Hotels often have to deal with lost and found items in guest rooms. Lost and found items can be anything from personal belongings to expensive electronics, and it’s important for hotels to have a clear protocol in place for dealing with these items. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to deal with lost and found items in hotel rooms.
How to Deal with Lost and Found Items in Hotel Rooms
- Secure the Item
The first step in dealing with a lost and found item is to secure the item. This involves collecting the item and placing it in a secure location, such as a locked cabinet or safe. This ensures that the item is not lost or stolen before it can be returned to the rightful owner.
- Record the Item
The next step is to record the item in a lost and found logbook. This logbook should include the date, time, location, and description of the item, as well as the name and contact information of the person who found the item. This ensures that there is a record of the item and can help to track down the rightful owner.
- Notify the Guest
If the lost and found item is easily identifiable, such as a wallet or a piece of jewelry with an engraving, the hotel can contact the guest to let them know that the item has been found. If the item is not easily identifiable, the hotel can post a notice on its website or social media platforms, or place an ad in the local newspaper to try to locate the rightful owner.
- Store the Item
If the hotel is unable to locate the rightful owner of the lost and found item, the item should be stored for a period of time, typically 90 days. During this time, the hotel can continue to try to locate the owner through various means. After 90 days, if the owner has not been located, the item can be donated to a charity or disposed of in a responsible manner.
- Return the Item
If the rightful owner of the lost and found item is located, the item should be returned to them as soon as possible. This can be done through mail or by arranging for the guest to pick up the item at the hotel. It’s important to ensure that the guest can provide proof of ownership before returning the item.
In conclusion, dealing with lost and found items in hotel rooms can be a challenging task. By following a clear protocol, including securing and recording the item, notifying the guest, storing the item, and returning the item, hotels can ensure that lost and found items are dealt with in a professional and responsible manner. This can help to increase guest satisfaction and maintain a positive reputation within the industry.