20 Things That Should Make You Think Twice When Checking Into a Hotel
A good hotel stay can make your travel experience enjoyable, but a bad one can ruin your trip. From unclean rooms to poor customer service, there are several red flags to watch out for when checking into a hotel. Being aware of these warning signs can help you decide whether to stay or find alternative accommodations. Here are 20 red flags to look for when checking into a hotel that might indicate a less-than-pleasant stay.
1. Unwelcoming or Unattentive Front Desk Staff
If the front desk staff seems disinterested, rude, or inattentive when you check in, it’s a major red flag. Good customer service is essential for resolving issues, and if staff members are unfriendly from the start, it could mean trouble if any problems arise during your stay.
2. Dirty or Cluttered Lobby
The state of the lobby often reflects the overall cleanliness of the hotel. If the lobby is dirty, cluttered, or smells bad, it’s a strong indicator that cleanliness might not be a priority throughout the rest of the hotel.
3. Outdated or Poorly Maintained Decor
While dated decor isn’t always a deal-breaker, it can suggest that the hotel isn’t investing in upkeep. Look for signs of wear and tear, like peeling wallpaper, stained carpets, or broken furniture, which can indicate neglect.
4. Unpleasant Odors
Bad smells in the lobby, hallways, or rooms are clear red flags. Musty, moldy, or foul odors suggest poor ventilation, lack of cleanliness, or even pest problems. Trust your nose—if it smells off, there’s likely a reason.
5. Poor Reviews and Ratings
If you haven’t checked online reviews before booking, do so when you arrive. If recent reviews mention issues like bedbugs, poor cleanliness, or safety concerns, you may want to reconsider staying.
6. Security Concerns
If the hotel seems to have lax security, such as broken locks, unsecured access points, or a lack of visible security personnel, it’s a serious red flag. Your safety should always be a priority when staying in a hotel.
7. Lack of Basic Amenities
If basic amenities like toiletries, clean towels, or functional lighting are missing or in poor condition, it’s a sign of neglect. A reputable hotel should provide these basic necessities without question.
8. Signs of Pest Infestation
Look for signs of pests, such as droppings, dead insects, or evidence of bedbugs. Check the mattress seams and corners for tiny brown or black spots, which could indicate bedbug activity.
9. Poorly Lit Hallways and Stairwells
Poor lighting in hallways, stairwells, and common areas can be a safety concern. It may indicate a lack of attention to guest security or an attempt to hide a lack of cleanliness or maintenance.
10. Strange or Suspicious Guests Loitering
If there are people loitering in the lobby, hallways, or parking lot who seem out of place or make you feel uncomfortable, it could be a red flag for security issues. Hotels should have a safe and secure environment for their guests.
11. Unresponsive or Unhelpful Housekeeping Staff
If housekeeping staff seem overwhelmed, unprofessional, or unresponsive to requests, it’s a sign that the hotel may be understaffed or poorly managed. This can lead to dirty rooms and inadequate service.
12. Malfunctioning Elevators
Elevators that are slow, malfunctioning, or out of order can indicate poor maintenance practices. This is not only inconvenient but also potentially dangerous if there is an emergency.
13. Noisy Environment
A hotel that is excessively noisy due to thin walls, unruly guests, or nearby construction can affect the quality of your stay. If the noise level is high in the lobby, it might be even worse in the rooms.
14. Hidden Fees
If the hotel suddenly adds unexpected charges for things like Wi-Fi, parking, or resort fees that weren’t disclosed at the time of booking, it’s a red flag. Transparency in pricing is a sign of good management.
15. Broken or Non-Functional Room Features
If you find broken or non-functional features in your room, like faulty air conditioning, leaking faucets, or broken furniture, it indicates a lack of proper maintenance. Request a different room or consider a different hotel.
16. Low-Quality Bedding and Linens
If the bedding, towels, or linens are stained, threadbare, or have an unpleasant odor, it suggests poor cleaning standards. Clean and comfortable linens are essential for a good stay.
17. Inconsistent or No Wi-Fi Service
For many travelers, a reliable Wi-Fi connection is essential. If the hotel’s Wi-Fi is slow, intermittent, or non-existent, it could indicate that the hotel is not equipped to meet modern guests' needs.
18. Outdated or Dysfunctional Technology
If the room’s TV, phone, or other amenities are outdated or don’t work properly, it could be a sign that the hotel isn’t investing in quality upgrades or guest comfort.
19. Overwhelming Smell of Air Fresheners
An overwhelming smell of air fresheners in common areas or rooms could be masking bad odors or underlying issues like mold, mildew, or smoke damage. This could be a potential health concern.
20. No Emergency Exits or Safety Information
A lack of visible emergency exits or safety information in your room or common areas is a serious red flag. Proper safety protocols are crucial, and their absence indicates a disregard for guest safety.
