Home Checking into a Hotel? Don't Forget These 6 Must-Dos for Safety (5 Minute Check-in Routine)

Checking into a Hotel? Don't Forget These 6 Must-Dos for Safety (5 Minute Check-in Routine)

By Travel Influencer - October 08, 2025

Hotel Check-In Safety & Inspection Routine

Creator Information

Name: Christina
Website: happytowander.com
Focus: Practical travel advice from experienced traveler
Bonus: Free checklist available (mentioned at end)


Step-by-Step Check-In Routine

1. Privacy Check at Reception

Action: Verify room number wasn't said out loud in lobby

Reasons:

  • Safety - strangers shouldn't know your room location
  • Prevents scams using your room information
  • Most hotels are trained not to do this, but always verify

2. Initial Room Security Sweep

Action: Quick 30-second lap around room to ensure nobody else is present

Check:

  • Under the bed
  • Behind curtains
  • Inside cupboards/closets

Note: May sound paranoid but could be life-saving


3. Test All Key Systems

Key Cards

  • Test the card that opened the door
  • Test ALL additional key cards provided

Locks & Security

  • Door lock functionality
  • Window locks
  • Balcony door locks (if applicable)

4. Bathroom Functionality Check

Critical Items:

  • Toilet flushing properly
  • Faucets working
  • Hot water functioning
  • Shower pressure
  • Drainage quality

Why: Don't want to discover problems when already "half soaked up and naked"


5. Environmental Controls

Test:

  • Air conditioning/heating systems
  • Temperature regulation
  • All lights and switches

6. Additional Amenities (If Planning to Use)

Common Items:

  • Safety deposit box
  • Kettle
  • Coffee machine
  • Iron
  • TV
  • Power outlets (especially bedside)
  • Hotel alarm clock (if using instead of phone alarm)

Priority: Focus on what you'll actually use


7. Bedding Inspection

Real-Life Example: Christina found a clump of dirt in bed at Whistler hotel late at night when fully unpacked and hotel was fully booked

Check For:

  • Bed bugs
  • Dirt
  • Random stains
  • General cleanliness

Bed Bug Inspection Details

Where to Check:

  • Any soft surfaces (sofas, chairs, curtains)
  • Mattress corners and seams
  • Headboard
  • Crevices between mattress and box spring

What to Look For:

  • Small bugs (see visual description in video)
  • Dark spots from droppings
  • Stains from crushed bugs

Resource: Reddit r/bedbugs has extensive photo examples

Precaution: Some suggest keeping suitcase off carpet/soft surfaces during inspection


8. Document Existing Damage

Importance Level:

  • Hotels: Less critical (unlikely to charge guests)
  • Airbnbs: VERY IMPORTANT - hosts can charge for damages

Action: Take photos of any existing damage (stains, marks, etc.)

Real-Life Example: Christina successfully disputed false damage claims from "unhinged Airbnb owner" because she had photos from check-in proving pre-existing damage


9. Optional Sanitization

High-Touch Surfaces to Consider:

  • TV remote
  • Toilet flush handle
  • Light switches
  • Door handles

Why: Housekeeping changes sheets but may not sanitize every surface

Methods:

  • Bring sanitizing wipes
  • Wrap remote in shower cap or plastic cup wrapping (if no wipes available)

Key Takeaways

Timeline: Complete before unpacking Duration: Approximately 5-10 minutes total Philosophy: Prevention is easier than dealing with problems later Flexibility: Adjust routine based on accommodation type (hotel vs. Airbnb)


Accommodation Type Considerations

Check Hotel Priority Airbnb Priority
Privacy at check-in High N/A
Security sweep High High
Systems functionality High High
Bedding inspection High High
Damage documentation Low Critical
Sanitization Optional Optional

 

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