Before you collapse onto that crisp hotel linen, taking five minutes to run a few essential checks can save your trip from turning into a nightmare.
From spotting hidden bed bugs and testing window locks to catching broken air conditioning before settling in, inspecting your room before unpacking ensures your stay remains safe, clean, and completely stress-free.
Yet taking a few minutes to inspect your hotel room before unpacking could save you from an uncomfortable - and potentially costly - problem later.
A quick search on social media will reveal travellers going into full detective mode, checking under beds, inspecting curtains and even securing doors with improvised devices.
While some of these viral hotel hacks may be excessive, there are several sensible checks worth making.
Why should you check your hotel room?
One of the biggest reasons is to avoid bringing unwanted pests, particularly bed bugs, home with you.
Bed bugs can hide in mattress seams, headboards and upholstered furniture and may make their way into open suitcases or clothing.
Checking the bed before unpacking makes it easier to spot signs such as tiny dark marks, blood spots, shed skins or actual insects.
If you do discover evidence of bed bugs, alert the hotel immediately and ask for another room.
Keeping your luggage closed and away from the bed and upholstered furniture until the issue is resolved can also reduce the risk of taking them home.
A room inspection is also an opportunity to identify anything that is broken or damaged. Finding a faulty air conditioner, blocked toilet, broken window lock or damaged furniture early means you can report it before settling in.
Check the room’s security
Start with the basics. Lock the main door using the deadbolt, latch or security chain, where available, and make sure it closes properly.
If your room has a connecting door, check that it is locked from your side. Test the window and balcony doors too, particularly if you are staying on a higher floor.
It is also worth familiarising yourself with the emergency exit route. Most hotels have an evacuation map on the back of the room door, showing the nearest emergency stairs.
For peace of mind, do a quick visual check of obvious spaces such as behind curtains, inside large cupboards and under the bed.
Inspect the bed and bathroom
Before placing your suitcase on the bed, pull back the sheets and inspect the mattress seams, corners and headboard for signs of bed bugs or anything unusual.
Then take a quick look around the room. Are the towels clean? Are the bins empty? Does the linen appear fresh?
In the bathroom, check the shower, sink and toilet. Look for signs of mould or mildew and make sure the toilet flushes properly.
Turn on the taps and shower to check the water pressure, temperature and drainage.
Test the essentials
You do not need to test every button in the room, but check the things you are likely to rely on.
Switch on the lights, test the air conditioning or heating and make sure the television and remote work.
Check that the power outlets are functioning and that the in-room safe opens and locks properly.
It is also worth checking that basic supplies such as toilet paper, towels, soap and hangers are available.
Take a moment to enjoy the room
Once the practical checks are done, take a moment to appreciate the room itself.
Wendy Adams, Operations Manager at The Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront, Cape Town, says travellers should first take in the view because it “sets the tone” for the stay, whether it overlooks the ocean, city or garden.
She also recommends noticing the smaller details, from the coffee and tea selection and bathroom amenities to the bed, linen and fragrances.
“Look at the welcome note or in-room directory too,” Adams says, as these can highlight extras such as the minibar, room service and personalised touches.
Checking the lighting and air-conditioning controls can also help you get comfortable quickly.
Ultimately, a hotel room inspection does not have to become a full-scale investigation.
Spending five to 10 minutes checking the basics before unpacking can help ensure your room is safe, clean, functional and ready for you to relax.
zamandosi.cele@nationalmg.co.za