Many people have the habit of drinking the mineral water provided in hotel rooms without realizing the hidden risks involved. The reasons behind this might make you reconsider before opening that bottle. Don’t let a small, careless habit affect your health and your wallet.

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Why Should You Avoid Drinking Mineral Water Provided in Hotel Rooms?

1. Hidden Costs

Mineral water provided in hotel rooms is usually not free. If you drink the bottled water to quench your thirst temporarily, you might be surprised when checking out because the price is often much higher than expected.

While a bottle of mineral water outside costs around 10,000 VND (less than 0.5 USD), in hotels it can be as high as 50,000 VND or more per bottle. This markup might seem unreasonable, especially when you’re already paying for accommodation.

Of course, many hotels rated 3 stars and above provide two complimentary bottles of mineral water per room per day. But if you consume more, you will have to pay the extra charges.

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2. Long Storage Time

Mineral water in hotel rooms is often placed there well in advance and may be stored for a very long time before being consumed. Prolonged storage can degrade the quality of the water, creating conditions for bacteria and harmful substances to develop. Drinking such water might negatively affect your health.

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3. Incomplete or Broken Seals

Hotels have many guests coming and going every day, and it’s impossible to guarantee what previous guests have done with the bottles. Some may have opened the water and then resealed it without proper care. Worse, if you encounter malicious individuals, they might tamper with or counterfeit the bottled water.

If the hotel staff don’t thoroughly check the water bottles, you might end up drinking contaminated water left by previous guests.

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Additional Tips for Staying Safe in Hotels

Beyond mineral water, there are other hygiene concerns to keep in mind during your hotel stay. Many people have reported health issues after staying in hotels due to overlooked cleanliness.

1. Avoid Using Hotel Towels

Even in upscale hotels, it’s best not to use the face towels or bath towels provided. These towels may harbor bacteria and germs that aren’t always thoroughly washed or sanitized.

While the towels appear clean, you can never be certain of their true hygiene status.

If bringing your own towel is inconvenient, consider purchasing a small, clean face towel to carry with you.

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2. Be Careful Using the Hotel's Electric Kettle

Some unethical individuals might put unsanitary items into the electric kettles provided in hotel rooms. Always clean or boil the kettle water thoroughly before use.

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3. Avoid Using the Hotel’s Plastic Slippers

Some hotels only provide plastic slippers rather than disposable ones. These slippers often aren’t cleaned properly and are worn by many different guests, increasing the risk of fungal infections like athlete’s foot.

Always bring your own slippers or shoes to avoid such risks.

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Final Thoughts

When staying in a hotel, everyone hopes to enjoy a comfortable environment while protecting their own health. Even something as common as bottled mineral water requires careful consideration.

Although the bottled water in your hotel room might seem convenient and trustworthy, there are hidden health and safety risks involved. To protect yourself, you should take preventive measures such as bringing your own bottled water, verifying the water source, and using boiled water for drinking when possible. Only by doing so can you ensure your health is safeguarded and your trip remains both safe and enjoyable.