Travelers Revealed 15 Red Flags in Hotels You Should Know
All Travelers have surely encountered an awful hotel or two, especially those backpacking on a budget. But, what are the initial warning signs that you won’t have a good stay? In this article, travelers on social media revealed their red flags regarding hotel stays, so you know what to look out for!
Little dark-brown spots near the top of the bed
One individual from Reddit states that you should watch out for little dark-brown sports. This could be near the top of the bed, under the mattress, or in the mattress seams. These spots indicate bed bugs! One user replied to say, that they got a scratchy throat and irritable eyes during their stay too, which they believed was due to the hotel treating the infestation.
Bulletproof glass around the reception office
Bulletproof glass around the reception office is a big red flag for one traveler. It suggests the area isn’t very safe! One user from Reddit also stated that they couldn’t even go inside the lobby during their hotel stay. Instead, you had to drive through an area that was behind bullet-proof glass, and the keys were slid to them through a slot.
Overly aggressive air fresheners
This individual suggests that you should look out for overly aggressive air fresheners. If they have a really strong smell, it’s likely the hotel is trying to mask a bad odor. This could be mold, sewage, or something worse, so just keep that in mind!
Uber drivers asking “are you sure?” as you pull up to the hotel
Perhaps one of the biggest red flags, is one traveler’s Uber driver asking “are you sure?” when they pulled up to the hotel. Another Reddit user replied to this, stating that their taxi driver had said he wouldn’t have picked them up if he knew this was where he had to drive to.
Hotel owner/manager responses to negative reviews
This individual suggests checking out the Google or website reviews before you book. If owners/managers respond unkindly or attack the negative reviewers at all, it’s wise to stay away! The chances are if you have a bad experience, they won’t take responsibility if this is how they address negative reviews.
No photos of the hotel exterior or street/neighborhood
One Reddit user suggests that hotels having no photographs of the exterior or the surrounding area is an easy red flag. Another individual stated that they once found a great hotel in Rome that ticked all the boxes until they checked the location. After doing more research, it turned out the area was known as ‘Meth Street’.
People shouting at reception upon entering
An individual recounts how they walked into a hotel, and a man was shouting at reception. He was screaming that it was the worst hotel he had ever stayed in, before later storming out. Although some people may exaggerate, it’s always wise to take note of these encounters.
The receptionist gives you a room that’s already occupied
One traveler states that receptionists giving you a room that’s already occupied is a huge red flag! Another Reddit user states this happened to them but the other way around. The receptionist had given their room key to a random man who they thought was the lady’s husband, at 9 pm.
All employees are relatively young
Perhaps not a red flag in all cases, but one traveler states that they are cautious of hotels who only have young employees. In their experience, this often means the hotel is hiring the cheapest possible staff, even staff that may not know their rights. It’s also a sign of high staff turnover if people aren’t staying in the business.
The smell of poor ventilation
The smell of poor ventilation as you walk into a hotel is considered another red flag by one Reddit user. Another individual replied to state that hotels with poor ventilation can encounter all sorts of issues, including mold and infestations (such as bed bugs).
Being the cheapest hotel in the area
This individual suggests that if a hotel is much cheaper than other similar accommodations in the area, there’s typically a reason for this. Another traveler states some advice to follow; essentially not to go cheap in small towns, as going cheap, typically means buying twice!
A door that won’t lock properly
Having a door that won’t lock properly is a major red flag, and anyone would agree with this traveler. This is of course, a big security issue and doesn’t exactly make guests feel safe. Another Reddit user talks about a similar situation with keycards, which allow multiple cards to open the door.
No mattress protector
This Reddit user believes that no mattress protector is a huge red flag. They go on to state, that any hotel worth its salt should have a mattress protecter for bugs and liquids. It doesn’t matter how cheap your stay is! They also went on to say that many hotels advertise mattress protectors, but don’t actually have one when you arrive.
No one at the hotel reception even though it’s advertised as 24-hours
If there’s nobody at the hotel reception, even though it’s advertised as 24-hour, this is a huge red flag, suggests one traveler. They believe it’s either because the hotel is understaffed so you’ll receive a lack of service, or there’s a lack of discipline. Neither of which set you up for a good stay!
The hotel staff stating your room number out loud
A former hotel manager has also stated that hotel staff saying your room number out loud is a major red flag. If this number is stated, anyone can hear it, including other guests. This has proven to be an issue for solo travelers in the past, especially females. If this happens, you should ask for another room.
Source link: Reddit
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Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.