Why Should You Throw a Bottle of Water Under the Bed When Checking into a Motel or Hotel?
Throwing a bottle of water under the bed in a motel or hotel serves a very important purpose.
Upon receiving your room, it’s advisable to throw a bottle of water under the bed. This tip, widely shared on social media, comes from Esther, a Dutch flight attendant for European Airlines KLM. She always throws a bottle of water under the bed after checking in to ensure her safety and peace of mind while staying in an unfamiliar place.
Esther explained that this action helps her determine if there’s anything or anyone hidden under the bed.
When you throw a bottle of water under the bed, if it doesn’t roll out the other side, you can investigate further—either by checking yourself or asking a companion or hotel staff to inspect. If there’s no obstruction under the bed, the bottle should roll out smoothly on the other side.
Throwing a bottle under the bed also helps identify any irregularities. If you sense anything unusual or unsafe, it’s better to leave the room immediately and notify hotel security.
Additionally, this practice can reveal whether the room is clean. Housekeeping staff might sometimes miss cleaning under the bed, leaving behind trash or items from previous guests. In some cases, pests like ants, cockroaches, or bugs might inhabit the space, posing hygiene and health risks.
This check can also help you spot potentially dangerous items, such as weapons, drugs, or other problematic objects that could lead to trouble.
Spending a few seconds inspecting under the bed can save you from many issues and ensure your safety.
Besides throwing a bottle of water under the bed, you should also thoroughly examine the rest of the room for anything unusual, such as suspicious devices that could be hidden cameras. Concerns about privacy violations are common when staying in hotels. Taking the time to inspect the room carefully can provide peace of mind and a more comfortable stay.