Most of us like to believe we’re polite and well-mannered. But according to hospitality experts, many people make subtle social missteps that come off as rude, even when they’re unintentional. Whether you’re at a restaurant, staying in a hotel, or attending a social gathering, your behavior speaks volumes. And sometimes, it’s the little things that create the biggest negative impression. If you want to be seen as courteous and considerate, these are 10 habits to rethink immediately.
1. Not Greeting Staff or Hosts Upon Arrival
One of the fastest ways to seem impolite is to walk into a space without acknowledging the people who work there. A simple “hello” or friendly nod goes a long way in showing respect. Hospitality workers say they notice when guests enter and act like the staff are invisible. It may not be deliberate, but skipping that basic greeting creates an air of entitlement. Being friendly at the start sets the tone for better service and a more pleasant interaction.
2. Snapping Fingers or Yelling for Attention
Trying to flag someone down by snapping your fingers, raising your voice, or clapping is a major red flag in hospitality etiquette. It comes across as demanding and disrespectful, even if you’re just eager to get help. There’s a difference between catching someone’s eye and acting like they’re at your service. Most experts recommend making polite eye contact or giving a small wave instead. Kindness and patience always get better results than abrupt gestures.
3. Ignoring the Dress Code or Setting
Wearing overly casual or inappropriate clothing to upscale restaurants, formal events, or religious venues can be perceived as inconsiderate. It signals a lack of respect for the space, the hosts, or the experience. Hospitality experts stress that dress codes exist for a reason—often to maintain a certain atmosphere. Even if you personally don’t care about attire, disregarding expectations sends the message that you don’t care about others’ comfort. When in doubt, it’s better to be slightly overdressed than underprepared.
4. Using Your Phone Loudly in Shared Spaces
Answering a call on speakerphone or watching videos without earbuds in public areas—like hotel lobbies or waiting rooms—instantly makes you seem inconsiderate. Hospitality workers say this is one of the most common modern etiquette fails. It disrupts the experience for everyone around you and creates an atmosphere of tension. Taking your call outside or silencing your phone shows awareness and courtesy. In shared spaces, quietness is a form of respect.
5. Failing to Say Please and Thank You
This one may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people skip these basic phrases, especially with hospitality workers. Saying “please” when making a request and “thank you” after receiving help signals humility and gratitude. Skipping these words can make you seem entitled or dismissive, even if you’re not trying to be. It takes only seconds to say them, but the impact lasts far longer. Good manners never go out of style.
6. Leaving a Mess Behind
Whether it’s a hotel room, an Airbnb, or a restaurant table, leaving a trail of chaos behind can come off as selfish. Yes, it’s someone’s job to clean up—but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t show respect for their time and effort. Simple gestures like stacking plates, throwing away trash, or placing used towels in a pile make a big difference. According to hospitality etiquette pros, guests who clean up after themselves are remembered and appreciated. Kindness is shown in actions, not just words.
7. Cutting in Line or Ignoring a Waitlist
Jumping ahead in line, ignoring the reservation process, or pressuring staff to “squeeze you in” comes off as pushy and unfair. These actions disrespect the time and patience of everyone else waiting. Hospitality experts say this kind of behavior is instantly noticed—and remembered. Even if you’re in a hurry, it’s better to ask politely or wait for your turn. Playing by the rules is a basic part of social grace.
8. Speaking Rudely When Things Go Wrong
Things don’t always go perfectly—meals come out late, rooms have issues, or service may feel slow. But reacting with harsh words, eye-rolling, or passive-aggressive comments only worsens the situation. Hospitality workers are human, and respectful communication gets better results. Calmly explaining a problem and asking for a solution earns more respect than throwing a fit. How you handle setbacks speaks volumes about your character.
9. Assuming Tips Are Optional
Tipping is a standard part of hospitality etiquette in many countries, especially the U.S. Leaving a small or no tip when service was decent is often seen as rude or stingy. Experts say it’s better to factor in tips as part of your overall experience cost. If you truly received poor service, it’s okay to tip less, but be thoughtful about why. Tipping fairly shows you value the hard work that goes into making your visit enjoyable.
10. Talking Down to Staff or Treating Them as Inferior
Perhaps the most offensive behavior of all is speaking condescendingly or treating hospitality staff as if they’re beneath you. Whether it’s misusing titles, making snide comments, or refusing eye contact, this behavior is toxic and widely noticed by others around you. Good manners mean treating everyone—regardless of their job—with dignity and kindness. Hospitality workers often go above and beyond, and they deserve respect, not judgment.
The Little Things That Leave a Lasting Impression
Being polite isn’t just about grand gestures—it’s about small, everyday choices that show respect for others. Hospitality experts agree that simple actions like saying thank you, waiting your turn, or treating staff kindly go a long way. These behaviors don’t cost anything, but they can completely shape the way you’re perceived. Whether you’re in a hotel, restaurant, or someone’s home, minding your manners keeps your reputation intact. And in today’s fast-paced world, good manners stand out more than ever.
Have you ever witnessed shockingly rude behavior in a public setting? Share your experience in the comments—let’s talk about what not to do!
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