Are you missing these filthy hotel room hotspots? Travel experts share what to avoid
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If you’ve ever checked into a hotel room, flopped onto the bed, and thought, 'Ah, finally, a clean and comfy haven,' you might want to pause for a moment. While those crisp sheets and sparkling bathrooms look inviting, travel experts warn that hotel rooms can harbour a surprising amount of hidden nasties—some in places you’d never expect!
We know many of our Seniors Discount Club members love a good getaway, whether it’s a quick city break or a long-awaited holiday. But before you unpack and settle in, it’s worth knowing where germs like to lurk—and what you can do to keep your stay as hygienic as possible.
The grimiest hotel room hotspots (and how to outsmart them)
1. Decorative items: the unwashed culprits
Those plush decorative pillows and fancy bed runners might look lovely, but according to travel adviser Maria Diego, they’re the first things you should toss aside. 'These never get washed,' she says, and she’s not alone—many hotel insiders agree that these items are rarely, if ever, laundered between guests. The same goes for those big, fluffy duvets. While the sheets are usually changed, the duvet covers often aren’t, so it’s best to avoid snuggling up too closely.
SDC Tip: As soon as you enter your room, move decorative pillows and runners to a far corner or onto a chair. If you’re especially concerned, bring your own pillowcase or a lightweight travel sheet for extra peace of mind.
2. High-touch surfaces: germs at your fingertips
Think about how many people have flicked the light switches, channel-surfed with the remote, or picked up the room phone before you. These 'touchpoints' are magnets for bacteria and viruses. In fact, a University of Houston study found that hotel rooms can have up to 10 times more bacteria than what’s allowed in hospitals—yikes!
Carpets are another offender. While they might feel soft underfoot, they can trap dirt, dust, and germs. Some high-end hotels are switching to hard floors or area rugs for easier cleaning, but many still have wall-to-wall carpet.
SDC Tip: Pack a small packet of disinfectant wipes and give remotes, switches, and phones a quick clean when you arrive. If you’re worried about the carpet, keep your slippers or socks on.
3. Bathtubs: not as sparkling as they seem
You might be tempted to soak in a hot bath after a long day of sightseeing, but think twice. Research shows that hotel bathtubs can harbour up to 40 times more bacteria than a toilet seat! Jetted tubs are especially risky, as the jets can be difficult to clean and may hide even more germs.
SDC Tip: Unless you’re in a top-tier hotel and the tub looks spotless, it’s safer to stick to showers. If you do want a bath, give the tub a good rinse first, and avoid using jetted tubs unless you’re sure they’ve been properly cleaned.
4. Overlooked and hard-to-reach spots
Curtain rods, ceiling fans, showerheads, and bedside lamps are often missed during quick cleans. If you spot dust or residue on these items, it’s a sign that the cleaning crew may have skipped the details.
SDC Tip: If you notice obvious dirt or dust, don’t hesitate to ask the front desk for a more thorough clean or even a different room. You’re paying for a clean space, after all!
5. Glasses and ice buckets: Proceed with caution
It’s not uncommon for hotel staff to simply rinse or wipe down glasses and mugs rather than properly washing them. And as for the ice bucket—well, let’s just say you might want to avoid it altogether. There have been cases where guests have used ice buckets for things other than ice (including, unfortunately, as a sick bucket during illness outbreaks).
SDC Tip: Always rinse glasses and mugs with hot water before using them. If you want to use the ice bucket, make sure it has a clean liner, or better yet, bring your own reusable drinkware and cooler.
What can you do?
While it’s impossible to avoid every germ, a few simple precautions can make your hotel stay much safer and more comfortable. Remember, it’s not about being paranoid—it’s about being prepared and looking after your health.
Have you ever had a hotel room horror story or a clever cleaning hack to share? We’d love to hear your tips and experiences! Drop a comment below and let’s help each other travel smarter and safer. Safe travels, SDC members!
Read more: Traveller uncovers shocking hotel secret—dream holiday turns into disaster
We know many of our Seniors Discount Club members love a good getaway, whether it’s a quick city break or a long-awaited holiday. But before you unpack and settle in, it’s worth knowing where germs like to lurk—and what you can do to keep your stay as hygienic as possible.
The grimiest hotel room hotspots (and how to outsmart them)
1. Decorative items: the unwashed culprits
Travel experts warn that hotel pillows and bed runners are rarely washed between guests. Credit: whyframestudio / iStock
Those plush decorative pillows and fancy bed runners might look lovely, but according to travel adviser Maria Diego, they’re the first things you should toss aside. 'These never get washed,' she says, and she’s not alone—many hotel insiders agree that these items are rarely, if ever, laundered between guests. The same goes for those big, fluffy duvets. While the sheets are usually changed, the duvet covers often aren’t, so it’s best to avoid snuggling up too closely.
SDC Tip: As soon as you enter your room, move decorative pillows and runners to a far corner or onto a chair. If you’re especially concerned, bring your own pillowcase or a lightweight travel sheet for extra peace of mind.
Think about how many people have flicked the light switches, channel-surfed with the remote, or picked up the room phone before you. These 'touchpoints' are magnets for bacteria and viruses. In fact, a University of Houston study found that hotel rooms can have up to 10 times more bacteria than what’s allowed in hospitals—yikes!
Carpets are another offender. While they might feel soft underfoot, they can trap dirt, dust, and germs. Some high-end hotels are switching to hard floors or area rugs for easier cleaning, but many still have wall-to-wall carpet.
SDC Tip: Pack a small packet of disinfectant wipes and give remotes, switches, and phones a quick clean when you arrive. If you’re worried about the carpet, keep your slippers or socks on.
3. Bathtubs: not as sparkling as they seem
SDC Tip: Unless you’re in a top-tier hotel and the tub looks spotless, it’s safer to stick to showers. If you do want a bath, give the tub a good rinse first, and avoid using jetted tubs unless you’re sure they’ve been properly cleaned.
4. Overlooked and hard-to-reach spots
Curtain rods, ceiling fans, showerheads, and bedside lamps are often missed during quick cleans. If you spot dust or residue on these items, it’s a sign that the cleaning crew may have skipped the details.
SDC Tip: If you notice obvious dirt or dust, don’t hesitate to ask the front desk for a more thorough clean or even a different room. You’re paying for a clean space, after all!
5. Glasses and ice buckets: Proceed with caution
It’s not uncommon for hotel staff to simply rinse or wipe down glasses and mugs rather than properly washing them. And as for the ice bucket—well, let’s just say you might want to avoid it altogether. There have been cases where guests have used ice buckets for things other than ice (including, unfortunately, as a sick bucket during illness outbreaks).
SDC Tip: Always rinse glasses and mugs with hot water before using them. If you want to use the ice bucket, make sure it has a clean liner, or better yet, bring your own reusable drinkware and cooler.
While it’s impossible to avoid every germ, a few simple precautions can make your hotel stay much safer and more comfortable. Remember, it’s not about being paranoid—it’s about being prepared and looking after your health.
- Pack smart: Bring disinfectant wipes, a pillowcase, and a pair of slippers.
- Inspect your room: Take a quick look around for any obvious dirt or dust.
- Speak up: If something seems off, let the front desk know. Most hotels are happy to re-clean your room or move you if needed.
- Practice good habits: Wash your hands regularly, especially after touching high-contact surfaces.
Read more: Traveller uncovers shocking hotel secret—dream holiday turns into disaster
