When staying in a hotel or motel, most travelers focus on unwinding after check-in, overlooking an essential step: inspecting the room. Skipping this check can lead to privacy and hygiene concerns. Here’s a brief guide on things to inspect upon arrival to ensure a secure and clean stay.

After check-in, take a few moments to examine the room for anything unusual, including mirrors, hidden cameras, and general cleanliness.

Two-Way Mirrors

While most mirrors in hotel rooms are standard one-way mirrors, it’s worth double-checking for two-way mirrors, which could compromise privacy by allowing someone on the other side to observe the room. Two-way mirrors often reflect differently from regular mirrors. To test, place a finger against the mirror’s surface. In a standard mirror, there will be a gap between your finger and its reflection; with a two-way mirror, the reflections usually touch without a gap. This can help you ensure that the mirror is safe.

Hidden Cameras

Although hotels typically install cameras only in public areas for security purposes, there’s a risk that previous occupants or individuals with bad intentions could place hidden cameras within the room. Devices can be concealed in seemingly ordinary objects like alarm clocks, smoke detectors, or power outlets. Use your flashlight to inspect any suspicious items or areas, paying particular attention to vents and devices with small holes or lenses that could hide a camera.

Hygiene and Cleanliness of Faucets and Showerheads

After assessing privacy, it’s wise to check for cleanliness in the bathroom. Inspect faucets and showerheads, especially looking for signs of accumulated dirt. If the showerhead or faucet shows visible buildup, it may indicate a lapse in room sanitation. You can go a step further by removing the showerhead to check for trapped debris like hair, which may suggest inadequate cleaning. In case of unhygienic conditions, don’t hesitate to contact the front desk and request either a new shower fixture or a room change.

By taking a few extra minutes to perform these checks, you can help ensure a safe, private, and pleasant stay on your next trip.

Keep the Music Going

After a double shift at the hospital, I walked in and my 7-year-old daughter was missing. My mother said, “We voted. You don’t get a say,” while my sister cleared out my child’s room like it was a seizure. I didn’t scream. I stayed calm—and what I said next terrified them.

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My grandson came by and asked why I was staying in a small room out back.

I inherited $20 million—he didn’t know. He kicked me out while I was in labor, called me “d.ead weight.” The next day, his new wife walked into my room and said, “She’s my CEO.” He stumbled back like he’d seen a ghost.

Breakfast turned into a nightmare the second I said no to giving my credit card to his sister—my husband splashed hot coffee across my face and screamed, “Later, she’ll come to the house. Give her your things or get out!”