Hotel Room Checklist: What You Need to Know Before You Settle In

Additional Coverage:

15 Smartest Things To Do Every Time You Walk Into a Hotel (financebuzz.com)

Before You Unpack: 15 Essential Hotel Checks for a Smooth Stay

After a long journey, the thought of sinking into a hotel bed is pure bliss. Whether you’re embarking on an exciting vacation or simply seeking a comfortable stopover, your hotel room should be a sanctuary.

But before you kick off your shoes and relax, a few crucial steps can ensure your safety, comfort, and ultimately, a fantastic stay. From budget-friendly motels to luxurious resorts, these proactive measures can save you from a subpar experience and help you make the most of your trip.

1. Master the Check-In Process

Your hotel experience truly begins at the front desk. A polite demeanor can go a long way, potentially leading to upgrades or enhanced service. Don’t forget to confirm your reservation details, including the length of your stay and room type, to prevent any unwelcome surprises later.

2. Request Your Ideal Room

Consider asking for a room on a middle floor. These floors often offer better accessibility during emergencies and can provide a greater sense of security than ground-floor rooms, which are more susceptible to break-ins.

While you’re at it, there’s no harm in inquiring about a complimentary room upgrade. The worst they can say is no!

3. Scrutinize Your Bed Linens

Once inside your room, make a beeline for the bed. Thoroughly inspect the linens for any stains, stray hairs, or other indicators of insufficient cleaning.

If anything looks less than pristine, request fresh linens or even a different room. Most importantly, conduct a diligent search for any signs of bed bugs.

These unwelcome guests can cause irritating bites and, even worse, hitch a ride home with you, leading to a costly and frustrating infestation.

4. Conduct a Cleanliness Audit

After confirming your bed is bug-free, broaden your inspection to the rest of the room. Examine the floors, carpets, countertops, and furniture for any dirt, grime, or lingering stains.

Don’t hesitate to contact housekeeping if you spot anything that needs attention. Before unpacking your luggage, ensure the entire space, including amenities like bathrobes and the ice bucket, meets your cleanliness standards.

5. Document Any Existing Damage

Avoid being held responsible for the previous guest’s misadventures. Upon entering, carefully inspect the room for any pre-existing damage, such as chipped furniture, broken fixtures, or malfunctioning appliances. Report these findings to the front desk immediately to prevent potential blame for damage you didn’t cause.

6. Verify Lock Functionality

Your safety is paramount. Start by testing all locks on your doors and windows to ensure they are fully functional.

Try testing them from both the inside and, where applicable, the outside. If any locks appear compromised or don’t work correctly, request a different room without hesitation.

7. Check the Thermostat

A comfortable room temperature is essential for a good night’s sleep. Locate the thermostat and confirm it’s working properly and that you can adjust it to your liking.

If there are any issues, alert the front desk. Remember that sometimes the thermostat might be in an unexpected location, or the hotel staff might control it; in the latter case, inform them of your temperature preferences during check-in.

8. Scan for Hidden Cameras

While extremely rare, a quick check for hidden cameras provides peace of mind. Inspect smoke detectors and any other devices that seem out of place or unusual.

Also, look for any unexplained small red lights. This step is particularly vital for solo female travelers or those traveling with vulnerable family members.

9. Test Bathroom Faucets

A fully functional bathroom is a non-negotiable for a pleasant hotel stay. Test the faucets for both hot and cold water and confirm adequate water pressure.

Ensure the water runs clean and heats up to a comfortable temperature in a reasonable amount of time. Report any issues to the hotel staff promptly.

10. Confirm Hotel Phone Operation

Even in the age of smartphones, the hotel phone remains a crucial direct link to the front desk and emergency services. Test it to ensure it’s in working order, especially if you’re traveling internationally or to an area with unreliable cell service.

11. Familiarize Yourself with Your Surroundings

Once you’ve confirmed your room is clean and safe, take a moment to get acquainted with its layout and amenities. Locate light switches, understand the path to the bathroom in the dark, and find nearby vending and ice machines for those late-night cravings.

12. Review the Evacuation Plan

Most hotels display an evacuation plan on the back of the room door. Take a moment to read it, noting the nearest emergency exits and the fastest route to them.

Consider a quick walk-through to solidify the path in your mind. Knowing the location of fire extinguishers, if available in your room, can also be beneficial in an emergency.

13. Sterilize High-Touch Surfaces

It’s a smart practice to carry disinfectant wipes or spray when you travel. Before fully settling in, give commonly touched surfaces like remote controls, light switches, and doorknobs a quick wipe-down to eliminate germs. You might be surprised by how dirty these frequently handled items can become.

14. Secure Your Valuables

If your room includes a safe, utilize it to protect valuables like cash, passports, and important documents. Set your unique code and ensure the safe functions correctly. This added layer of security is particularly important for international travelers and can provide significant financial protection.

15. Verify Wi-Fi Connectivity

The final step before unwinding for the night is to test the Wi-Fi connection. You may need to obtain the password during check-in. Reliable internet access is especially crucial for international travelers whose phone plans may not be active; consider downloading communication apps like WhatsApp as a backup.

The Bottom Line

A well-prepared start to your hotel stay can significantly influence your entire trip. A little vigilance and preparation go a long way in ensuring comfort, safety, and peace of mind. Before you even book, consider vetting hotels online through sites like Tripadvisor, where customer reviews can offer invaluable insights.