Hotel rooms can appear pristine upon arrival, but research indicates that you might be surprised by hidden bacteria and viruses in unexpected places.
Beyond the obvious spots like sinks and toilets, frequently touched areas such as remote controls and light switches can be quite filthy, as highlighted by various studies.
In fact, a study from the University of Houston revealed that hotel rooms can harbor up to ten times the amount of bacteria found in hospitals, including fecal strains.
Interestingly, hotel staff typically spend only about thirty minutes cleaning each room, and they may overlook certain items completely, as noted by Enza, head of housekeeping at a hotel in Italy.
Experts are now pointing out problem areas teeming with bacteria and offering tips on what to do upon check-in.
1. Decorative Items
Maria Diego, a travel advisor from San Diego, mentioned that when she stays in a hotel, she wastes no time removing decorative pillows and bed runners. “These will never be washed,” she commented, emphasizing their potential for harboring bacteria.
Duvet covers can also be culprits. A former hotel employee shared on social media that most hotels wash only the sheets, skipping the larger duvet entirely.
2. High-Touch Surfaces
Diego also highlights the importance of keeping an eye on switches, remotes, and telephones—areas frequently neglected by cleaning crews.
Rani Cheema, another travel advisor based in Los Angeles, expressed her disdain for hotel phones. “No one’s cleaning it,” she remarked. It’s worth noting, too, that carpets in hotels can be a significant source of bacteria, and higher-end establishments are now opting for hard surface floors instead.
3. Bathrooms
Hotel bathrooms are reportedly even dirtier than those on planes, particularly the countertops, according to recent studies. A 2023 survey indicated that bathtubs can hold up to forty times more bacteria than toilet seats.
Diego mentioned that unless you’re in a luxury hotel, you’d likely want to avoid bathing in their tubs, especially jet ones, which can trap even more bacteria.
4. Hard-to-Reach Areas
Often, ceiling fans, curtain rods, and shower heads get neglected as well, according to insights from the Canne Bianche Lifestyle Hotel.
Ladell Carter, the founder of a travel company in Maryland, noted that he often checks for red flags in hotel rooms. “When I saw the dusty charging port next to the bed, I realized the details were missed,” he recounted.
5. Glass and Ice Buckets
Reports suggest that housekeeping may clean glassware only between guest stays. Carter admitted he typically rinses any mugs or glasses before using them. “It’s not fear; it’s just good habits,” he commented.
Moreover, ice buckets can become germ hotspots, with experts advising that they should come with liners. It might be a good idea to consider bringing your own drinkware and a small cooler for ice.
If you ever feel something is “off” in your room, it’s advisable to alert the front desk staff. They can either re-clean your room or offer another. It’s small, proactive steps like these that can make a stay much more pleasant.
