Hotel rooms are cleaned between guests, but that doesn’t mean every item gets the same level of attention. Housekeeping staff often have a limited amount of time to prepare each room, so the focus is usually on making the space look fresh and ready rather than deep-cleaning every surface.
For that reason, many seasoned travelers have a few habits they stick to every time they check in. Some are about hygiene, while others are simply extra precautions that offer a little more peace of mind. Here are 11 hotel room items and areas that are worth thinking twice about before using.
Drinking Glasses and Coffee Mugs
The glasses and mugs sitting on the bathroom counter or coffee station often make travelers uneasy.
Some guests wash them with hot water and soap before using them, while others avoid them altogether and use disposable cups instead. One Reddit user said they always wash every glass and cup before taking a drink because they aren’t sure how thoroughly they’ve been cleaned.
If you’re unsure, giving them a quick wash yourself takes only a minute.
Decorative Comforters and Throw Pillows
The decorative bedding on top of the bed may look fresh, but it isn’t always washed between every guest.
Sheets and pillowcases are typically replaced after each stay, but comforters, blankets, and decorative pillows may be cleaned much less often. One traveler put it simply: “Take the comforter off the bed. They don’t wash that.”
Many frequent travelers remove decorative bedding as soon as they enter the room and sleep with only the freshly laundered sheets and blankets underneath.
Related: 14 Things You Should Never Do in a Hotel Room
The Ice Bucket
An ice bucket doesn’t seem like something to worry about, but plenty of travelers avoid using it unless it has a fresh plastic liner.
Without a liner, there’s no easy way to know whether the bucket was washed between guests. Since hotel items sometimes get used in unexpected ways, many people prefer not to take the chance.
The In-Room Coffee Maker
Coffee makers are another item that many experienced travelers skip.
While the outside may be wiped down during cleaning, the water reservoir and internal parts aren’t always cleaned thoroughly. Mineral buildup, leftover water, and infrequent maintenance are enough to make some people pass on that first cup of coffee.
Several former hotel employees have also said they bring their own coffee or wait until they can grab one elsewhere.
Walking Barefoot on the Bathroom Floor
Many travelers pack lightweight flip-flops or shower shoes for one simple reason, they don’t want to walk barefoot across hotel floors.
Bathrooms, in particular, tend to make people uneasy. Even if the floor looks spotless, wearing something on your feet adds an extra layer of protection and takes almost no effort.
The Bed Before Inspecting It
Before unpacking or sitting down, many travelers take a quick look at the mattress.
Pulling back the sheets and checking the mattress seams for signs of bed bugs only takes a minute and can save a lot of trouble later. Some travelers even leave their luggage in the bathroom until they’ve finished checking the bed.
Many people who ignore most travel tips still agree this is one precaution that’s worth making every time.
Drawers and Upholstered Furniture
Dressers, sofas, and upholstered chairs don’t always receive the same attention as bathrooms and bedding.
For shorter trips, many travelers leave their clothes in their suitcase instead of unpacking into drawers. One commenter said they only use hotel drawers if they’re staying longer than a week.
It’s a small habit that reduces contact with surfaces that may not be cleaned as often.
The TV Remote Without Wiping It Down
The TV remote passes through countless hands, making it one of the most frequently touched items in any hotel room.
Many travelers wipe it down with a disinfecting wipe as soon as they arrive. Others sanitize the remote along with light switches, door handles, and thermostat controls before settling in.
Some even slip the remote into a clear plastic bag during their stay so they don’t have to handle it directly.
Related: Hotel Workers Are Begging Guests to Stop Doing These Things — It Makes Their Jobs So Much Harder
The Door Without Locking Every Lock
This tip has nothing to do with cleanliness and everything to do with personal safety.
After entering the room, lock every available lock, including the deadbolt, security latch, or swing bar. Some travelers also carry portable door locks or door wedges for added security, especially when traveling alone.
Taking a few extra seconds before going to bed can provide extra peace of mind.
The Room Before Finding the Emergency Exit
Many experienced travelers check the evacuation map as soon as they enter the room.
Knowing where the nearest exit is can make a big difference during an emergency. Some people even count the number of doors between their room and the nearest stairwell so they could find it if visibility were poor.
It’s a simple habit that’s easy to overlook but takes less than a minute.
Related: Man shows up with an unexpected guest—did the homeowner go too far asking him to leave?
Mirrors and Hidden Camera Concerns
Questions about hidden cameras and two-way mirrors come up often in online travel discussions.
Some travelers cover the peephole, scan the room for unusual devices, or inspect mirrors for peace of mind. Others believe those concerns are largely exaggerated, especially in established hotels.
Most travel experts suggest focusing on practical precautions, like checking locks, inspecting the room, and paying attention to cleanliness, rather than worrying about unlikely scenarios.
A few basic habits can make any hotel stay feel a little more comfortable. You don’t have to avoid every item in the room, but knowing which ones frequent travelers are most cautious about can help you decide which precautions make sense for you.
