When you check into a hotel, your main goal is usually to settle in, relax, and perhaps explore the amenities. But have you ever considered what could be lurking under that hotel bed? While it might sound a bit odd, there’s a good reason why experienced travelers, including flight attendants, suggest tossing a water bottle under the bed as soon as you arrive. In this article, we’ll explain this unusual yet practical safety tip and why you should consider making it part of your hotel routine.

The Hidden Dangers in Hotel Rooms

Hotel rooms can sometimes feel like unfamiliar territory. Even if they appear spotless, you never really know what could be hiding in the less obvious places. It’s a well-known fact that hotel rooms can harbor unexpected surprises, some of which might be more unsettling than others.

When you walk into a hotel room, you likely check the bathroom, take a look at the furniture, and maybe peek inside the closet. But what about the space under the bed? It’s one of the most commonly overlooked areas, yet it can be risky to ignore.

Why Toss a Water Bottle Under the Bed?

You might be wondering why a water bottle and why under the bed. The concept is simple yet effective. By tossing a water bottle under the bed as soon as you enter, you perform a quick and subtle safety check. This method allows you to ensure that the space beneath the bed is clear of anything unexpected—be it objects or even a person.

Here’s how it works: when you throw the water bottle from one side of the bed, it should roll freely to the other side if the space is clear. If the bottle gets stuck midway, it could indicate something (or someone) underneath that needs further inspection.

Real-Life Advice from an Experienced Traveler

This unusual tip comes from Esther, a flight attendant with KLM Airlines. Having stayed in countless hotels around the world, Esther uses this strategy as part of her safety routine when checking into a new room. She explains that throwing a water bottle under the bed allows her to quickly verify if the room is safe without having to bend down right away.

Esther notes that this safety measure is especially useful for solo travelers, women, or anyone seeking extra peace of mind. It’s a quick, effective way to assess the room’s safety while keeping your guard up.

How to Perform the Water Bottle Check

Here’s how you can do this safety check yourself:

1. Enter with Caution: After entering the room, keep your belongings near the door while doing an initial scan of visible areas.
2. Grab a Water Bottle: Use any water bottle or similar object that can roll easily across the floor.
3. Toss It Under the Bed: Stand on one side of the bed and roll the bottle toward the other side. Make sure it has enough force to roll the entire length of the bed.
4. Watch the Movement: If the bottle rolls out the other side without stopping, you can be fairly confident that the area is clear.
5. Investigate if Necessary: If the bottle doesn’t roll out or stops suddenly, approach with caution and, if needed, call hotel staff to help inspect the area.

Additional Safety Tips for Your Hotel Stay

While the water bottle trick is a good first step, there are other measures you can take to enhance your safety during your hotel stay:

1. Conduct a Full Room Inspection: After the water bottle check, examine other parts of the room. Look behind curtains, inside closets, and in the bathroom to ensure no one is hiding. Check for unusual items like hidden cameras, strange objects, or tampered windows and doors.
2. Ensure the Room Is Clean: The water bottle trick also serves a secondary purpose: checking for cleanliness. Many guests overlook the fact that dirt, dust, and even garbage can accumulate under the bed. This simple check can reveal whether the cleaning staff has been thorough or if the space has been neglected.
3. Secure Your Door: Once you’re comfortable with your initial inspection, focus on securing the door. Make sure the lock works properly, use the deadbolt, and attach the security chain or latch if available. For added protection, consider using a door wedge or portable door alarm.
4. Stay Alert: Even after the initial safety check, it’s important to remain vigilant throughout your stay. Be aware of unusual sounds, trust your instincts, and report anything suspicious to hotel staff or security.

Why the Water Bottle Trick Matters

You might think that tossing a water bottle under the bed is excessive, but safety doesn’t have to be complicated. Often, it’s the simple precautions that make the biggest difference. This trick not only helps ensure that no one is hiding under the bed but also alerts you to other potential issues like debris or hidden items that could affect your stay.

By taking a moment to perform this check, you can prevent unpleasant surprises and reduce safety risks. It’s all about taking control of your environment and making sure you have a safe place to rest.

Conclusion: Make Safety a Habit

Staying in hotels is an exciting part of travel, but safety should never be compromised. Tossing a water bottle under the bed may sound quirky, but it’s a smart, simple tool to add to your safety routine. It’s quick, discreet, and effective, making it a great habit for frequent travelers. So, the next time you check into a hotel, remember this little trick—it could make the difference between a peaceful stay and an unexpected scare. Safe travels!