Why You Should Always Check Under the Bed When Checking Into a Hotel

Renting a room at a guesthouse or hotel to rest or stay overnight during business trips, vacations, or weekend getaways has become second nature for most people. However, one of the most important things to consider whenever you stay somewhere unfamiliar is safety.

As soon as you receive your room key and step inside, you should take a few minutes to thoroughly inspect the room to prevent any unwanted surprises. Most travelers already know to check the furniture, bathroom, and toilet area to make sure all the equipment is in place and to look for anything suspicious—such as hidden cameras or listening devices. Yet, surprisingly few people remember to check under the bed, even though this is one of the areas most likely to hide potential dangers.

A Simple Safety Tip from a Flight Attendant

Esther, a flight attendant from the Netherlands who has worked for European Airlines KLM for many years, shared a useful habit she follows every time she checks into a hotel: she throws a water bottle under the bed as a safety precaution.

According to Esther, this simple action can reveal whether there’s someone or something hidden under the bed. When you first enter your hotel room, take a half-filled water bottle and toss it under the bed from one side. If the bottle rolls freely to the other side, it means there are no obstacles. However, if it gets stuck or doesn’t roll back out, it could indicate that there’s something—or someone—underneath.

In such a case, avoid kneeling down to check immediately. Instead, call your travel companion or contact the hotel front desk or security to inspect the area safely.

Why You Shouldn’t Look Directly Under the Bed

Bending down to check the space under the bed as soon as you enter the room could catch you off guard if there’s anything or anyone hiding there. The quick “bottle throw” trick gives you a safer distance and more time to react. If you notice anything unusual, you can step out of the room right away and ask for help, rather than putting yourself in a risky situation.

Even if no one is hiding there, performing this check can provide peace of mind during your stay. Knowing the room is secure helps you relax and rest better, especially when traveling alone.

Hygiene and Cleanliness Benefits

Besides safety, checking under the bed is also a good way to assess the cleanliness and hygiene of your room. The area beneath the bed is often overlooked by housekeeping staff, making it a common spot for accumulated dust, forgotten items, or even pests. Some guests may have left trash or accidentally dropped personal belongings there during their previous stay. Discovering such issues early allows you to request a room change or additional cleaning before settling in.

Extra Safety Tips for Travelers

While checking under the bed is an important first step, you should also:

• Make sure the door lock and peephole work properly.

• Check windows and balcony doors to ensure they close securely.

• Look for hidden cameras in suspicious objects such as alarm clocks, smoke detectors, or TV boxes.

• Avoid sharing your room number loudly in public areas.

Final Thoughts

Taking a few minutes to inspect your hotel room—especially the area under the bed—can greatly increase your personal safety and comfort during your stay. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or an occasional vacationer, adopting small, practical habits like this can make a big difference.

Remember, when something feels off or unsafe, trust your instincts. Leave the room immediately and ask hotel security to assist. A quick check today could prevent a serious incident tomorrow.