Regardless of how many stars the establishment has, there is a certain standard that is expected from hotels. It is hoped that the place will be clean, the bed will be comfy, and that there will be mini shampoos in the bathroom. Unfortunately, not all getaways fit the bill.
While we can do without complimentary hair products, we really would prefer that the place we’re sleeping is spick-and-span. Bed bugs, for example, are not something we’d like to contend with while spending time away. The little insects live in mattresses and love human blood. Their bites often cause itchy welts, but in more serious cases can lead to infections.
It is a belief that bed bugs are found in hotels on the lower end of the quality scale, but any establishment can house the critters as they are brought in by people. Next time you book yourself into a room, here’s how to check that you don’t have any unwanted guests.
Step #1
Get the room as dark as possible as bed bugs are not fans of the light. Close the curtains, turn off the lights, and rather use the flashlight on your cellphone.
Step #2
Lift the bed covers to expose the creases as the insects tend to hang out in creases and corners. Look out for any spots (particularly blood spots) or fine shell casing. It’s also a good idea to check the curtains and couches if the room has them.
Step #3
If you do find evidence of bed bugs, don’t panic. Take photos with your phone to show hotel management and request a new room.