Arriving or departing a hotel can be a bit of a whirlwind. Below are a few quick tips to create the smoothest experience possible.
Tip #1: Checking into the hotel – Have 1-2 chaperones check into the hotel. They should be given rooming keys, several rooming lists, (for room checks) confirm breakfast time and any special instructions. Have 4-5 students per bus unload bags from the bottom of the bus. While students are all on the bus, communicate hotel expectations, lights out time, wake up time, breakfast time and departure time. Some groups like to send this info in a text.
Tip #2: Night Security – Depending upon the groups arrival time, night security is generally waiting in the lobby or will arrive shortly. Provide each guard a chair, the green light night security form and the lead chaperones room and cell phone number. Guards are asked to slide the night security form under the chaperones door at the end of their shift.
Tip #3: Rise and Shine! Some groups rely on students to set alarms and arrive to breakfast on time. Other groups have chaperone’s knock on doors to make sure the group has started their day. If students are missing after breakfast has started, call or visit their room to make sure they are ready to start their day.
Tip #4: Checking out – Have students neatly line up their bags in a convenient area of the hotel. Collect all room keys and return to the front desk before leaving. Plan to leave 15 minutes earlier than needed. Last minute things come up and your itinerary will appreciate the buffer.
If you keep these four tips in mind, hotel check-in and check-out will be a breeze. Keep everything organized by having two chaperones check the group in and out.