When you check into a hotel, you expect a comfortable, clean, and enjoyable experience. However, many hotel workers have revealed surprising—and sometimes unsettling—insights about what really happens when you’re not looking. From questionable food preparation practices to overlooked cleanliness, there are several behind-the-scenes secrets that might make you think twice before staying at your next hotel.
Whether you’re booking a luxury 5-star hotel or a budget-friendly option, understanding how things are handled behind the scenes can help you make more informed decisions about where you stay. Let’s dive into some of the most eye-opening revelations from hotel workers themselves.
1. Food Quality May Not Be What You Expect
If you’ve ever enjoyed a buffet breakfast at a hotel, you might want to rethink your choice the next time you’re tempted to dive in. According to a former hotel worker who shared their experience on Reddit, the quality of food in buffets may not always be as it seems. “I’ve seen yellow food coloring added and labeled as ‘saffron sauce,’” they said. And if you’re eyeing that pan-fried sea bass, it might just be pan-fried white fish from a generic bag labeled ‘white fish.’
To save on food costs, some hotels go to extreme lengths, even changing expiration dates on products to make them appear fresher than they really are. While not all hotels engage in these practices, it’s a good idea to stay cautious about buffets, especially when the food seems too good to be true.
2. Hotel Pillows Aren’t Always Cleaned Properly
It’s a common belief that hotel pillows are thoroughly cleaned between guests, but that’s not always the case. In fact, many hotel workers have revealed that while pillowcases are changed regularly, the pillows themselves often aren’t washed. One Reddit user advised, “Never sleep directly on a pillow in a hotel. Always bring your pillowcase and cover it.”
Unless a pillow shows an obvious stain or odor, it’s likely that it’s reused by the hotel multiple times. Some pillows might have been in the room for months or even years without proper cleaning. For a better night’s sleep, consider bringing your own pillowcase or covering the hotel pillow with a towel or protective cover.
3. Scrambled Eggs at Hotels Aren’t What They Seem
If you’ve ever stayed at a hotel with a complimentary breakfast, you’ve probably encountered the classic scrambled eggs. However, hotel workers have shared a rather unappetizing truth about this staple breakfast item. One hotel worker revealed, “I will never eat scrambled eggs at a hotel again unless I see the cook breaking the eggs. Ready-to-cook egg mix is often used. Just pour it into a pan and heat it up. Five minutes later, you have scrambled ‘eggs.’”
This pre-made egg mix is a common shortcut for preparing large amounts of food quickly, but it doesn’t have the taste or texture of freshly prepared scrambled eggs. If you want to ensure you’re eating fresh eggs, try to ask the staff about how they prepare them or opt for other breakfast options.
4. Hotel Hair Dryers Can Be a Germy Mess
Even though hotel rooms are typically cleaned with hygiene in mind, certain items are often overlooked. One of these items is the hotel hair dryer. According to a microbiologist, hotel hair dryers can be “pretty germy.” While restrooms and common surfaces are usually sanitized regularly, hotel hair dryers tend to get skipped in the cleaning process.
To avoid using a potentially germ-filled dryer, consider bringing your own or letting your hair air dry after washing. This small change can ensure you’re not exposing yourself to unnecessary germs during your stay.
5. Hotel Reservation Cancellations: A Trick to Avoid Fees
If you’ve ever needed to cancel a hotel reservation but missed the cancellation deadline, there’s a little trick that might help you get out of the fee. One Reddit user shared, “If you need to cancel a hotel reservation but it’s already past the cancellation deadline, just call and move your reservation up a few days. Wait five minutes, call back, and cancel your stay for free.”
While this method isn’t foolproof and may not work with all hotels, it’s a tip worth trying if you’re caught in a situation where you need to change your plans but don’t want to pay a hefty cancellation fee.
6. Refilled Shampoo Bottles May Not Be Safe
Next time you use the tiny bottles of shampoo provided by your hotel, you might want to think twice before applying it to your hair. A former hotel worker revealed, “Those tiny free bottles of shampoo you find in your hotel room? Please don’t use them. Those bottles are often refilled with expired products.”
Instead of replacing the bottles, housekeeping often collects the empty ones, refills them from large bulk containers, and reseals them. The problem is that these bulk containers may have been sitting in storage for months, sometimes past their expiration date. To avoid using potentially expired products, consider bringing your own toiletries or checking the expiration dates before using hotel products.
7. Dirty Towels and Rags in the Bathroom
Hotel workers have shared disturbing accounts of unsanitary cleaning practices, particularly when it comes to towels and cleaning rags. One hotel worker warned, “Spread a towel out on the counter before putting your stuff on it, because some of my coworkers would go from floor to shower to toilet to sink with the same rag.”
Unfortunately, this means that dirty rags could be used to clean both the bathroom and non-bathroom areas, potentially leaving behind germs and bacteria. If you’re concerned about cleanliness, you can always ask for fresh towels and cleaning supplies or inspect the room yourself before using certain items.
Conclusion: Hotel Stays Aren’t Always as Clean as They Appear
While most hotels make an effort to ensure cleanliness and guest satisfaction, some behind-the-scenes practices may not meet the standards you expect. From refilled shampoo bottles to questionable food preparation, it’s important to be aware of what might be going on when you’re not looking.
If you’re concerned about cleanliness or food safety during your stay, consider bringing your own toiletries, pillowcase, or even breakfast options. When in doubt, always inspect the room yourself, and don’t hesitate to ask the hotel staff about their cleaning procedures.
For more tips and advice on health and safety, check out the following articles:
- 10 Signs You’re Eating Too Much Sugar
- 7 Words Depressed People Use More Often: How to Recognize the Signs and Offer Support
Being informed is the best way to ensure a pleasant and safe stay wherever you go.
