My son's Game Boy was stolen from our room during our DL stay....

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I'm sorry for all of you who have had things stolen. What a bummer. Because DH, DS and I tend to travel with a lot of electronic valuables, we never let housekeeping in our rooms once we check in. We'll call down and ask for extra towels, put up the Do Not Disturb sign, and if we need to we'll leave the trash outside the door for housekeeping and request a couple of extra trash bags if needed. We also use the safe in the room for some valuables, but if we are traveling with a lot of cash, we request to put it in the safe deposit box at the font desk that you have to sign in/out to access. If we request anything extra, we'll tip the person that brings the stuff to the room, and we leave one large tip at the end of our stay.
We always joke with each other that the housekeepers must love us because they never have to clean the room the whole time we're there, they get tipped for any extras and another big tip at the end. We have never had anything stolen from our rooms.
BTW, most hotels nowadays do not change bedding until you check out unless you request it, and the same goes for towels. If you leave it on the floor they'll change it, etc. (if you allow them in the room). Anyway, I thought I'd share this simple solution -- if you are traveling with a lot of expensive items, don't let housekeeping in the room. If anyone does enter your room without your permission, the hotels computers should show whose key was used to enter the room.

 

[heatherleigh]

I didn't realize everyone tipped housekeeping. I guess we're going to have to get on board too. We have never had anything stolen, but it would be great to have them pay extra attention to the room. We will definitely do it on our next hotel stay.

 

[sonnyjane]

Are you implying that because you throw money around and keep housekeepings snack supply topped up that housekeeping does not steal from you and provides you MRSA free towels?
I only thought this type of arrogance and shallowness existed on other forums because it certainly does not belong on the DL forum.
Seriously WOW

I wouldn't go so far as to say that is arrogance. I'm have a kind of similar attitude, but not out of arrogance. I have stayed in at least three hotels that come to mind where I had an extended (three days or more) stay and noticed that with each passing day, as each tip was awarded, the condition of my room improved - from getting just basic towels and toiletries to getting extra toiletries and a handwritten notes by the end of the stay. I also noticed that on the first day, they left my belongings just laying around, but after repeated days of tipping, my shoes magically found themselves in a row, and even my dirty clothes had been placed in a plastic laundry bag (kind of weird on THEIR part for doing that but, ehh).

So, in other words, I don't think implying that tipping yields better service is out of line, because in my experience, it has seemed to be true.

 

[gethane]

I don't see anything wrong with tipping to get better housekeeping services, but the expectation of tipping so you don't get something stolen? That's extortion. I'll take your stuff if you don't give me money?

 

[MaumeeMom]

I'm sorry for all of you who have had things stolen. What a bummer. Because DH, DS and I tend to travel with a lot of electronic valuables, we never let housekeeping in our rooms once we check in. We'll call down and ask for extra towels, put up the Do Not Disturb sign, and if we need to we'll leave the trash outside the door for housekeeping and request a couple of extra trash bags if needed. We also use the safe in the room for some valuables, but if we are traveling with a lot of cash, we request to put it in the safe deposit box at the font desk that you have to sign in/out to access. If we request anything extra, we'll tip the person that brings the stuff to the room, and we leave one large tip at the end of our stay.
We always joke with each other that the housekeepers must love us because they never have to clean the room the whole time we're there, they get tipped for any extras and another big tip at the end. We have never had anything stolen from our rooms.
BTW, most hotels nowadays do not change bedding until you check out unless you request it, and the same goes for towels. If you leave it on the floor they'll change it, etc. (if you allow them in the room). Anyway, I thought I'd share this simple solution -- if you are traveling with a lot of expensive items, don't let housekeeping in the room. If anyone does enter your room without your permission, the hotels computers should show whose key was used to enter the room.

I'd rather leave the toys at home and let housekeeping into the room. For me, having the bed made and the bathroom cleaned and stocked is part of being on vacation. I do all that here at home for my family - well oldest DS makes his own bed most of the time but you know what I mean. That is also why I tip the maids, because I know what a rotten job it is to clean up after everyone else.

Tipping to avoid theft - that's a new one for me - it just seems wrong.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I'd rather leave the toys at home and let housekeeping into the room. For me, having the bed made and the bathroom cleaned and stocked is part of being on vacation. I do all that here at home for my family - well oldest DS makes his own bed most of the time but you know what I mean. That is also why I tip the maids, because I know what a rotten job it is to clean up after everyone else.

Tipping to avoid theft - that's a new one for me - it just seems wrong.

I agree to a point. Some of us can't leave the toys at home. Like us. We own a small business that involves use of electronics. In addition, we need to have internet & computer access everywhere we go. Many of our trips involve transporting electronic gear for repair, etc., so they are like working vacations and the gear comes with us either before or after they are dropped off at the service center/repair shop. Anyway, fwiw, it's worked for us and we've never had anything stolen from a hotel room. Knock wood.

 

[disneydreamerbelle]

I'm sorry for all of you who have had things stolen. What a bummer. Because DH, DS and I tend to travel with a lot of electronic valuables, we never let housekeeping in our rooms once we check in. We'll call down and ask for extra towels, put up the Do Not Disturb sign, and if we need to we'll leave the trash outside the door for housekeeping and request a couple of extra trash bags if needed. We also use the safe in the room for some valuables, but if we are traveling with a lot of cash, we request to put it in the safe deposit box at the font desk that you have to sign in/out to access. If we request anything extra, we'll tip the person that brings the stuff to the room, and we leave one large tip at the end of our stay.
We always joke with each other that the housekeepers must love us because they never have to clean the room the whole time we're there, they get tipped for any extras and another big tip at the end. We have never had anything stolen from our rooms.
BTW, most hotels nowadays do not change bedding until you check out unless you request it, and the same goes for towels. If you leave it on the floor they'll change it, etc. (if you allow them in the room). Anyway, I thought I'd share this simple solution -- if you are traveling with a lot of expensive items, don't let housekeeping in the room. If anyone does enter your room without your permission, the hotels computers should show whose key was used to enter the room.

This is what we do! We tell the front desk we will not be needing housekeeping, and housekeeping leaves us a message every day letting us know to contact them if we need anything. We just grab what we need off the cart in the hall every morning and have never had a problem. I also never use bell check - the two times I have things have arrived broken.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

This is what we do! We tell the front desk we will not be needing housekeeping, and housekeeping leaves us a message every day letting us know to contact them if we need anything. We just grab what we need off the cart in the hall every morning and have never had a problem. I also never use bell check - the two times I have things have arrived broken.

Yes, I forgot to mention that. They leave us messages too. It's strange; they do seem to be very concerned when we don't have them clean the room. They always call, sometimes 2 times a day.

 

[jory29]

I think a lot of times when on vacation you just don't think about protecting our things. We stayed at the Hojo and put all of our things in the safe everyday before we left simply because I am paronoid.Dh thought it was stupid. I will make sure he reads this thread!....

I can say that the Hojo staff was awesome to us. My daughter (6 at the time) left her "lovey" at the hotel. We realized when we stopped at a gas station just after the grapvine. We called as soon as I realized I hadn't packed it. They didn't find but said they would keep looking and gave us the number of the head housekeeper. She called us two days later! They had found it and if we gave her our address they would mail to us! ANd they did and the two were reunited and the "lovey" has not left our house sence! LOL! BTW I realize that the "lovey" is not worth anything monatary but it was still an awesome gesture by the hotel!! ; )

We too, had an awesome experience at Hojo's where I put my valuables in the safe in the room - but forgot to lock it up - it stayed wide open for the day, housekeeping came in, cleaned the room, left the safe untouched. When we left tips for them, they didn't always take them so I made sure to catch up to them in the mornings and personally give them either a tip or a small token gift such as body moisturizer (brand new), etc. This was with a lot of gesturing on my part as there is a language barrier, but I found the housekeeping staff at hojos to be extremely kind and very good at keeping the rooms tidy. The lovey was beyond valuable, due to the sentimental value.

 

[jory29]

We always get towel animals and or a clean room etc! We also bring treats that you can only find in Canada and little souveniers also.

Great idea! Since I live in Canada, I am wondering what kind of treats do you know that you can only buy in Canada and not the USA? Thanks, if you can provide examples. I know we love looking at the different food items that are in the USA that are not available in Canada and I plan on buying some generic bonine from Vons when next there, since you can't buy that in Canada anymore.

 

[bumbershoot]

Yes, I forgot to mention that. They leave us messages too. It's strange; they do seem to be very concerned when we don't have them clean the room. They always call, sometimes 2 times a day.

Management gets concerned when housekeeping isn't allowed in. Concern for safety, concern you've set up a mobile meth lab, etc etc etc.

 

[LOVEDISNEYLAND]

what exactly does housekeeping do when you are there for a week? are they only making the beds and bringing fresh towels? or are they changing sheets too? we never travel, so I have no clue. thanks!

We make the bed in the morning, we go and get fresh towels and we change our own sheets every two days. I would rather do everything myself then have someone steal my stuff when we're in the park.

 

[KirstenB]

Great idea! Since I live in Canada, I am wondering what kind of treats do you know that you can only buy in Canada and not the USA? Thanks, if you can provide examples. I know we love looking at the different food items that are in the USA that are not available in Canada and I plan on buying some generic bonine from Vons when next there, since you can't buy that in Canada anymore.

My family is from Canada. We used to go there in the summers. One thing I loved that I couldn't buy in America was candy bars, like Rountrees Aero Bars. I don't even know if they still make them, but they rocked!! Also, the maple syrup candy shaped like maple leaves.

 

[Belle Ella]

I'm sorry for anyone who has had something stolen from their hotel room, I can't imagine how I'd react if it were me.

I've always allowed housekeeping into my room when I'm at a hotel. The valuables that I have that I am concerned about I always make sure get locked up in the safe. My laptop, my hard drive, car keys, extra cash, DS, things like that. That's not to say that I don't leave things out, because I do. But they are usually things that if someone really wants to steal them they can be my guest because I wont be broken hearted over it. Heck, I probably wouldn't even notice they were missing TBPH. But I'm also not ever travelling with kids and bringing along toys.

The tip I leave usually depends on how many people (or if it's just me) and for how many days. But sometimes even they weren't picked up.

 

[knewton64]

I'm sorry for anyone who has had something stolen from their hotel room, I can't imagine how I'd react if it were me.

I've always allowed housekeeping into my room when I'm at a hotel. The valuables that I have that I am concerned about I always make sure get locked up in the safe. My laptop, my hard drive, car keys, extra cash, DS, things like that. That's not to say that I don't leave things out, because I do. But they are usually things that if someone really wants to steal them they can be my guest because I wont be broken hearted over it. Heck, I probably wouldn't even notice they were missing TBPH. But I'm also not ever travelling with kids and bringing along toys.

The tip I leave usually depends on how many people (or if it's just me) and for how many days. But sometimes even they weren't picked up.

here's a tale to tell you:

After I ran the 5K out on Castaway Cay (January 2009 via my WDW/ DCL vacation), I went for a swim in the ocean.

One problem - I forgot that my 8-gig I-Pod touch was in my pocket!


Lesson learned: never bring any electronic gizmo on a vacation that you won't miss if damaged, stolen, lost, misplaced or what not.


P.S. Five days later....my I-pod was working again.

 

[Belle Ella]

here's a tale to tell you:

After I ran the 5K out on Castaway Cay (January 2009 via my WDW/ DCL vacation), I went for a swim in the ocean.

One problem - I forgot that my 8-gig I-Pod was in my pocket!


Lesson learned: never bring any electronic gizmo on a vacation that you won't miss if damaged, stolen or what not.


P.S. Five days later....my I-pod was working again.

Heck, I've pretty much done that at home. I forgot it was in my pocket and ran it through the washing machine. Dangers to all electronic devices can and will happen anywhere. I couldn't survive the drive without my iPod in the first place.

 

[knewton64]

Heck, I've pretty much done that at home. I forgot it was in my pocket and ran it through the washing machine. Dangers to all electronic devices can and will happen anywhere. I couldn't survive the drive without my iPod in the first place.

....i have 1300 songs on mine (and approx 1350 pics w/ 1.5 gig left) as I listen to Disney cruise line music OR Disney music to & from work. It just gives me the case of the giggles whenver I hear the DCL horn blast the first 7 notes to "When you wish Upon a Star."

Puts me in that DISney mood & is a great stress reliever.


Anywho -

P.S. nice trip report - I read yours. Wish me luck as I head out to DL & DCA in a few week for the first time.

 

[VeeB]

I work in the hospitality industry.

Please, never leave anything of value in your room. When you sign a registration card, you are usually agreeing to fine print that holds the hotel harmless in any instance of an item being lost or stolen from your room. Hotels have no way of proving someone is stealing unless a pattern develops. This unfortunately means multiple instances. It doesn't happen a lot, but it does happen.

It shouldn't be this way, but it is the way it is. Protect your items. I call housekeeping in the mornings and ask them to please bring towels, when I open the door I let them see inside and then I tell them I won't need service. This alleviates any management concern that you are cooking meth in your room. Leave your do not disturb sign on your door.

I travel with my laptop, and I don't want someone to be tempted to take it. I also don't want to have to leave it in my hot car. I can live with unmade beds to have that extra security.

With that said 99% of housekeepers are good, hard working people. Please leave them a tip, even if it's only a couple of dollars for each day you are there. They clean up the filth of others for a living, and they aren't paid very well to do it. If I tip someone to bring me my food, I am certainly going to tip someone who scrubs my toilets.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I work in the hospitality industry.

Please, never leave anything of value in your room. When you sign a registration card, you are usually agreeing to fine print that holds the hotel harmless in any instance of an item being lost or stolen from your room. Hotels have no way of proving someone is stealing unless a pattern develops. This unfortunately means multiple instances. It doesn't happen a lot, but it does happen.

It shouldn't be this way, but it is the way it is. Protect your items. I call housekeeping in the mornings and ask them to please bring towels, when I open the door I let them see inside and then I tell them I won't need service. This alleviates any management concern that you are cooking meth in your room. Leave your do not disturb sign on your door.

I travel with my laptop, and I don't want someone to be tempted to take it. I also don't want to have to leave it in my hot car. I can live with unmade beds to have that extra security.

With that said 99% of housekeepers are good, hard working people. Please leave them a tip, even if it's only a couple of dollars for each day you are there. They clean up the filth of others for a living, and they aren't paid very well to do it. If I tip someone to bring me my food, I am certainly going to tip someone who scrubs my toilets.

Great advice! ITA, and it works for us!