Try copying “The Nastiest Stuff In Hotels” and paste it into “Google“. Wait, I’ll save you some time, here’s what you’ll GET.
I’m not a germaphobe, I don’t rely on hand sanitizer and I grab the handrails on escalators. However, I do spend over 50% of the year in hotels, and my number goal is to remain healthy.
Here’s my definitive list of what to avoid in hotels.
- The TV Remote – It’s rare that I watch TV (Cable) at home and almost never when traveling. That’s why my company provided me a laptop and Microsoft produced the Surface. The TV remote is downright nasty, think dudes, or ladies, on the road lonely and away from loved ones…. there’s a category for that……you piece the rest together.
- No bare feet – Hotel carpet is nasty and bare feet vs. hotel carpet results in a bunch of extra washing mixed with a possible case of the Norovirus..
- Housecleaning – The first thing I do when entering a hotel room is to hang the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door. It’s for a couple of reasons, first I don’t want to be disturbed. Duh, second housekeeping cleans an “S-Ton” rooms each and there’s this scientific thing called “cross-contamination”.
- The ice machine/ice bucket – The ice machine is code for “Hotel Petri Dish”. If you have death wish walk down the hall and grab a handful of frozen water from the moisture-laden ice receptacle. Now throw it in one of the hotel’s glasses (See Below) and mix yourself a Jack and Coke.
- Hotel Glassware – Never ever use a glass in your hotel room unless it’s hermetically sealed. I have no idea what “Hermetically Sealed” means but hermetically sounds safe.
- Hotel coffee pot – If you want coffee then drag your sleepy butt down to the lobby or bring your own. For all, you caffeine driven, freaks here are a few DIY ideas. Chances are that the towel that cleaned the toilet, desk and TV remote is going to be used on your coffee pot.
A few handy things to help fight the hotel nasties. Grab a zip-lock bag and throw the TV remote in it, and your hands will remain germ-free. Buy some Lysol® Disinfectant Spray To Go®, once in the room remove the air-conditioner filter and give it a good spray. Apparently, it kills 99.9% of fungi, viruses, and bacteria…. who knew?
In case you’re bored or intrigued, check out Hotel Nightmares, guaranteed to fill your sleep with dreams. There’s a Rate My Job thread that details Disgusting Things Hotel Workers Found In Rooms.
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