Timeshares are a great way to save both money and hassle, but navigating the finer points of timeshare etiquette can be slightly tricky.
Questions like “When do I tip?”, “What do I do with leftover food?”, and “What exactly do I need to clean?” can be as thorny for timeshare veterans as they are for newbies who rent timeshares.
So to keep your stay hassle-free, we’ve put together a tutorial on what you need to know when it comes to best practices for timeshare etiquette.
It’s part-time ownership, without a full-time headache.
Timeshare Etiquette 101
Timeshare Etiquette: Lesson 1 – Tipping
There’s a lot of debate surrounding this one, but if you’re ever in doubt about your timeshare’s tipping policy, ask the front desk. At most timeshares you need to request cleaning service (it’s not always automatically provided), so that would be a perfect time to get the lowdown on tipping etiquette.
If you want the best possible service — tip early, and tip often. Tipping at the beginning and daily during your stay sends a message that you expect, and reward, good service. An added benefit is if there are multiple cleaners, everyone deservedly gets their fair share.
If you’re unhappy with the cleaning provided –whether it’s daily, mid-week, or weekly – let the cleaning staff or property management know. Different timeshares have different standards, and it’s best to – if you’ll excuse the pun – air any dirty laundry before you just walk out without leaving a tip.
Timeshare Etiquette: Lesson 2 – Communication
If you’re leaving a note for the cleaning staff, try to leave it in their language, especially if it’s something more detailed than a Thank-You note.
In many countries the timeshare cleaning staff does not speak English, so there’s little sense in getting upset when your request couldn’t be understood.
Google Translator is a great tool to get your message across. It only takes a moment to type your message and translate, but it will save you from any potential disappointments. Plus you’ll get in the good graces of the cleaners – and that’s always a good thing.
Timeshare Etiquette: Lesson 3 – Food
In a nutshell, if it’s open, it’s probably not wanted by the next person, or by the cleaning staff. The exception would be condiments or open liquor.
Think of sugar and salt and other necessities as creating good timeshare karma. More likely than not, they’re going to be appreciated by the next guest staying there.
Timeshare Etiquette: Lesson 4 – Cleaning
Tidying up is just good common sense. If there is no cleaning staff available, leave the timeshare in as good condition as you found it, and not like frat boys were turned loose in there.
Toss the trash, clean the dishes (or at least run the dishwasher), and toss any leftover food. And try to get rid of the odor from that curry you had last night too. Believe us; the next guest will appreciate it.
Sounds simple? It is. Follow these tips and you are well on your way to a headache-free timeshare stay.
What advice do you have on Timeshare Etiquette?
This post has been brought to you by the fine folks at SellMyTimeShareNow.com who know a thing or two about Timeshares, and timeshare etiquette.
Oman 
I’ll endorse all these points and say they also apply when renting something like a chalet. Cleaners have limited time to turn round an apartment, chalet or whatever and it really helps if guests try to leave the place looking as near as it was when they arrived. But it’s also important to note local customs. Our Austrian cleaners have much higher standards than our European guests – this has much to do with the Austrian commitment to recycling and waste management, which is much greater than the rest of Europe. Boy does it cause some aggro!
Picking up after yourself is a must. They have a limited time to turn around the timeshare for the next guest. They have to clean 3 or 4 of them before the next check in which is six hours later
Good advice. thank you.
Great Points. I would also add – Be Respectful! I see so many people on vacation who treat the staff as staff. That might sound funny, but treat them as your friends and your drinks will be stiff and the room service hot.