A Simple Hotel Room Inspection Routine
Taking just a few minutes to inspect your room can provide extra peace of mind.
Step 1: Place Your Suitcase in the Bathtub
Before unpacking, place all luggage inside the empty bathtub or shower.
Avoid placing bags on:
- The bed
- Carpet
- Upholstered furniture
Step 2: Inspect the Mattress
Pull back the sheets and examine:
- Mattress seams
- Corners
- Labels
- Box spring edges
Look for:
- Small reddish-brown insects
- Tiny black dots
- Shed insect skins
- Small blood stains
Step 3: Check the Headboard
Bed bugs often hide behind headboards because they provide dark, narrow spaces close to sleeping guests.
If possible, inspect around:
- Headboard edges
- Wall attachments
- Cracks behind the bed
Step 4: Examine Furniture
Take a quick look at:
- Nightstands
- Upholstered chairs
- Sofas
- Drawer joints
- Luggage racks
Inspect seams, corners, and crevices where insects may hide.
Step 5: Decide Where to Store Your Luggage
If you don’t notice any warning signs, you can:
- Use the luggage rack after inspecting it.
- Keep your suitcase zipped when not in use.
- Continue storing luggage away from the bed if possible.
Additional Travel Tips to Help Reduce Bed Bug Risk
Keep Your Suitcase Closed
Avoid leaving your luggage open throughout your stay.
Keeping it zipped limits opportunities for insects to crawl inside.
Use Packing Cubes
Packing cubes separate clothing into smaller compartments, making it easier to inspect belongings and reducing exposure if a problem occurs.
Avoid Placing Clothes on Hotel Furniture
Instead of spreading clothing across chairs or beds, keep clean clothes inside your suitcase or hang them in the closet.
Wash Clothing After Returning Home
When you return from a trip:
- Wash clothing using the warmest temperature appropriate for the fabric.
- Dry items thoroughly according to garment care instructions.
Heat can help eliminate bed bugs that may have been transported on washable items.
Inspect Your Suitcase Before Bringing It Inside
Before storing your luggage at home:
- Examine seams and pockets.
- Vacuum the suitcase if needed.
- Wipe hard surfaces clean.
Some travelers also choose to unpack in a garage or laundry room as an added precaution.
Are Bed Bugs Common in Hotels?
Most hotel stays are completely problem-free.
However, because thousands of travelers pass through hotels each year, bed bugs can occasionally appear in properties of any price range—from budget accommodations to luxury resorts.
Regular inspections and prompt treatment help hotels manage these situations, but travelers can also reduce their own risk by practicing simple preventive habits.
