You have arrived, you open the door, and something is wrong. The room is smaller than expected, the window will not close, or the bed has not been made. It is easy to feel awkward about complaining, especially when you are tired after a long journey. But saying something calmly and early is usually the best approach, and most hosts would rather know than have you quietly unhappy.
Look around first and note the problem
Take a few minutes to check the room properly. Look at the bed, the bathroom, the windows, the heating and any items mentioned in the description. If something is not right, write it down and take a photograph. Be clear about what exactly is the issue: is it dirt, a broken item, a noise or something that is simply missing? A precise description is much easier to deal with than a general complaint.
Speak to the host or the person at the desk as soon as possible. Do it politely and in person if you can, or by message if there is nobody around. Start by explaining the problem calmly, and then ask what can be done. Avoid raising your voice or blaming anyone. A phrase such as "I noticed this and wondered whether you could help" opens the conversation much better than an accusation.
Suggest a sensible solution. Perhaps the item can be repaired, cleaned or replaced, or you could move to another room. Be open to the host's ideas and give them a fair amount of time to respond. Most problems are solved quickly when everyone stays friendly. If the issue is small, you may decide to live with it, and that is fine too.
If nothing changes, keep a record of what you have said and when. Read the terms and conditions carefully so that you understand what applies. Stay courteous, since that helps you in the end. Later, you can leave honest and fair feedback that describes what happened without exaggeration. Speaking up is not rude, but a way of helping both sides. A calm word on the first evening can save the rest of the holiday.
