Hotel rooms are cleaned between guests, and most are perfectly comfortable. Still, a room is shared with many people over time, and a few easy habits reduce the chance of picking up an illness or irritation. This article offers general, common-sense advice. It is not medical guidance, and if you have a health condition or are immunocompromised, check with your clinician about what precautions suit you.
What to look at when you arrive
A quick look when you enter tells you a lot. Notice whether the room smells fresh, whether the floors and bathroom look clean, and whether there are visible stains or hair on the bedding. If something is clearly wrong, ask for another room or for the room to be cleaned before you unpack. A clean-looking room is not a guarantee, but obvious problems are a fair reason to speak up.
Open the window or turn on the ventilation if the air seems stuffy and the hotel allows it. Fresh air generally helps, though outdoor conditions and building design vary.
High-touch surfaces
Some items are touched by every guest, and a wipe with a disinfecting or alcohol-based wipe is a common precaution if you want one. The usual suspects include:
- Door handles and the inside lock
- Light switches and thermostat controls
- The television remote and the phone
- Desk surfaces and the kettle or coffee maker handle
- Bathroom taps and the flush handle
You do not need to scrub the whole room. Following the manufacturer’s instructions on any cleaning product, and testing a hidden spot on delicate surfaces, avoids damage. Do not use cleaning products on electronics unless the product says it is safe for them.
Linens and bedding
Hotels typically change sheets and pillowcases between guests. Duvet covers and bedspreads may be cleaned on a different schedule, and decorative throws and some blankets are often laundered less often. If that bothers you, you can remove the top layers and use only the sheets and the cover, or ask the desk for fresh items. Check the bed for visible signs of bed bugs, such as small dark spots near the seams of the mattress or headboard, or live insects, before you put luggage on the bed. If you do find signs, tell the front desk right away and ask to be moved to a room that is not adjacent, then inspect the new room as well. Keep your luggage off the bed and away from the wall until you have checked.
Towels should look and smell clean. Ask for replacements if they are damp, stained or smelly, and use the hook or rail provided, not the floor, to hang them.
Bathroom basics
The bathroom is the area most guests care about. Run the shower for a moment before getting in, and look at the tub or shower floor and the drain. Many people prefer to keep their own toiletries and a pair of flip-flops for the shower. Drinking glasses and mugs are worth a quick rinse if you are not sure how they were cleaned, or you can use a disposable cup. Tap water safety differs between places, so check locally whether tap water is considered safe to drink, and ask the hotel if you are unsure.
Food and drink in the room
If you bring food to your room, keep it sealed and dispose of leftovers in the bin so you do not attract insects. If there is a mini fridge, check that it is cold and clean before storing anything, and note that fridge stocking and charges for the minibar are a separate matter. Leftovers kept without refrigeration for long are best thrown away. Wash your hands before eating, particularly after using shared surfaces.
Shared areas
Lobbies, elevators, breakfast rooms, gyms and pools are used by many people. A few easy habits help:
- Wash or sanitize your hands before eating, especially at a buffet, and use the serving utensils provided.
- Wipe down gym equipment before and after you use it, using the supplies provided.
- Shower before getting into a pool, and avoid swimming if you have been unwell, particularly with a stomach illness.
- Use flip-flops on damp floors around pools and in changing areas.
- Cover coughs and sneezes, and keep your distance from others who look unwell.
Housekeeping and your stay
For longer visits, housekeeping routines affect hygiene. Daily service may not be automatic everywhere, and some hotels offer reduced cleaning to save water and energy. You can request fresh towels, bin emptying or a full clean when you need one. If you do not want staff in the room, use the do not disturb sign, and ask for cleaning at the desk when it suits you.
Raising a problem
If something is wrong, contact the front desk by phone or in person as soon as you notice it, describe the issue plainly, and say what you would like, whether that is a re-clean or another room. Take a photo if the problem is visible, and keep notes of times and names. Most hotels want to fix cleanliness problems quickly, and a polite, specific request usually works best. If you have a persistent concern, a follow-up note to the hotel after the stay is a reasonable step.
A sense of proportion
Hotel rooms are not sterile, and they do not need to be. A little attention to the surfaces you touch most, to your bedding and to your hands is generally enough for healthy travelers to enjoy their stay.