Depends on what time it is. If its am or afternoon before the steward has come to freshen the room, i leave it on the vanity. If its evening after turn down, I set it in the hallway. You will see many trays just outside the cabins, along with strollers, wheelchairs, Henry, towel carts.

Once you have finished your room service meal, the proper etiquette in 2026 is to place the tray or trolley outside your door in the hallway and immediately notify the hotel staff. Most modern hotels prefer you to call the "In-Room Dining" or "Guest Services" extension to let them know the tray is ready for collection; some high-tech hotels even have a "Trays Out" button on the room's telephone or tablet. If you leave the tray inside your room, it can lead to unpleasant odors and attract pests, while leaving it in the hall without notifying anyone can be a tripping hazard and looks unsightly. If your tray has a "hot box" or a heavy cloth, ensure the lid is replaced to keep things tidy. It is generally considered rude to leave the tray for the morning housekeeping staff to handle. Also, check your bill; many hotels now include a "Delivery Fee" or "Service Charge," so verify if a tip is already included before adding an extra gratuity for the person who brought the food.