22 Things Your Hotel Room Doesn’t Want You to Know
Have you ever checked into a hotel room, flopped onto the bed, and thought, “Ah, paradise!”? Well, behind the crisp sheets and gleaming surfaces, your hotel room harbors secrets it wishes to keep hidden in its drawers and under its carpets. As we unlock these 22 secrets, prepare for some revelations that might just change how you view your next hotel stay.
The Remote Control’s Dirty Little Secret
Credit: freepik
TV remotes, treasure troves of channels and movies, are a hotspot for germs. Rarely getting more than a quick wipe, if at all, it’s a germophobe’s nightmare. Next time, consider sanitizing it before you binge-watch your favorite show.
The Bedspread Tale
Credit: iStockphoto
Think twice before you snuggle under that bedspread. Despite the clean sheets, the bedspread itself might only see the laundry room every few weeks. For peace of mind, you might want to fold it down or request a freshly laundered one.
Mini-Bar Markup Madness
Credit: freepik
Beware of the tempting mini-bar! Those snacks and beverages come with a hefty price tag often marked up significantly from their grocery store counterparts. For a late-night snack, you might be better off finding a local convenience store.
Cameras as Silent Witnesses
Credit: freepik
On the rare occasion, hidden cameras have been discovered in hotel rooms. Always do a sweep to ensure your privacy isn’t being invaded. It’s better to be safe and secure than unknowingly watched.
Cutting Corners in Cleaning
Credit: freepik
The surface might be shiny, but don’t be fooled. Cleaning staff often have a tight schedule, leading to a quick wipe here and there, but missing nooks and crannies. A pack of disinfectant wipes in your luggage can come in handy.
Stale Secrets of the Air
Credit: freepik
Hotel rooms can suffer from poor air circulation, and this often results in air that’s anything but fresh. Opening a window or requesting an air purifier can help you breathe easier during your stay.
Tap Water Tales
Credit: freepik
While the tap water in most hotels is safe, there are exceptions. To avoid any risk, checking the local water quality or opting for bottled water might be wise, especially in unfamiliar destinations. No one wants to get sick on vacation.
Dust Bunny Playgrounds
Credit: iStockphoto
A quick peek under the bed can reveal a dust bunny haven, a clear sign that this area is often overlooked by cleaning staff. You might want to think twice before using it for luggage storage.
Coffee Maker Conundrum
Credit: Youtube
That in-room coffee maker that you hope would boost your morning mood may not receive the thorough cleaning it needs, posing a risk for bacteria buildup. Sometimes, a coffee run might be the safer choice.
Fee Frenzy
Credit: freepik
Initial room rates can be deceiving. From Wi-Fi to resort fees, unexpected charges can inflate your bill. Always check the fine print or inquire directly to avoid surprises at checkout.
The Nasty Pillow Scenario
Credit: freepik
While sheets and pillowcases are regularly changed, the pillows themselves may not be, potentially harboring dust mites and allergens. Bringing your own pillow might ensure a better night’s sleep.
The Towel Trick
Credit: freepik
Not all towels are automatically replaced daily. Hotels often participate in conservation efforts by only replacing towels that are clearly used. If you’re in need of fresh towels, make sure to ask for one—or two.
Lost and Found Loot
Credit: freepik
Items left by previous guests can end up forgotten in drawers or closets. A thorough check upon arrival can ensure you don’t find any unwanted surprises or, who knows, maybe a forgotten treasure. Rummage away!
Noise Nuisance
Credit: iStockphoto
Thin walls are a common hotel reality, meaning noise from your neighbors or the hallway can easily seep into your room. Bringing earplugs might be your ticket to a peaceful night’s sleep.
The Eco-Friendly Illusion
Credit: freepik
While many hotels promote green initiatives, the reality may fall short. According to the American Hotel and Lodging Association, encouraging guests to reuse their towels also reduces the frequency of laundry loads. So practices like this often serve more to cut costs than to genuinely save the planet.
Lurking Germs on Light Switches
Credit: Youtube
Like remote controls, light switches are high-touch yet often neglected during cleaning. NBC reported that the average aerobic bacteria count on main light switches in hotel rooms was 112.7 CFU or colony forming unit. And so, a quick swipe with a disinfectant wipe can add an extra layer of cleanliness to your stay.
Outdated or MIA Guidebooks
Credit: freepik
The guidebooks provided in your room can be outdated or missing. For the most current recommendations and information, doing your own research or asking the front desk is often more reliable.
Elevator Buttons Ecosystem
Credit: freepik
Are you even surprised that elevator buttons, much like light switches and remotes, are frequently touched but seldom cleaned? A dab of hand sanitizer after pressing could safeguard you against a multitude of germs lurking on these communal surfaces.
The Safe: A Questionable Refuge
Credit: flickr
The in-room safe provides a sense of security for your valuables, but it’s not impenetrable. For highly valuable items, consider using the hotel’s main safe or keeping them with you.
The Drapes’ Dusty Secrets
Credit: freepik
Those heavy drapes do more than block out the sun; they’re also adept at collecting dust. If you’re sensitive to dust, requesting a room with blinds or ensuring the drapes are kept open might alleviate some sniffles.
The Unseen Life of Carpets
Credit: freepik
Beneath your feet, the carpet holds a history of spills, stains, and more. Even with regular vacuuming, they’re not always as clean as they appear. Slippers or flip-flops can keep your feet off those questionable surfaces.
The Phone As A Forgotten Relic
Credit: freepik
In the age of smartphones, the hotel room phone gets less attention, both from guests and cleaners. Yet, it’s another germ harbor, often overlooked in the cleaning process. Again, a quick wipe can do wonders! It ensures a safer option for those necessary front desk calls.