It can be a lot of fun to go on vacation and stay in a hotel room. Before you get too cozy in that new bed, there are things you should always check in your hotel room.
You’re in a brand new environment. To ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable stay, it’s important to make sure the space is clean and secure. Here are 12 essential things to check in your hotel room upon arrival.
1. Cleanliness
Upon entering your room, check for overall cleanliness. Look at the floors, bedding, and bathroom to make sure they have been properly cleaned.
If you notice any signs of pests or mold, it’s best to bring it up to the concierge and book your stay elsewhere. Cheap rates aren’t worth sacrificing your health and comfort.
2. Locks and Security
Not to scare you, but a recent hospitality review found there are about 34 thefts for every 1,000 hotel rooms in the United States. While this number is low, you don’t want to risk finding yourself in a position where you or your belongings are unsafe.
Ensure that all locks on doors and windows function correctly to feel secure in your room. Check that the door closes securely and the locks are not loose or damaged.
3. Working Appliances
Does your hotel room have an in-unit kitchen? Test all the appliances to ensure they are in good working condition.
The kitchen isn’t the only place that needs this quick quality check. Make sure the hairdryer, television, and air conditioner or heater are functioning as well.
4. Plumbing
Run the taps in the sink and shower to check for hot and cold water. The water should also drain properly, so you don’t have to worry about overflooding.
Before you use the toilet, you should also flush the toilet to make sure it works correctly and does not continue to run, which can be annoying when you’re trying to sleep at night.
5. Bedding Comfort and Cleanliness
The comfort and cleanliness of the bed are the top things you should check in your hotel room. Look carefully at the pillows, sheets, and comforter for overall cleanliness and any signs of bed bugs.
Pull back the sheets and look at the mattress as well, particularly at the corners. The mattress should be comfortable and totally free from stains.
6. Electrical Outlets
When you’re on vacation, you’re going to need a way to charge your phone and any other electronics you bring along. For that reason, it’s important to check your hotel room for working outlets.
It’s also a good idea to check for any exposed wiring or electrical hazards. Nobody wants a fire in the middle of the night!
7. Wi-Fi Connectivity
Almost all hotels in the continental United States offer Wi-Fi. Upon entering your room, log into the network to verify that it works and the signal is strong enough.
Poor connectivity can affect plans, especially if you need internet access for entertainment, travel research, or work. Check your hotel room for the Wi-Fi right away to avoid any surprises later.
8. Emergency Exits and Safety Equipment
In 2022, a casino hotel in Illinois was forced to make an emergency evacuation due to a bomb threat. Unfortunately, life is unpredictable, and you never know when you’ll be in a dangerous situation.
Locate the emergency exits and read any safety instructions provided in the room. Check that there is a map on the back of your door and that you know the quickest route out in case of an emergency. Test the fire alarm as well if possible.
9. Noise Levels
Some things are easy to check in your hotel room. Noise levels, however, can be difficult to gauge right away.
If you can, listen for potential noise issues that might disturb your sleep. Traffic, proximity to the elevators, a creaky air conditioner, or construction going on outside can all be warning signs.
10. Lighting
Before you unpack and get settled, check all the lighting fixtures to ensure they work and provide adequate lighting. Good lighting is essential, particularly if you plan to read or work in the room.
On the other hand, you should also make sure the room gets sufficiently dark at night. Test the curtains to see how well they block out the sun.
11. Smell
Be aware of any unusual smells that could indicate cleanliness issues or problems like mold. A musty or damp smell, in particular, can indicate that a room hasn’t been well-maintained or aired out properly.
If your roommates are smelly, that’s a whole other issue! At the very least, your room should smell fresh, and it should be obvious that it’s cared for properly.
12. Privacy Curtains or Blinds
Is your hotel room on the ground floor? Ensure curtains or blinds close completely and are not damaged.
You’ll want full privacy, so you can relax and not worry about prying eyes. There should also be a seal around the front door that prevents any cracks of light from entering.
Enjoy Your Stay
It may seem like you’re going overboard, but it’s worth your effort to check your hotel room ahead of time. After all, you may be paying as much as $300 per night for the accommodations. Get your money’s worth!
Taking a few minutes to check these essential details can greatly enhance your experience. Bring up any issues to the concierge right away and then enjoy a relaxing, safe, and clean vacation.
Read More:
17 Clever Tips for Saving Money on Your Vacation
13 Effective Ways to Protect Your Home While You’re on Vacation
Alyssa Serio has been a writer and editor since graduating from Aurora University in 2014. In her free time, she loves reading, playing volleyball, and watching any horror movie (even the bad ones) with her husband.