After a long flight or journey, the first thing most travelers want is to settle into their hotel room and relax. However, before you kick back and enjoy the comforts of your accommodations, it’s essential to take a few precautionary steps to ensure your safety and peace of mind. One often-overlooked but critical area to inspect is under the bed. While this may seem unnecessary at first glance, checking beneath the bed can help you avoid potential dangers, hygiene issues, and even unwanted surprises. Here’s why this simple step should be part of your hotel check-in routine.

Why Checking Under the Bed Matters

When you check into a hotel, it’s common to inspect the obvious areas such as the bed linens, bathroom, and overall cleanliness. However, the space under the bed often gets overlooked. This area, though hidden from view, can conceal safety hazards or reflect poor cleaning standards. Checking under the bed isn’t just about ensuring cleanliness—it’s also a proactive measure to guarantee your personal safety.

First and foremost, this inspection can reveal if there is someone hiding under the bed. While such occurrences are rare, they do happen, and taking this precautionary step ensures that you’re alone in the room. This is particularly important if you’re traveling alone or in unfamiliar areas. Discovering someone under the bed after settling in could lead to a dangerous or stressful situation.

A Hygiene Check

Another important reason to check under the bed is to assess the cleanliness of the room. The area beneath the bed is often neglected during routine cleaning, especially in budget accommodations. Dust, hair, or even trash such as cigarette butts, food wrappers, or used items like condoms can accumulate in this space, left behind by previous guests. Finding such items not only diminishes your confidence in the hotel’s cleaning standards but can also make your stay uncomfortable.

Furthermore, unclean areas can attract pests. Insects such as ants, cockroaches, bedbugs, and other critters often hide in neglected spaces like the underside of the bed. These pests can cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, or even transmit infectious diseases. By checking the area, you can spot any infestations early and request another room if necessary.

Uncovering Hidden Dangers

More alarmingly, the area under the bed could be used to conceal hazardous or illegal items. There have been cases where weapons, drugs, or other contraband have been stashed in hotel rooms, posing potential legal and safety risks for unsuspecting guests. A quick check ensures there’s nothing under the bed that could implicate you or put you in harm’s way.

The Water Bottle Trick

One practical and easy method to check under the bed is the “water bottle trick.” Shared by Esther, a flight attendant with European airline KLM, this technique involves throwing a water bottle under the bed upon entering the room. If the bottle rolls out on the other side, the area is clear. However, if it doesn’t roll out, it’s a sign that something—or someone—could be obstructing it.

In such cases, you can either look under the bed yourself or ask a companion or hotel staff member to check for you. If there is any suspicion of someone hiding underneath, leave the room immediately and notify hotel security. This simple trick is particularly useful for solo travelers or those unfamiliar with the area, offering a quick and effective way to verify the safety of the room.

A Broader Safety Inspection

While checking under the bed is crucial, it’s only one part of a thorough room inspection. To fully ensure your safety and comfort, take a few minutes to inspect other areas as well. Check the bed linens for cleanliness, examine the bathroom and towels, and test appliances such as the TV, refrigerator, and power outlets to ensure they are functioning properly. Look inside closets, drawers, and behind curtains for any hidden surprises or issues.

These inspections not only ensure your safety but also allow you to address any problems with hotel staff immediately, such as requesting a room change or additional cleaning if necessary.

The Importance of Vigilance

Taking these steps isn’t about being paranoid—it’s about being prepared. A few minutes of vigilance upon check-in can save you from potential trouble later on, whether it’s a safety risk, hygiene issue, or simply an unpleasant surprise. Travelers, especially those venturing to unfamiliar places, can benefit from incorporating these checks into their routine.

Final Thoughts

Checking under the bed when you arrive at a hotel may seem like a minor task, but it’s an essential one. Whether it’s for safety, cleanliness, or peace of mind, this step ensures your stay is as comfortable and secure as possible. Techniques like the water bottle trick make the process quick and effective, giving you confidence in your surroundings.

As travelers, taking a few moments to inspect your room is a small effort that can lead to a much better experience. The next time you check into a hotel, remember to look under the bed. It’s a simple habit that can make all the difference, allowing you to rest easy knowing you’ve taken steps to ensure your safety and comfort.