10 secrets your hotel doesn’t want you to know
A night in a hotel can be a luxurious experience, but there’s also another, less-glamorous side to this type of accommodation. Here are 10 secrets your hotel doesn’t want you to know. These are the secrets that usually don’t make it past the front desk!
1. The linen might not all be clean
While sheets are generally cleaned daily, hotel blankets might only get washed once a week (same for bedspreads) so always request clean linens when checking in.
2. Parts of your room are infested with germs
From the coffee maker to the doorknobs, desktops and TV remote, frequently-used parts of your hotel room are always going to be covered in microscopic nasties.
3. ‘No vacancies’ isn’t always true
In many large hotels a few rooms are set aside as ‘out of order’ at any given time, in case another one has a minor issue and a guest needs to be moved.
4. The small safe shouldn’t be trusted
We’ve touched on the reason why this is the case, so if you’re travelling with extremely valuable items consider placing them in the main hotel safe.
5. ‘Clean’ items aren’t necessarily clean
This is especially true for glassware in your hotel room, which sometimes gets completely neglected by housekeepers. Always ask for a sealed, plastic glass.
6. Don’t trust the concierge’s recommendations
If you’re new to town and desperate to get the lay of the land a concierge is often your first port of call, but they often get a kick-back for sending you to certain places.
7. Corner rooms can be more spacious
If you’re after a bit of extra space for the place where you’re staying, corner rooms have a tendency to be a little larger irrespective of what level you’re on.
8. You’re expected to take the toiletries
Toiletries can be reused for the next guest and will just be thrown out if you don’t use them, so make sure you grab those mini-shampoos and conditioners.
9. Checking in early or late might give you a lesser room
If you check in outside the normal check-in times your hotel will generally try to accommodate you, but the room on offer might not be quite as good.
10. Staff may be overworked
Staff at hotels often have to put in long shifts, so try to be mindful of this if you’re ever in a position where you have to make a complaint.
Related links:
11 hilarious hotel errors that will make you laugh
The one thing you must check when using a hotel safe
5-star hotel “hires” pug as concierge