Hotel rooms that we research when we are planning our next trip. We mostly check images at our favorite online booking website, and they almost always look perfect, nicely decorated, and clean.
Having plush pillows offers endless relaxation, and maybe even a minibar indulgence or two. But appearances can be deceiving.
While hotels work hard to create clean, cozy spaces, hotel room cleanliness isn’t always guaranteed. Not everything in your room is as pristine as it looks. In fact, some items are better left untouched—no matter how tempting they might be. Curious?
Here are those surprising things you should never use in a hotel room.
1. The Bedspread: Looks Cozy, But…
That beautifully folded bedspread at the foot of the bed? Yeah, it’s not your friend. While sheets and pillowcases get washed after every guest, bedspreads often escape regular laundering. Studies have found traces of—you might want to sit down for this—bacteria, food stains, and even remnants of colds and flu viruses.
Travel Tip: Fold the bedspread and put it aside. Stick to the clean sheets underneath.
2. The TV Remote: The Germ Magnet
You wouldn’t shake hands with every guest who stayed before you, right? Well, using the TV remote is kind of like doing just that. It’s one of the most frequently touched—and least frequently cleaned—items in the room. In fact, hotel remotes have been found to harbor everything from E.coli to cold viruses.
Travel Tip: Wipe down the remote with a disinfecting wipe or, better yet, use a tissue barrier or a stretch film.
3. The Drinking Glasses: Crystal Clear? Maybe Not.
Those shiny glasses by the sink may look spotless, but their cleanliness can be questionable. Some housekeeping shortcuts—like rinsing glasses with water instead of properly sanitizing them—have made headlines in the past.
Travel Tip: Stick to sealed, disposable cups when available, or give the glass a hot, soapy rinse yourself.
4. The Coffee Maker: A Germ’s Playground
Your morning coffee fix might come with an unwanted side of bacteria. Hotel coffee makers don’t always get the thorough cleaning they need, leaving behind mold, yeast, and residue from past guests.
Travel Tip: If you must use it, run hot water through the machine once or twice before brewing.
5. The Light Switches: High-Touch, Low-Cleaning Priority
Light switches—especially the ones near the bed—often get overlooked during cleaning. These tiny germ hubs see countless touches and very little disinfectant.
Travel Tip: Wipe switches down with a sanitizing wipe when you arrive.
6. The Hotel Room Phone: More Than Just Calls
That landline phone sitting on the desk? It’s not just for room service orders. Phones frequently harbor germs from respiratory viruses, especially since they often don’t get the cleaning attention they deserve.
Travel Tip: Use your own phone if possible, or give the handset a good wipe-down.
7. The Bathtub: Looks Relaxing, But…
A long soak might seem like the perfect way to unwind, but hotel bathtubs can be hotspots for bacteria like staph and even fungi.
Travel Tip: If you’re determined to enjoy a bubble bath, clean the tub with some travel-friendly disinfecting wipes first.
8. The Curtains: Germs Hanging Out
Curtains get touched, sneezed on, and rarely—if ever—cleaned. They’re like a bacteria breeding ground in plain sight.
Travel Tip: Keep your hands off the drapes unless absolutely necessary.
9. The Ice Bucket: Cold, but Contaminated
The ice bucket might seem harmless, but many guests use it for things other than ice. Plus, they’re often just wiped down between stays, not properly sanitized.
Travel Tip: Always use the provided plastic liner if you need ice.
10. The Room’s Complimentary Toiletries: A Sneaky Germ Source
While sealed bottles are generally safe, items like soap dishes or unwrapped cups can harbor bacteria.
Travel Tip: Bring your own toiletries when possible, especially for items that touch your skin.
Final Thought: Enjoy, But Stay Savvy
Hotel rooms can still be your relaxing escape from the world—just with a bit of caution. A few wipes, some common-sense precautions, and a keen eye can keep you safe without ruining the fun of your stay. So, next time you check in, remember: not everything in the room deserves your trust. Happy travels!
