Charles must know somebody to get all the primo assignments!

Isn’t it romantic? A lovely hotel located so close to Robinson’s and a gas station! Quelle convenience! A tear comes to my eye just thinking how a time machine is so sorely needed — I simply MUST stay a weekend in 1956 in the Beverly Hills Hilton. Thankfully, when a time machine is invented, I have guide for how to act while staying at a hotel. That’s a relief! A lady wouldn’t want to make a misstep.

The following was written for teens, but its good sense is applicable to adults of all ages. Let’s turn to _The Seventeen Book of Etiquette and Entertaining_ by Enid A. Haupt (1963). The chapter is entitled, “On the Move: Planes, Trains, Busses; Motels, Hotels, Ships.” Whew. So much sensible information to wrestle into one measly chapter. After telling the young lady how to write a letter to request a room, the following guidelines appear:

Arrival procedures vary. At a hotel you leave your bags on the sidewalk in the care of the doorman. He will have your car parked for you. Then you walk in to register at the desk. (The book then goes into a lengthy explanation of how to tip the doorman — if he “heaved a good many bags around himself” — amounts vary from 10 to 25 cents). The manager takes the key to your room from its slot and calls “front,” and a bellboy appears to carry your bags to your room. (One or two bags, 25 cents; more, 50 cents). You accompany the bell boy. He unlocks your room; turns on the lights; tests radio, TV, radiator, air conditioner; opens and shuts windows; opens and shuts closet and bathroom doors. When he (and you) are sure everything is in good working order, you tip him. If you find you’re short of towels or hangers, call the housekeeper.

The letter paper and matches are meant to be used, not to be taken home. Ash trays and towels also stay where you find them.

Checking out. When you wish to leave a hotel, telephone the cashier and ask to have your bill made up. If you need help with bags, call the front desk and ask for a bellboy. After he’s come for the bags, you go to the front desk, pay your bill, arrange to have any mail which might arrive forwarded — and you’re on your way again … but probably not without another tip to two. Tips vary with the lavishness and location of the hotel, just as room prices do. But whether you stay at the Waldorf or the Weeping Willow Arms, you’ll find the staff expects only modest tips — and a smile and a thank you — from a young girl.

A smile, a thank you, and 25 cents for tip — now THAT’S lavish travel I can certainly appreciate! Another tiny piece of advice appearing at the end of this chapter can certainly help those girls reading this who plan to travel:

“A good traveler … doesn’t wear shorts downtown.”

As if I needed to tell you that!

50 cents all around!

xoxo!
Miss Sharon