Staying in a hotel can be the ultimate relaxing experience, whether it’s a mini-break or an extended stay.
But while many hotels strive to be quiet and clean, guests are often shocked by what they find beneath the surface.
Fortunately, experts at eShore have shared five top tips for travelers to make the most of their stay.
From arriving on time to checking the hotel kettle, these insider secrets can help make your stay unforgettable for all the right reasons.
Many hotel guests are often shocked by what they find beneath the surface. Luckily, the travel experts at eShore have shared five tips for travelers to make the most of their stay.
Always check the kettle in your room to avoid VERY unpleasant surprises
According to the staff, you should check everything you drink in a hotel room, especially if it’s a kettle.
While many items will be cleaned daily by housekeeping, kettles have been known to go unnoticed.
Experts warn never to boil a hotel kettle before checking inside, as “guest room occupants have been known to add unspeakable substances to kettles”.
According to experts, minibars are also not safe. They said: “A hotel employee remembers a guest urinating into a bottle from the minibar.
Experts have warned hotel guests to always check their room kettles for “unmentionable” items as they may not be cleaned daily.
Don’t check in late – you could lose your room
Hotel receptionists who participated in the study admitted that many budget hotels intentionally overbook their rooms to maximize profits, under the assumption that some guests will not show up.
Experts revealed that if hotels find themselves with too many guests, they can transfer you to a nearby hotel and cover taxi costs, which, although it has no financial impact on you, can constitute a disadvantage.
So if you’re heading to an evening show or event, make sure you arrive on time to reserve your room.
Avoid a cooked breakfast if you are vegetarian
Experts have warned that cross-contamination can be common during the breakfast rush, even for foods meant to be safe for vegetarians.
They said: “You may think you’re safe with options like tomatoes and eggs, but behind the scenes tell a different story. »
Staff members revealed seeing vegetables such as cooked tomatoes on trays covered in bacon grease.
Additionally, the tongs that guests use to help themselves can get mixed up, meaning you could accidentally eat contaminated food.
For this reason, experts say it’s best to avoid buffet breakfasts, especially at budget hotels, or stick to continental options.
Provide antibacterial wipes for bedside drawers
While hotel cleaners allow for a quick change of the room between guests, many surfaces such as the inside of drawers and cabinets can be ignored.
In most hotels, housekeeping rotates the room quickly between guests, which includes vacuuming, cleaning surfaces, and changing bedding.
But because they often come in and out quickly, many surfaces can be overlooked, like the inside of cabinets or drawers.
Experts say cleaners have found intimate items left in hotel rooms, usually in the bedside table drawer.
So, for peace of mind, it might be worth wiping down these surfaces yourself.
On a long trip, you might want to pack an antibacterial spray in your checked baggage. But, if it is a fleeting visit, you can opt for a 100 ml antibacterial spray or wipes.
Carex Antibacterial Hand Spray 100ml can be purchased from Boots for just £2.85 and “kills 99.99% of enveloped bacteria and viruses”.
Always flush the toilet when you enter your room
If you’re heading to a hotel in a warmer climate, hotel employees have one tip: Always flush the toilet.
This applies to first checking into your room and returning from a day trip.
Experts said: “In warmer locations, the toilet bowl and under the seat provide the ideal hiding place for creepy crawlies, especially spiders. »
So unless you don’t mind the risk of unpleasant shock, don’t sit down without flushing the toilet first.
