When you check into a hotel, your main goal is usually to relax, settle in, and maybe explore the amenities. But have you ever thought about what might be hiding under that hotel bed? It sounds unusual, but there’s a good reason why seasoned travelers, like flight attendants, recommend tossing a water bottle under the bed right when you arrive. In this article, we’ll explain this quirky yet effective safety tip and why you should consider making it part of your hotel routine.

The Hidden Risks in Your Hotel Room

Checking into a hotel room can feel like stepping into unfamiliar territory. Even if the room appears clean, you never know what could be lurking in places you don’t immediately inspect. While you might check the bathroom, open the closet, or glance around the furniture, the space under the bed is often overlooked—and that can be risky.

Hotel rooms, while usually well-maintained, can sometimes have hidden surprises. So, why should you toss a water bottle under the bed?

Why Toss a Water Bottle Under the Bed?

The concept is simple but effective. By tossing a water bottle under the bed as soon as you enter the room, you’re doing a quick safety check without having to bend down or expose yourself to potential danger. Here’s how it works: when you throw a water bottle from one side of the bed, it should roll out the other side if the space is clear. If the bottle stops halfway, it could indicate that something (or someone) is underneath the bed.

Real-Life Advice from a Seasoned Traveler

This unusual safety tip comes from Esther, a flight attendant with KLM Airlines who has stayed in countless hotels around the world. Esther explains that throwing a water bottle under the bed has become part of her routine for checking room safety. She suggests it’s especially useful for solo travelers, women, or anyone seeking extra peace of mind.

Esther shares that this precaution allows her to quickly verify if the room is safe without lowering her guard. It’s a subtle, effective way to check for hidden surprises, whether they are people or objects, without having to physically get down and inspect the area.

How to Do the Water Bottle Check

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

1. Enter Your Room with Caution: Upon entering, leave your luggage near the door while you do an initial scan of the room’s visible areas.
2. Grab a Water Bottle: Use any bottle or similarly shaped object that can roll easily across the floor.
3. Throw the Bottle Under the Bed: Stand on one side of the bed and roll the bottle toward the other side. Make sure it has enough momentum to cross the length of the bed.
4. Watch the Movement: If the bottle rolls out the other side, the space is likely clear. If it stops midway, approach the situation carefully or call hotel staff to help check the area.
5. Investigate If Necessary: If you feel uncomfortable, do not hesitate to ask hotel staff to inspect the space for you.

Enhancing Your Safety During Hotel Stays

While the water bottle trick is a good start, it’s not the only measure you should take to ensure your safety during a hotel stay. Here are additional safety tips:

1. Conduct a Thorough Room Inspection: After using 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. Also, be on the lookout for unusual items like hidden cameras, strange objects, or tampered doors and windows.
2. Check the Cleanliness of the Room: While tossing a water bottle under the bed can confirm safety, it can also reveal cleanliness. The space under the bed often accumulates dust, debris, and sometimes trash left by previous guests. Checking this area can give you an idea of how thorough the cleaning staff has been.
3. Secure Your Door: Once you’re satisfied with your initial inspection, make sure the room’s door is properly secured. Ensure the lock functions correctly, use the deadbolt, and if available, attach the security chain or latch. For extra protection, consider using a door wedge or portable door alarm while you sleep.
4. Stay Vigilant: Even after confirming the initial safety of your room, maintain awareness throughout your stay. Pay attention to any unusual sounds, and trust your instincts. If something feels off, notify hotel staff or security immediately.

Why the Water Bottle Trick Matters

You might think tossing a water bottle under the bed is excessive, but it’s a quick and simple way to increase your safety. It helps identify potential dangers without putting yourself at risk and can also reveal cleanliness issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.

This small action can prevent uncomfortable surprises or even serious safety risks. It’s about taking control of your environment and ensuring you have a secure, clean place to rest.

Conclusion: Make Safety a Habit, Not a Worry

Staying in hotels can be an enjoyable part of traveling, but it’s essential not to compromise on safety. Tossing a water bottle under the bed may sound quirky, but it’s a simple, discreet, and effective safety measure that frequent travelers swear by. So, next time you check into a hotel, remember this tip—it could make the difference between a peaceful stay and an unexpected scare. Safe travels!