Staying in a hotel certainly has its luxuries, but there are some complimentary hotel items you should consider carefully before using.
Melissa Hanks, a former hotel manager on TikTok, revealed some pretty gross details about the cleanliness of two common, complimentary hotel items in your room. Here’s what you need to know.
1. The coffee machine
Even though the housekeeper might rinse the water reservoir, Melissa said the tube never gets cleaned. So if someone has used it to heat something other than water, including milk, it will curdle.
2. Refillable body wash, shampoo and conditioner
Unless the refillable shampoo and conditioner bottles have a lock on them, Melissa said not to use them.
“I will never use these shampoo and conditioner bottles where people can refill them. People can put anything in these. I’ve seen bodily fluids and smelled Nair in unsecured bottles.”
Melissa’s video received lots of attention, with many other hotel workers commenting to share their experiences.
“I worked at a resort and watched the housekeeper wipe the toilet, then use that same rag to wipe off the coffee pot! I’m still disgusted,” shared one.
Another added: “As a former housekeeping manager at Disney, I also NEVER use glass cups in rooms. Also, immediately search for bed bugs before settling in.”
“I was a hotel housekeeper for three weeks. They told me just to remake the beds, not strip them. I don’t trust hotels at all,” said another.
On the other hand, most people were just really disgusted by the coffee machine.
“Omg, omg, omg, the coffee,” said one person.
Another added: “I buy a bottle of vinegar and clean the coffee maker in hotels because I’m fussy. “
“We legit travel with our coffee pot on road trips for this exact reason.”
What about other complimentary hotel items?
For many people, complimentary items are a big part of the hotel experience. After all, you’ve paid for the room so why not make the most of it?
With that in mind, here are a few tips to help you enjoy complimentary items without an ick factor.
- Bring any essentials (such as toiletries) with you, just in case.
- If you’re at a hotel that has mini shampoo and conditioner containers, consider taking them with you afterwards so you can use them for future trips.
- Rinse the kettle before you use it.
- Consider putting any complimentary biscuits in your day bag so you have a snack with you when you’re out.
- If there’s a minibar in your room, check the prices before having anything. Some items may be complimentary but if you’re in doubt, ask the hotel.
- If you run out of complimentary items during your stay, ask hotel reception if you can have them re-stocked in your room.
Some booking sites and services also offer complimentary perks, such as free breakfast, so it pays to shop around for the best deal when you’re booking.
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