check-In
A good stay starts before you walk through the lobby doors. Book your room early to lock in the dates and room type you want, and take a moment to review your confirmation before you travel — check your dates, rate, and what’s included.
If you have specific needs, such as a pet-friendly room, a crib, or accessibility features, share them when you book so the hotel has time to prepare. The same goes for late arrivals: a quick phone call to let the front desk know you’re coming after hours keeps things simple on both ends.
Plans change, and that’s fine. Just modify or cancel as soon as you know, so the hotel can adjust. And if flexibility matters to you, booking directly with the hotel (rather than through a third-party site) usually gives you more room to make changes without hassle.
Hotel Lobby Behavior: First Impressions Count
First impressions go both ways. Having your ID and payment ready makes check-in faster for you and everyone in line behind you, and a little patience during busy times is always appreciated.
Keep phone conversations quiet and brief in the lobby — sound carries more than you’d think in open spaces. Store luggage out of walkways so other guests can move through easily, and if something isn’t right with your room or reservation, bring it up with the front desk directly rather than airing it in the lobby. Thanking staff by name is a small thing that leaves a lasting impression.
Respecting Shared Spaces and Quiet Hours
Shared spaces are one of the best parts of a hotel stay — but only when everyone treats them with care.
Pool, Fitness Room, and Common Areas
At First Choice Inn at the Swell, our heated indoor pool and whirlpool are open from morning until evening. To keep the area safe and welcoming, shower before swimming, keep an eye on children, and wear proper swim attire. These aren’t arbitrary rules — they’re what keeps the pool clean and enjoyable for everyone.
The same consideration applies to fitness areas, business centers, and breakfast lounges. Wipe down equipment after use, don’t camp out on a lounge chair you’re not using, and leave common spaces tidy for the next guest. If you’re working from the lobby or a shared space, keep your setup compact and your volume low.
Quiet Hours Matter, Especially in Utah
Most hotels observe quiet hours between late evening and early morning, even if they’re not posted. This is especially important for guests visiting Utah’s national parks, where early starts are the norm. A sunrise at Goblin Valley or a morning hike in Canyonlands means your neighbor’s alarm might go off at 5 AM — and they’ll appreciate not having been kept up the night before.
Keep your TV at a reasonable volume, skip the hallway conversations after 10 PM, and walk quietly near guest rooms. If a noise issue comes up, contact the front desk rather than knocking on someone’s door yourself. That’s what they’re there for.
Housekeeping Etiquette
A few simple habits make a real difference for both your comfort and the housekeeping team.
If you’d like your room cleaned, use the “Please Make Up Room” sign. If you prefer privacy, hang the “Do Not Disturb” sign. And if you don’t need daily service at all, let the front desk know — it saves the team time and helps the hotel conserve resources.
When housekeeping does arrive, stepping out for a bit lets them work quickly and thoroughly. Need extra towels or toiletries? The front desk is happy to arrange that.
For longer stays, our guest laundry facilities are available from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. This feature is handy for refreshing clothes after a few days on the road or exploring the Mighty Five.
Tipping Housekeeping
Housekeeping is one of the hardest jobs in a hotel, and a tip is a meaningful way to show appreciation. The current standard is around $5 to $10 per night, left daily rather than at checkout (since different staff may clean your room each day). If you had extra guests, made a mess, or requested additional service, tip on the higher end.
A small gesture goes a long way, and it’s the kind of thing that helps keep the warm, welcoming service guests love about staying here.
Guest Room Etiquette: Treat It Like Home (But Better)
Think of your hotel room as being a guest in someone’s home (one where professional hospitality standards apply). Use furniture, electronics, and linens with care, and leave things roughly where you found them.
Complimentary items like toiletries and stationery are yours to take. Towels, robes, and electronics stay. If you’re unsure, it’s always fine to ask.
Follow the room’s posted instructions for appliances and climate controls, and never tamper with smoke detectors. Use the luggage rack instead of placing bags on beds or upholstered furniture — it’s more hygienic for everyone.
If something spills, breaks, or isn’t working, report it to the front desk right away rather than trying to fix it yourself. And if you’re having visitors, check with the front desk about guest policies, so there aren’t any surprises.
Handling Problems Politely
Even the best hotels hit a snag now and then. What matters most is how it gets handled on both sides.
If something isn’t right during your stay, let the front desk know as soon as possible and be specific about the issue. The more detail you share, the faster the team can find a fix. Give them a reasonable window to work on it, and if a room change or another solution would help, just ask.
A kind word and a clear explanation go further than frustration. In fact, you’ll find that most staff will go out of their way to make things right. After the issue is resolved, constructive feedback (whether in person or in a review) helps the hotel improve for future guests.
Checkout Etiquette: Ending on a Positive Note
Review your bill before you leave and bring up any questions while you’re still at the desk. Return keys or keycards as directed — either to the front desk or in the drop box.
Do a quick sweep of the room before you go: check drawers, the bathroom counter, under the bed, and behind the door for anything you might have left behind. Gather used towels in one spot, toss any trash, and leave the room in reasonable shape. You don’t need to deep clean — just leave it the way you’d want to find it.
If you had a great stay, a positive online review, or a note to the staff means more than you might think. It helps the hotel and it helps future travelers who are deciding where to stay in Green River.
Enjoy a Thoughtful Stay at First Choice Inn at the Swell
When you stay at First Choice Inn at the Swell, you’ll find a room built for comfort and convenience: blackout shades, soft bedding, free Wi-Fi, a mini-fridge, and a microwave. Beyond your room, there’s a hot breakfast each morning, an indoor pool, pet-friendly options, and plenty of parking.
We also do our best to create a friendly, respectful environment for everyone. Simple courtesies — keeping noise down in the halls, treating shared spaces with care — make the experience better for fellow travelers and our team alike. Our goal is for you to leave Green River rested, recharged, and ready for your next adventure in Utah.
Hotel Etiquette FAQ
How much should you tip hotel housekeeping?
The current standard in the U.S. is $5 to $10 per night. Leave the tip daily, since different staff members may clean your room from one day to the next. Place it somewhere visible (like the nightstand) with a note so they know it’s for them.
What should I do if my hotel room is too noisy?
Contact the front desk rather than confronting the other guest directly. Hotel staff are trained to handle these situations diplomatically, and it avoids an uncomfortable hallway interaction for everyone.
Is it rude to skip daily housekeeping?
Not at all. Many hotels appreciate it when guests opt out of daily cleaning — it saves resources and lets staff focus where they’re needed most. Just let the front desk know or use the “Do Not Disturb” sign.
What can I take from a hotel room?
Individually wrapped toiletries, stationery, pens, and disposable slippers are fair game. Towels, robes, hangers, electronics, and anything not individually packaged should stay.
Should I strip the bed before checkout? No need. Housekeeping strips and replaces all linens regardless. Gathering used towels in one spot and tossing your trash is plenty.