EV Charging Etiquette at Hotels: The Do’s, Don’ts and “Did They Really Just Do That?”

Staying at a hotel should be relaxing. But if you drive an EV, there is a new social minefield to navigate: the charging bay. Much like the hotel breakfast buffet, it is all about sharing, being polite and avoiding that awkward moment when someone else catches you out.

So, what does good EV charging etiquette look like when you are staying overnight? Here are a few tips to help keep the peace.

1. Park like you mean it

Those spaces marked with little lightning bolts are not decorative. If you are not plugging in, do not park there. It is the EV equivalent of leaving your towel on a sun lounger at 6am and never coming back.

Hotels and Charge Point Operators can help by making signage clear, so guests know these bays are reserved for charging only.

2. Don’t hog the plug

It is tempting to leave your car plugged in long after it is charged, but that is like filling your plate at the buffet and guarding the toaster. Once you have had your fill, unplug and let the next guest have a turn.

Most hotel chargers are up to 22 kW AC, perfect for topping up overnight. If you are only staying for dinner, think about moving your car once you have enough charge.

3. Respect the queue

If you arrive to find another EV already charging, patience is key. No passive-aggressive notes on the windscreen, no tutting in reception. Most drivers are just trying to get enough charge to carry on their journey.

Hotels can ease the strain by offering multiple chargers and, ideally, a way to book a charging bay with your room.

4. Keep cables tidy

Tripping over a charging cable in the dark is nobody’s idea of a relaxing evening. Wrap it up, place it neatly, and resist the urge to leave it for people to jump across. Hotels can help by making sure bays are well-lit and clearly marked.

5. Share the knowledge

If you are a seasoned EV driver, you will know how to tap, scan or plug without breaking a sweat. But not everyone does. A kind word at the charger, or a simple “let me show you,” can save a fellow guest a lot of stress and the front desk a flurry of questions.

6. Remember what hotel charging is for

It is easy to wish every charger was as fast as a pit stop in Formula 1. But hotel charging is designed to match the pace of your stay. You plug in, enjoy your evening, get a good night’s sleep, and set off in the morning with a full battery. It is about convenience and peace of mind, rather than speed.

How Go Zero takes the stress out of etiquette

The good news is that many of these potential flashpoints, from charger hogging to payment confusion, can be avoided entirely when hotels use Go Zero’s charging solutions.

Our chargers are reliable, simple to use and designed with guests in mind. Contactless tap-to-pay and app-free options mean there is no fumbling at the bay. Reservation features let drivers book a charger alongside their room, reducing parking stress. With round-the-clock monitoring and support, hotels can be confident the chargers are working when guests need them most.

In short, Go Zero chargers remove the uncertainty, keep guests happy, and save staff from awkward conversations at reception.

Why it matters

With more than 85,000 public charge points now across the UK and only 6% of city hotels offering EV charging, competition for the EV guest is heating up. Drivers are actively filtering hotel searches by “has EV charging” and they will remember whether your hotel made it easy or left them circling the car park at midnight.

Final thought

Good etiquette is about making life easier for everyone, just like good charging. So next time you check into a hotel with your EV, think of the charger as part of the hospitality. Be polite, share the space, and let convenience do its job. With Go Zero chargers on site, you and your guests can skip the drama and enjoy the real luxury: a stress-free stay and a fully charged car.