The School of Etiquette

Most luxury hotels will provide you with an umbrella, should you need it on a rainy day. Here’s a few etiquette tips for borrowing an umbrella:▪️Carrying a dripping umbrella through the hotel lobby isn’t chic and could even be a safety hazard, esp. if the floor is marble. Please remember to shake off the excess water outside and place it neatly in the umbrella stand, which is usually located near the lobby entrance.▪️Avoid opening it indoors: Not only is it impractical (and considered incredibly rude/ a bad omen in some cultures), but it can also be dangerous to other guests.▪️ Be mindful of space: Following on from the previous point, when carrying a closed umbrella, hold it vertically by your side (tip pointing down), not horizontally, so you don’t poke or trip anyone.▪️Offer courtesy:If staff offer to assist you with your umbrella, a polite “thank you” goes a long way.▪️Finally, please return the umbrella after use. It’s not for you to keep/ take home with you.

Whilst dining, remember to fold your napkin in half before placing it on your lap. This helps to contain crumbs or spills on the napkin rather than allowing it to drop onto your clothes.If you need to dab your mouth, simply lift the top layer of the napkin from the inside and blot. This keeps the outer side of the napkin looking neat throughout the meal.