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The Knock, Knock, Knock: Unveiling the Mystery Behind the Hotel Room Knocking Ritual

13 October, 2024

## Knock Three Times: Hotel Room Etiquette and Superstitions

Always Knock Thrice Before Entering a Hotel Room

It is highly advisable to refrain from immediately entering a hotel room and closing the door. Instead, one should adopt the practice of knocking thrice before entering. At some hotels, staff members will knock and use their keycard to open the door while escorting guests to their rooms.

Although they know the room is vacant, as it is the standard procedure for check-in, they still knock and say, “Housekeeping, may I come in?” and wait briefly for a response. If there is no answer, they will knock at least twice more before entering. If housekeeping does not perform this ritual, it is advisable to take the following steps:

– Knock thrice and leave the door open.

– Stand aside, approximately one meter away: men on the left, women on the right.

– Finally, you may enter the room as usual.

Reasons for Knocking Thrice Before Entering a Hotel Room:

Dispelling Negative Energy

It is essential not to enter a strange room immediately, as rented rooms are often unoccupied and can be vacant for extended periods. This can cause a buildup of negative energy. Therefore, knocking and announcing your presence is a way to “invite” out the negative energy and make room for positive vibrations.

It is necessary not to enter a strange room immediately, as rented rooms can be vacant for extended periods.

Showing Respect

Even though you have the keycard to your room, it does not mean that the room is unoccupied. There is always a possibility of a mistake. Knocking demonstrates respect for the previous guest’s privacy, allowing them time to prepare before you enter.

Greeting in Place of a Hello

Knocking on the door is a form of greeting, whether the room is occupied or not. This is a rule of thumb to ensure safety and respect for both the guest and the hotel.

Avoiding Mistakes

Although this practice is not mandatory in all hotels, it is essential in 4-5 star accommodations. It helps prevent instances of the system providing incorrect room information or when maintenance is ongoing, or the room is being cleaned. It could also be that the receptionist made a mistake in noting the room number or gave inaccurate information to the guest. Knocking in this scenario is vital to avoid misunderstandings.

In reality, the front desk, technical staff, and housekeeping are typically separate departments, and information discrepancies can occur. The sound of knocking serves as a signal for those inside to prepare and avoid awkward situations when the door opens.

Catering to Spiritual Beliefs

In the hospitality industry, staff members often share stories with spiritual elements. They believe that invisible “guests” may inhabit hotel rooms. Knocking before entering is seen as a way to notify and seek permission from these spirits to allow the new guests to stay for a few nights.

Hotel rooms are not unfamiliar spaces; they have hosted many guests before, and no one knows the stories that have unfolded within those four walls. Therefore, to avoid bad luck, knocking thrice before entering is considered a prudent measure. This action helps create a comfortable atmosphere for the new guest, reducing the likelihood of encountering mysterious phenomena or feeling unsafe.

This practice is not limited to hotel rooms. Even when returning home after a few days, one should follow similar protocols. If no one is home, knock thrice before opening the door, and wait about half a minute before knocking thrice again.

Additionally, regardless of the time of day, it is advisable to turn on all the lights in the house for about two minutes before turning them off. However, do not practice this if you are moving into a new house or staying at someone else’s home.

If no one is home, knock thrice and wait about half a minute before knocking thrice again.

Other Superstitions and Etiquette to Observe When Staying in a Hotel

In addition to knocking thrice before entering your hotel room, consider the following tips for a pleasant stay:

Turn on Lights and Electrical Devices Immediately Upon Entering

According to feng shui principles, it is inadvisable to enter a hotel room silently. As soon as you step into the room, you should turn on the TV, flush the toilet, and open the wardrobe. Even if you are exhausted from a long journey and crave rest, performing these actions first is essential.

It is recommended to turn on all the lights in the room, including those in the toilet. After about five minutes, you may turn off the lights and truly relax. This practice helps assert your dominance over the room.

Choose a Floor That Aligns with Your Element

Each floor of a hotel corresponds to one of the five elements in Chinese philosophy.

Metal (Kim): Floors 4 and 9

Wood (Mộc): Floors 3 and 8

Water (Thủy): Floors 1 and 6

Fire (Hỏa): Floors 2 and 7 for prosperity

Earth (Thổ): Ground floor and floor 5 are good choices for this element

When booking a room, select a floor that aligns with your element to avoid conflicting energies that may impact your stay. For example, if you are a Wood element that should avoid Metal, staying on the 9th floor could invite unwanted clashes.

Choose a hotel floor that aligns with your element for a harmonious stay.

Avoid Cutting Your Nails at Night

This advice extends beyond hotel stays. According to ancient beliefs, cutting your nails at night can deplete your positive energy, allowing negative forces to take hold and potentially impacting your health. Specifically, cutting a child’s nails after midnight is thought to affect the well-being of the entire traveling party.

Be Mindful When Taking Photos at Midnight

When staying in a hotel, refrain from taking photos at midnight, especially if a painting in the room is included in the frame. Additionally, according to feng shui, taking pictures in an elevator is prohibited.

Hang the “Do Not Disturb” Sign When Leaving the Room

If you need to step out, create the impression that someone is still in the room by hanging the “Do Not Disturb” sign and turning on the TV to generate noise.

Avoid the Last Room in the Hotel

The last room in a hotel tends to accumulate negative energy and can bring bad luck. If the hotel has no other vacancies, carefully consider your options before deciding to stay there.

Check the Hotel’s Facing Direction

If your lucky direction is East, but the hotel faces West, this mismatch may bring bad luck during your stay. This is especially important if you are on a business trip and plan to sign contracts, as this feng shui issue could impact the collaboration and business dealings.