For many, checking into a hotel room signals the start of a relaxing break. But for seasoned travellers, it can also mark the beginning of a hygiene inspection. One travel journalist has shared an exclusive account of the unsettling discoveries that now dictate her first action upon entering any hotel accommodation.
The Grim Discoveries That Changed My Routine
Amy Jones, a Senior Travel Journalist, has encountered a host of unpleasant surprises in supposedly clean rooms. Her experiences range from finding discarded underwear on the floor and a half-drunk bottle of water in the fridge to a dirty dressing gown and, most alarmingly, a blood-stained sheet on the bed. While these lapses are often visible, Jones has identified one common item that frequently escapes proper cleaning: the glassware.
"Most of us have checked into a hotel room to find a complimentary tea and coffee setup waiting for us," Jones notes. "However, during my time working in the hospitality industry, I've discovered that not all hotels thoroughly clean their mugs before the next guest arrives, which is rather revolting."
Inside the Housekeeping Pressure Cooker
The root of the problem, Jones explains, often lies in the immense pressure faced by hotel housekeeping staff. They operate under gruelling demands, with long hours and erratic shift patterns, tasked with preparing hundreds of rooms for a 3pm check-in deadline. Their lengthy checklist includes changing bed linen, deep-cleaning bathrooms, hoovering floors, and restocking minibars.
"Sometimes they barely have a moment to catch their breath," Jones empathises. The tight turnaround means that, on several occasions, she has witnessed housekeepers simply rinsing mugs and glasses in the bathroom sink, giving them a quick wipe with a cloth, and placing them back for the next guest. This method may remove visible residue but falls short of proper sanitisation.
This practice is not merely anecdotal. An undercover investigation by ABC News previously revealed that housekeeping at 11 out of 15 hotels did not replace glassware between guests, opting instead for a quick rinse and wipe-down.
The Simple Precaution You Can Take
So, what can travellers do to protect themselves? Jones has adopted a straightforward ritual with every hotel check-in. She meticulously inspects all glassware—from the mugs by the kettle to the water glasses on the bedside table—and gives them a thorough clean herself.
Her method involves a good rinse with boiling water from the kettle, followed by a dab of hand soap. "A simple DIY sterilisation is enough to set my mind at ease," she says. For those particularly concerned, she recommends bringing a reusable water bottle or requesting a fresh mug from the hotel bar.
While some hotels have moved to plastic-wrapped cups or insist on rigorous cleaning practices, Jones remains sceptical based on her experiences. The takeaway is clear: a proactive approach is your best defence. The next time you settle into your room, consider those few extra seconds spent ensuring your glass is clean a vital part of your travel routine.
Do you have a travel story to share? You can contact the travel team at webtravel@reachplc.com.
