Hotel employees issue stark warning about the biggest red flags to look out for during check in

Hotel managers have lifted the lid on the various red flags to look out for when you are checking in that are a dead giveaway that you shouldn’t fork over your money for a room.

JJ Jones is the assistant general manager at the Hilton Garden Inn in Uptown Albuquerque and Santiago Leon is the manager of chic Chicago hotel The Robey. 

The two hospitality pros have over eight years of hotel experience and can spot a five-star stay right away. 

Now, the experts are sharing their warning signs with guests in an effort to help more people spend their money on worthwhile trips away. 

While speaking to Insider, JJ and Santiago revealed how the parking lot, lobby and the other small details can tell you everything you need to know about a hotel. 

JJ first noted that you should take a look at the parking lot – adding that if it is empty, you may want to pick a different spot. 

‘The driveway or parking lot will tell you if the hotel is busy. If you don’t see the parking lot full or see many other people checking in, this may not be the right place to stay,’ he told the outlet. 

In addition to an empty parking lot, JJ said that the lack of luggage carts are also a red flag. 

He explained that this is a sign that the service isn’t as friendly or attentive as you may want it to be. 

‘In the world of hospitality, you welcome guests into your home, and you must treat them like family, which includes taking their luggage to their room if they need help,’ he added. 

And luggage carts aren’t the only thing you should be on the lookout for when checking in, Santiago chimed in to reveal that light bulbs can also tell you all there is to know about a hotel. 

‘A simple but telling red flag is when light bulbs are not working in the common areas. 

‘As miniscule as it may sound, I think it speaks volumes about how well the hotel is maintained, its budget, management, and attention to detail,’ he told the outlet. 

Now, the experts are sharing his warning signs with guests in an effort to help more people spend their money on worthwhile stays (stock image)

Other than burnt light bulbs, the pros advised that you pay close attention to the entryways. 

The hotel managers said that if you saw dust on the railings and tables, you should stay away.

And, if the staff doesn’t request to see a copy of your ID when you check in, this could be a major safety issue that should tell you to pick a different hotel immediately. 

The staff should also be quickly responding to your messages prior to you even getting to the hotel, the pros said.  

Lastly, the hotel pros said that how the bed is made can even show you what kind of hospitality you will receive 

JJ told the outlet: ‘How the bed is made can be a huge red flag. If they made the bed sloppily with tired-looking pillows and untucked sheets, this indicates that the housekeeper did not clean the room to the best of their ability.’ 

He also said that the sheets should be tucked.