When we go on vacation, the first thing many of us do when we arrive at our destination is retreat to what we hope to be a comfortable, clean hotel room. But before you get too comfortable, you might want to take a look around. Many hotels might not be as spotless and accommodating as advertised. Consider these nasty, shocking secrets hotel owners don’t want you to know.
Room Keys Aren’t Always Secure
Sometimes hotel keys are a bit faulty. Hotel front desk staff will reuse the same cards over and over again. In some cases, those cards might not get overwritten properly. In the best-case scenario, you just need to get your card reconfigured. Worst-case scenario, another guest in the hotel might have a card that can access your room.
Bed Bugs Are More Common Than You Think
Unfortunately, bed bugs are more of an issue than you may think. A staggering 80% of hotels report dealing with a bed bug infestation. To be safe, always check for bed bugs before you settle into your hotel room. Check the corners of the bed, under the sheets, under couch cushions, and any other areas where the bugs may hide.
Glasses Usually Aren’t Thoroughly Cleaned
Former hotel employees report that they often skip out on washing the glasses on your coffee bar between guests. Or even worse, they may use inappropriate cleaners such as furniture polish to wipe them down. Some staff even report wiping them down with the same rags they use to clean the bathrooms. Yuck!
The Hotel Safes May Not Be Secure
You may think that your hotel safe is a secure place to store your valuables but, unfortunately, they aren’t as foolproof as you thought. Typically, staff members know the universal code that gives them access to every single safe in the building. It might be better to get a lock for your suitcase instead.
Your Concierge Might Get a Commission
When traveling, you are likely to turn to your trusted concierge for advice on where to eat, visit, or shop. Be aware that they often get a commission from these locations for every visitor they steer towards a given company. This might not always affect the quality of their suggestions, but it’s still important to be aware of.
Some Hotels Keep a Profile on You
At the end of the day, hotels want to offer you unparalleled service that turns you into a return customer. For that reason, hotels have some fairly invasive methods to keep you happy. If you’re a repeat customer, they will start a profile on you, noting your likes, dislikes, and any other relevant information.
You’re Getting Upcharged
Just like any name brand item, you run the risk of paying for the name when you stay at a fancy hotel. Be sure to compare your hotel with others with lesser price tags. Does your first pick actually offer elevated amenities? Or is it simply boasting an impressive name?
Your Room May Have Hidden Cameras
Unfortunately, not all hotel owners are trustworthy. In rare cases, they may end up doing something reprehensible – placing a hidden camera in your room. There could be any number of reasons why they would do such an invasive thing, but either way, it’s a risk you run while staying at a hotel.
UV Light Can Tell a Gross Story
Like it or not, you have no clue what devious acts took place in the hotel room you’re sleeping in. Blood and other bodily fluids may have splattered across your room and you wouldn’t be the wiser. That is, until you take a UV blue light to reveal any hidden secrets.
Deaths Aren’t Made Public
Unfortunately, you never really know what happened in your hotel room before you checked in. That can include everything from accidents to even deaths. Hotels rarely publicize such incidents, so unless a guest claims the place is haunted, you likely won’t hear about any tragedies that occurred behind closed doors.
Cleaning Staff Snooze in Your Bed
Cleaners often work under demanding schedules for grudgingly long hours. They may inadvertently get a bit sleepy and take a quick power nap in your bed. While it’s understandable, you don’t want to share your bed unbeknownst to you. But you can’t be sure if that took place before or after they changed out your bedding.
They May Use Your Restroom Too
Your bed isn’t the only part of your room the staff may use while you’re away. When nature calls, they may choose to use your bathroom to do their business too. Hopefully, they would be respectful enough to be clean and discreet, but you never really know. Your room is free for them to use however they please.
Vegetarians Should Be Cautious
Vegetarians beware. Even if a dish is labeled meat-free, hotel kitchens can be careless. Unfortunately, cross-contamination is common. Some meals may contain hidden ingredients such as chicken broth or gelatin. Unless the hotel has a strict vegetarian policy or dedicated prep area, you run the risk of accidentally eating outside of your diet.
Hair Dryers Carry Lots of Germs
Hair dryers in hotel rooms can be a great amenity. But although they might look clean, they can harbor tons of germs. Since they’re usually not sanitized between guests, bacteria, dust, and even traces of skin or hair products can build up inside. And when you turn them on, all those microbes blow straight into the air and onto you.
Hotels Serve as a Drug Dealers’ Office
Be wary that hotels can offer cover for a slew of illegal activity—especially drug deals. With high guest turnover, little to no background checks, and 24/7 access, it’s easy for dealers to conduct business. Some even rent rooms long term almost like an “office space.” Even if staff may suspect something’s off, there’s little they can do without evidence.
