20 NOV 2025, SYDNEY – Ahead of the summer holidays, Wotif has released the Hotel Etiquette Guide which uncovers the dos and the don’ts of hotel stays according to Aussie travellers. 

✅ DOs  

• Take a little extra from the breakfast buffet: Over half of Aussies (59%) admit that saving food for later is totally fine – especially Gen Z and Millennials who are the most likely to sneak a bite or two. 

• Keep the shoes on in common areas: Most guests (58%) say walking barefoot in the hotel common areas is unacceptable, so it’s best to keep the footwear on. 

• Wearing leisurewear on balconies: Aussies deem that swimmers, pajamas and robes on the balcony are totally fine, but don’t even think about going nude as only 4% agree that’s okay 

• Reserve lounge chairs – but keep it short: Majority of Aussies (60%) are in agreement that pool chairs should not be reserved for more than 30 mins. Unlike, the cheeky 12% who feel there is no such thing as too long.  

❌ DON’Ts 

• Check out late without permission: 80% of Aussies say this is a big no-no, even though 1 in 5 are guilty of doing it. 

• Fake a special occasion for perks: While nearly a quarter (22%) of Aussies have fibbed for freebies, most travellers feel that honesty is the best policy when it comes to special occasions. 

• Play music in common areas: Even though Aussies admit to doing this occasionally, it’s a no with 51% saying it is not okay to play music loudly in a common area 

• Cook with the hotel iron: Yes, 10% have tried this, but we’re yet to hear if the results are anything close to gourmet.  

FAQ

Q: What is the Hotel Etiquette Guide? 

A: Wotif’s Hotel Etiquette Guide reveals the dos and don’ts according to Aussie travellers, from breakfast buffets to balcony attire. 

Q: Is it okay to take extra food from the hotel breakfast buffet for later? 

A: According to Wotif’s Hotel Etiquette Guide, most Aussies reckon it’s fine to stash a little extra from the buffet for later. 

Q: Can I check out late without telling the hotel? 

A: 80%* of Aussies say this is a big no-no. If you need extra time, Wotif’s tip is to ask the hotel if late check out is possible  

Q: Is it acceptable to wear swimmers, pajamas or robes on hotel balconies? 

A: Yes, according to Wotif’s guide. Swimmers, pajamas and robes are fine, but going nude? Only 4% say okay*. 

Q: How long can I reserve a pool lounge chair? 

 A: Wotif’s Hotel Etiquette Guide says 30 minutes max, anything longer is excessive*. 

Q: Can I play music in hotel common areas? 

 A: According to Wotif, 55%* of Aussies say loud music in shared spaces is a no-go – stick to headphones. 

Notes to editor

*About the research: 

Wotif research commissioned in collaboration with OnePoll. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from OnePoll. Total sample size was 1,000 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 16^th – 19th June 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Australian adults (aged 18+) who have stayed in a hotel in the last 12 months.