There is nothing better than stepping into a clean hotel room after a long day of travel. The bed looks inviting, the air feels cool, and all you want to do is throw your suitcase down and relax.
But travel experts say that is a mistake.
Before you settle in, there is one crucial thing you should do. Check the room.
From safety to cleanliness, hospitality professionals recommend a few simple steps that can make the difference between a peaceful stay and an unpleasant surprise.
Start With Safety
Before you think about comfort, think about security.
The first thing you should do when entering your hotel room is make sure the door locks properly. Test the handle. Engage the deadbolt. Use the safety latch if there is one. If your room includes a safe, check that it works correctly before placing valuables inside.
These small checks take less than a minute, but they can give you peace of mind for the rest of your stay.
Test the Essentials
Once you feel secure, move on to the basics.
Check that the power outlets work. Adjust the thermostat to see if the air conditioning or heating responds. Turn on the television. Test the bathroom fixtures and flush the toilet. Make sure the coffee machine powers on.
Catching problems early allows you to request assistance or a room change before you fully unpack.
Wipe Down High Touch Surfaces
Even in luxury hotels, certain items are touched frequently and may not always be disinfected as thoroughly as you expect.
The television remote is often considered one of the dirtiest objects in a hotel room. Light switches, the bedside phone, the thermostat, and the coffee machine buttons are also high contact surfaces.
A quick wipe with a disinfectant cloth can significantly reduce your exposure to germs and give you extra reassurance.
A hotel room may look spotless at first glance, but taking a few careful steps as soon as you walk in can protect your safety, your health, and your peace of mind. That one minute of checking could save you from hours of stress later.
