From checking in at the front desk to collecting hotel toiletries, these nine classic habits reveal how boomers experience travel differently.
Hotels have changed dramatically over the past few decades.
What used to feel like a luxury getaway now looks very different, with digital check-ins, eco-friendly policies, and a whole new set of expectations for guests.
But while the industry has evolved, many boomers still stick to their tried-and-true hotel routines.
Some of these habits are endearing and nostalgic, while others can seem a little outdated to younger travelers.
For boomers, though, these traditions aren’t just about comfort — they’re about a familiar way of experiencing travel.
Here are nine hotel habits boomers refuse to give up, no matter how much the travel world has changed.
1. Always stopping at the front desk to check in
Younger travelers often breeze past the lobby, checking in through an app or keyless entry system.
Boomers, on the other hand, almost always make a beeline for the front desk.
For them, speaking directly to a hotel employee feels like part of the experience.
It’s a chance to ask questions, request upgrades, or just get a lay of the land.
Many boomers also feel more comfortable having a physical key card handed to them rather than relying on their phone.
They like knowing there’s a person they can turn to if anything goes wrong during their stay.
This habit isn’t just about logistics — it’s about human connection and reassurance.
Even as technology becomes more seamless, for many boomers, a warm greeting at the front desk will always feel essential.
2. Requesting extra towels and pillows immediately
Boomers grew up in a time when hotel service was all about abundance.
To them, a well-stocked room means comfort and care.
That’s why many will call housekeeping as soon as they arrive to request extra towels, pillows, and sometimes even blankets.
It’s not that they necessarily need them all — it’s about having options and feeling prepared.
Younger travelers might be content with the minimalist setups common in boutique hotels, but boomers expect a certain level of plushness.
They also remember a time when extra amenities didn’t come with extra charges.
This habit reflects a desire for that old-school hotel luxury where service felt generous and personalized.
For boomers, having plenty of cozy extras is part of what makes a stay feel special.
3. Unpacking completely — even for a short stay
Many boomers treat a hotel room like a temporary home, which means fully unpacking their suitcases.
Clothes are hung neatly in the closet, shoes lined up, and toiletries arranged on the bathroom counter.
Even if they’re only staying for one or two nights, they like to feel settled.
This habit stems from a time when travel was seen as an event, not just a quick stopover.
Unpacking makes the experience feel more organized and comfortable.
Younger travelers often live out of their suitcases, preferring speed and convenience over meticulous organization.
But for boomers, taking those extra few minutes to unpack signals that the trip has truly begun.
It’s part ritual, part practical strategy — and one they’re unlikely to abandon anytime soon.
4. Calling the front desk instead of using an app
Today, many hotels encourage guests to use apps or tablets to request services.
Room service, housekeeping, and even check-out can often be handled digitally.
Boomers, however, tend to stick with the tried-and-true method: picking up the phone.
To them, speaking to a real person feels more reliable than tapping buttons on a screen.
They appreciate the reassurance of clear communication, especially when dealing with special requests.
There’s also a trust factor — they know their request was heard and understood.
Younger guests might see this as outdated, but for boomers, it’s a simple and efficient way to get things done.
Some traditions are just hard to beat, even in a tech-driven world.
5. Reading the entire hotel information booklet
In many hotel rooms, there’s a binder or folder filled with information about services and amenities.
Younger travelers tend to ignore it, relying on Google or Yelp for recommendations.
Boomers, on the other hand, will often read through every page.
They like knowing the breakfast hours, pool rules, and emergency exits in detail.
This habit comes from a time before smartphones, when the hotel booklet was the primary source of information.
It’s also a way for them to feel oriented and in control during their stay.
Even if they don’t use all the information, there’s comfort in being fully informed.
It’s a small ritual that adds structure to their travel experience.
6. Checking under the bed and in the closets
Before settling in, many boomers do a quick sweep of the room — and we’re not talking about cleaning.
They’ll check under the bed, open every drawer, and peek into the closet.
Some of this stems from caution, making sure there’s nothing unsanitary or suspicious lurking.
Other times, it’s simply about curiosity or habit.
Back in the day, hotel standards weren’t always as consistent, so this routine was a way to ensure everything was in order.
Younger travelers might find it unnecessary, but for boomers, it’s about peace of mind.
Once they’ve inspected the space, they can relax and fully enjoy their stay.
It’s their way of claiming the room and making sure it’s truly ready for them.
7. Leaving tips in cash for housekeeping
While tipping remains common, the way it’s done has evolved.
Many younger travelers tip through apps or leave positive reviews online.
Boomers, however, often prefer the traditional method: leaving cash in an envelope or neatly on the nightstand.
To them, it feels more personal and direct.
They like knowing the person cleaning their room is acknowledged and appreciated.
This habit reflects an old-school understanding of service and gratitude.
Even in a world of cashless payments, boomers often carry small bills specifically for this purpose.
It’s a simple gesture that speaks volumes about their values and upbringing.
8. Taking hotel toiletries — even when they don’t need them
Tiny bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and lotion have long been a quirky staple of hotel stays.
Boomers almost always take them home, even if they have plenty of products waiting in their own bathrooms.
For many, it’s less about necessity and more about tradition.
These little souvenirs are reminders of their travels and the value they place on not wasting anything.
Back when hotels didn’t always offer complimentary amenities, these items felt like small luxuries.
Now, even as eco-friendly bulk dispensers become more common, some boomers still scoop up whatever toiletries are provided.
It’s part nostalgia, part practicality — and a habit they’re unlikely to change.
9. Double-checking the bill at checkout
Boomers tend to be meticulous when it comes to billing, and hotels are no exception.
Even if everything looks fine, they’ll often request a printed bill at checkout.
They carefully review each line item, making sure there are no mistakes or unexpected charges.
This habit goes back to a time when billing errors were more common and required face-to-face resolution.
It’s also tied to a sense of accountability — they like to leave knowing everything is settled properly.
While younger travelers might skip the front desk entirely and trust digital receipts, boomers take comfort in a final, personal review.
It’s their way of ensuring a clean, clear ending to their stay.
Closing reflection: traditions that travel with them
Hotel stays have changed dramatically over the years, but some habits never go out of style.
For boomers, these routines are about more than just preference.
They’re a reflection of the values and experiences that shaped how they travel.
Younger generations might see some of these behaviors as outdated, but for boomers, they bring a sense of familiarity and control.
In a world of constant change, there’s something comforting about sticking to the rituals you know best.
Because at the end of the day, travel isn’t just about where you go — it’s about how you experience the journey.
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