Why Should You Throw a Water Bottle Under the Bed When Checking Into a Hotel Room?

Renting a room in a motel or hotel for overnight stays during trips, vacations, or business travels has become a common practice for many people. One of the most important aspects to consider when staying in an unfamiliar place is safety.

Upon receiving your hotel room, it is crucial to conduct a thorough inspection to avoid potential issues. Typically, people check the room's furnishings, bathroom, and toilet to ensure that all necessary amenities are available and that there are no hidden cameras. However, very few people pay attention to the area under the bed, which can pose potential safety risks.

A flight attendant named Esther from the Netherlands, who has many years of experience working for European Airlines KLM, shared that whenever she checks into a hotel room, she always throws a water bottle under the bed as a precautionary measure. This simple action can help detect whether someone is hiding under the bed or if there is any unknown object underneath.

To do this, you should throw the water bottle forcefully from one side of the bed. If there is a person or an obstacle under the bed, the bottle will not roll out from the other side. In this case, you can either check under the bed yourself or ask a travel companion or hotel staff to assist in the inspection.

If there is no obstruction under the bed, the water bottle will easily roll from one side to the other, giving you more peace of mind about the room’s safety.

Directly bending down to check under the bed immediately upon entering the room may startle you, leaving little time to react if someone or something is hiding underneath. Meanwhile, throwing a water bottle under the bed allows you to prepare in advance. If you notice something unusual, you can leave the room immediately without having to bend down and check manually.

If you feel uneasy or notice anything suspicious in your room, it is best to leave and contact hotel security for assistance in thoroughly inspecting the room.

Additionally, checking under the hotel bed can also help assess the cleanliness of the room. The area beneath the bed is often overlooked by housekeeping staff, leading to dust accumulation or even leftover trash. Some previous guests may have carelessly discarded waste or dropped items under the bed, making it an ideal hiding spot for rodents and insects.

By taking this small precaution, you can ensure both your safety and hygiene during your stay.