Start With Security: Doors and Windows
Before you even assess cleanliness, check your room's security. First, inspect the main door. Does the deadbolt work correctly? Is there a secondary lock, like a chain or a bar, and is it functional? Never prop a door open, even for a moment. Next, move
to the windows and any balcony doors. Check that they lock securely from the inside. This is especially important for rooms on the ground floor or those with easy access from the outside. If any locks are broken, report it to the front desk immediately. A quick check of these features provides peace of mind and is your first line of defense.
The Critical Bathroom Audit
The bathroom is often the best indicator of a hotel's overall cleaning standards. Your eyes and nose are your best tools here. Look for obvious signs of grime like hair in the drain, mildew in the shower grout, or stains around the toilet base. Wipe a finger across the top of the mirror or a high shelf; it should come away clean. Check that all fixtures are in good working order—flush the toilet, run the taps to check for hot water and proper drainage, and ensure the showerhead is clean. There should be a full supply of fresh towels and sealed toiletries. A sparkling, well-stocked bathroom suggests the hotel takes hygiene seriously.
The Bed Bug Inspection
This is one check you can't afford to skip. Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to get rid of and can hitch a ride home in your luggage. Before placing your bags on the bed, put them on a hard surface like the luggage rack or in the bathroom. Using your phone's flashlight, pull back the sheets and inspect the mattress seams, tags, and corners. You are looking for tiny, rust-coloured stains, small dark spots (excrement), or the bugs themselves, which are small, brown, and oval-shaped. Also, check behind the headboard if possible, as this is a common hiding spot. Finding any of these signs is an immediate red flag to request a different room, far from the infested one.
Look for Signs of Scale and Wear
The term 'scale' can refer to a few things. In the bathroom, it means limescale buildup on taps and showerheads, a sign of less-than-thorough cleaning. More broadly, it means assessing the overall scale of wear and tear in the room. A room that is poorly maintained suggests that management may cut corners elsewhere. Look for stained carpets, scuffed walls, flickering lights, or furniture that is visibly damaged. Check that the air conditioning or heating works and doesn't emit a musty smell. Test the electrical outlets to ensure they are functional. While a few minor scuffs are normal, widespread neglect can be a sign that the room's issues aren't just cosmetic.
Assess High-Touch Surfaces and Overall Cleanliness
Think about all the items previous guests have handled. The TV remote, light switches, telephone, and door handles are all high-touch surfaces that should be sanitized between stays. Give them a quick visual check for smudges or stickiness. A dusty lampshade or dirty air vent can also reveal how deep the cleaning goes. Run your hand over the top of the wardrobe or headboard to check for dust. Your first impression upon walking in is often correct; if the room smells musty or overly perfumed to mask an odour, or if common areas like the lobby looked neglected, it's a warning sign about the property's standards.
