Hotels are places where lots of people stay every day, but not all of them pay as much attention to cleanliness as they should. There can be bed bugs and other pests lurking around that you might not notice until it’s too late. So, here’s what you need to know to make your hotel stay safe and comfortable.
When you first arrive at your hotel room, don’t rush to unpack your bags. Instead, place your bags in the bathtub temporarily. This is because bed bugs can’t survive in the bathtub, so your belongings will be safe there. Next, inspect the room for any signs of bed bugs. Check the rugs, soft furniture, cushions, and other places where pests might hide. Once you’re sure the room is clear, you can unpack your bags.
It’s a good idea to throw the comforter on the floor right away. While sheets are usually cleaned regularly, comforters might not be washed as often. Some hotels wash them weekly, but others might not bother at all. The same goes for bedding. High-end hotels might change sheets daily, but budget ones might not change the pillows or bedding after each guest. Always request fresh pillowcases when you arrive.
It’s best not to drink from the glass in the bathroom, as they might not be cleaned properly. Some workers use disinfectant or furniture polish to make them look spotless. Also, ever wondered why hotels don’t use fitted sheets? They wear out quickly and are hard to store, so hotels prefer using two flat sheets per bed.
Have you noticed that hotel linens and towels are almost always white? This is because white is easy to wash together, and bleach can be used to remove stains. Plus, people associate white with luxury and freshness, making their stay more pleasant.
If you see a great price for a room online, be careful. It might not include a mandatory resort fee. If you pay for a room in advance, you’ll see the final cost at checkout, including all extra charges. If you pay at the hotel, you might be surprised by additional fees when you check out. Always read the fine print.
Many hotels have a phone in the bathroom, often near the toilet. This is a requirement for hotels to receive a four-diamond rating from AAA. It’s also practical; if you slip and fall, you can call for help. Hotels don’t provide plungers in rooms because they want you to feel like you’re the first person to use the room. A plunger might suggest that the toilet could malfunction, which isn’t the image they want to project.
If your hotel uses card keys with magnetic strips, keep them away from your cell phone and wallet. A strong magnet, like the one in your phone, could erase your key card, making it unusable. The hotel can give you a new card, but it’s inconvenient.
Many hotels only accept credit cards for payment. Without one, you might not be able to book a room or use paid services. If you use a credit card, additional costs go to the bank, making everyone happy. Check-in and check-out times are fixed to ensure rooms are cleaned and ready for the next guest. Check-out is usually around 11 am to 12 pm, giving you time to have breakfast and prepare for departure.
It’s annoying when hotels don’t have sockets near the bed. Many hotels were built before mobile phones became popular, so they didn’t need bedside sockets. Newer hotels are more likely to have them.
When you check in, hotel staff might already know who you are from social media. This might seem creepy, but it’s to make your stay more comfortable. You’ll also receive an initial key that resets the door lock, canceling any existing keys. Be respectful to receptionists, as they might play practical jokes on rude customers by giving them two initial keys, making one unusable after the other is used.
Toothpaste is often missing from hotel rooms because it’s classified as a medical supply, making it expensive for budget hotels. Luxury hotels struggle to find a fancy enough brand. While hotel staff clean rooms frequently, smaller items like remote controls and phones might not be disinfected. Bring disinfectant wipes to clean them before use.
Think twice before using the hotel safe for valuables. Hotel locks use passcodes, and someone might know the master code. Hotels often overbook because of a 10% no-show rate, so you might not get your reserved room. If this happens, the hotel will pay for a room at a similar hotel nearby.
Most hotels have carpeted floors for safety and cost-effectiveness. Carpets reduce the risk of slipping and are cheaper to replace than other flooring. They also help with soundproofing, which is great if you have noisy neighbors. Lastly, a “continental breakfast” refers to a breakfast style from continental Europe, including pastries, bread, meat, cheese, fruit juice, and hot beverages.
Imagine you have just arrived at a hotel room. Practice inspecting the room for bed bugs by checking the rugs, soft furniture, and cushions. Use a checklist to ensure you cover all areas. Discuss with your classmates what you found and how you would handle a real-life situation.
Research the cleaning practices of different hotel chains regarding linens and comforters. Create a presentation comparing high-end and budget hotels. Share your findings with the class and discuss the importance of requesting fresh pillowcases upon arrival.
In pairs, role-play a scenario where one student is a hotel guest and the other is a receptionist. The guest discovers unexpected fees at checkout. Practice asking questions and reading the fine print to understand the total cost of a hotel stay.
Divide into groups and debate the pros and cons of using hotel safes for valuables. Consider the security risks and alternatives. Present your arguments to the class and vote on the best practices for keeping valuables safe during a hotel stay.
Research the origins and typical offerings of a continental breakfast. Create a menu that includes traditional items and present it to the class. Discuss how this breakfast style compares to other breakfast options around the world.
Hotel – A place that provides lodging, meals, and other services for travelers and tourists. – Staying at a hotel during our trip made it easy to explore the city and relax after a long day.
Cleanliness – The state of being clean and free from dirt, germs, and impurities. – Maintaining cleanliness in your room is important to prevent the spread of germs and keep a healthy environment.
Bed – A piece of furniture for sleep or rest, typically a framework with a mattress. – After a day of hiking, I was grateful to have a comfortable bed to sleep in at the hotel.
Bugs – Small insects that can sometimes be found in places like beds and furniture, potentially causing discomfort or health issues. – It’s important to check for bugs in your hotel room to ensure a comfortable and safe stay.
Linens – Fabric items such as sheets and pillowcases used on a bed. – The hotel staff changed the linens every day to ensure cleanliness and comfort for the guests.
Fees – Charges or payments required for services or privileges. – Some hotels charge additional fees for amenities like parking or access to the gym.
Sockets – Openings or devices in a wall where electrical appliances can be connected to a power supply. – Make sure to use the sockets safely when charging your devices in the hotel room.
Staff – The group of people who work at a place, such as a hotel, to provide services to guests. – The hotel staff were very helpful and made our stay pleasant by offering great service.
Breakfast – The first meal of the day, typically eaten in the morning. – The hotel offered a complimentary breakfast, which included a variety of healthy options to start the day.
Disinfectant – A chemical substance used to kill germs and bacteria on surfaces to prevent infection. – Using a disinfectant to clean surfaces in your room can help maintain a healthy environment.
