By Carmina 
Some things will surprise you, others will disgust the hell out of you. But hey, knowledge is power. For sure, you won’t stay in a hotel the same way as before after reading these 10 hotel secrets, shared by hotel insiders.
1. Looks can be deceiving
Here’s an insider secret: the goal is to make the room look clean. So if they can wipe down the glasses with the same rags they use for the bathroom and make it sparkle, then they won’t have a problem.
2. Nope, the sheets aren’t cleaned as often as you’d hope
Think the beddings are replaced after every guest? Sorry to disappoint you but this isn’t always the case. Multiple hotels don’t change and wash the sheets They also put the pillows on the chair (or floor) while ironing out the bed, fluff the dirty pillows, and bring them back on the bed for the next user.
There’s a reason why hotel beddings are white: stains would be easy to spot. If there weren’t visible stains, some hotels won’t replace and clean the bedding regularly between guests.
3. Don’t trust the decorative bedding
Oh, your bedding isn’t white? Hate to break this to you but this might be a red flag that a hotel is hiding something. Hotels may cover up the mess by using colored or patterned sheets. They’re created to look good and hide stains after all.
Another thing to stay away from is the decorative elements from the bed, like the decorative pillows and runners. While they make the room look charming, the fact that they’re rarely washed between stays might make you want to tuck them in the closet.
4. Stay away from elaborately decorated rooms
Thanks to COVID-19 preventive measures, most hotels now trim down their hotel room decorations. This hotel in Waterford, for example, has a team of housekeeping personnel who completed extensive training in Covid-19 safety and hygiene control — and that includes limiting the decorations.
The more accessories the room has, the more dust and germs they collect. And of course, these things are rarely cleaned. If you’re sensitive to germs, we’d recommend getting a room that contains only the essentials.
5. Don’t get rooms colourful or dark carpets too
And please, don’t walk on them without wearing your slippers.
Just imagine all the filth that has been lurking underneath the lush textiles for years. Sure, it feels nice to step on it but previous guests feel the same way too. Aside from the dirt from soiled feet, there are bodily wastes and fluids embedded there. And what have we learned so far? Colourful and/or dark accessories are intended to hide stains.
6. They often skimp on washing the glasses
If the housekeepers have limited time to clean each room, there’s a good chance they’ll forget to wash the glasses. An undercover investigation by ABC News in 2009 revealed that 75% of the glasses examined had just been rinsed out and wiped down instead of being properly disinfected.
And if they taste weirdly “lemony”, they must have been cleansed with a disinfectant that isn’t suitable for drinking. Give yourself some peace of mind by washing the glasses yourself before using OR bring your own tumbler.
7. Bathroom counters are the filthiest
If you’re a total germaphobe, we highly suggest keeping your toothbrush and toiletries in your travel kit. It’s a better bet than setting them down on the counter, even if that’s the most convenient choice.
According to research done by Travelmath, that seemingly clean bathroom counter is the germiest surface in three and four-star properties.
8. Watch out for these germiest items that are never cleaned
We’re not badmouthing all hotels. In fact, most hotels do change their sheets and clean the rooms after every guest, especially post-COVID-19. However, they still are likely to miss some spots. And unfortunately, these spots are the frequently touched ones.
And the “germiest item in a hotel room” award goes to…remote controls. Ever watched the TV while eating chips and then switch the program with filthy hands? Yup, other guests have done that too, and the housekeeping staff ain’t got a lot of time to wipe that thing down.
You should also wipe down the light switches, doorknobs, and bathroom faucets for they’re rarely cleaned.
9. Hotel ice buckets receive vomits
Here’s a gross confession from hotel insiders: they usually find vomit as they go about their duties. And it turns out that the ice bucket is a common vessel. It makes sense — guests who hold parties in their room would bring out alcohol, request for a bucket of ice, and when things get out of control, that’s the closest thing to barf into.
10. Use the whirlpool tub at your own risk
You might want to relax in a whirlpool tub after finding out these gross revelations but hold it right there. Not to be a total killjoy but you might want to know that the water in the pipes can get stuck there for long periods. When you turn on the jets, the whirlpool tub releases whatever water has been stuck in there the last time someone used that tub.
And that’s a wrap! We don’t want to ruin your vacatIon. Not all hotels are gross, but it’s a must to research your destination well and make sure their hygiene standards are up to par. Give yourself peace of mind, even if you have to bypass ultra-cheap deals and actually pay extra for it!
Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a free-spirited damsel who loves documenting her adventures. Her fondness for travel, food, and cultural appreciation makes it easy for her to write inspiring pieces of content about them. To know more about hotels and travel blogs, you may visit Viking Hotel Waterford.
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