10 Things about Hotel Rooms That Should Scare You
You are so excited, your vacation is about to begin. But first, you need to put your bags away, so you go and check into your hotel room. Your first reaction, hopefully, is that everything “looks” incredible. But little do you know there are dangers hidden in your room.
Don’t let a clean looking room fool you. Just because the beds are nicely made, your towels are arranged perfectly and your carpet looks spotless, doesn’t mean it’s actually clean.
Some of the most touched places are the least clean light switches, doorknobs, clocks and lamps, just to name a few. Always remember to bring sanitary wipes with you so you can wipe down these bacteria infested places.
Keep reading for the 10 things about hotel rooms that should scare you.
1. Crime
It’s frightening to think, the one place you are supposed to feel safe traveling, may just be the most dangerous. Robbery and assault are common crimes. According to The Seattle Times, “the nature of the crimes is changing, police officials say. More and more guests are being physically threatened in or near their rooms, or worse, attacked, raped or killed.”
2. Bed Bugs
Make sure you check your bed before you sleep in it, or better yet… as soon as you arrive. Bed bugs hide in crevices of the mattresses, headboards, box spring and you may even find them on your luggage rack.
3. The Hotel Room Floor
Your hotel room floor may look clean, but you have no clue who or what has been on it last. The cleaning service only does so much, and when they are in a rush they may skip the vacuum process. Make sure you are always wearing slippers or socks when walking around your hotel room.
4. Beware of a Break-In
Whether you are in the room or out, always leave the “do not disturb” sign on your door. It’s more likely your room will be broken into when no one is there, so send off the impression someone is in it at all times. It is said that the amount of break-ins in hotel rooms are increasing. Always take precaution, be prepared and don’t trust anyone easily.
5. Risk of Fires
According to the National Fire Protection Association, “U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 3,520 structure fires in hotels and motels each year, which represents 1% of all structure fires.” Make sure to scope out the exits just in case there is an emergency.
6. You Can’t Always Trust Hotel Security
The people that are supposed to be keeping you safe, may just be the people that are putting your safety at risk. In many cases criminals are known to pretend to be security, housekeeping or room service. They get you to open the door by impersonating a hotel employee, then, before you know it, you have fallen victim of a crime.
7. Poor Air Quality
Air quality has become a concern among travelers. The smell of cleaning products, the stench of an air conditioner, and even polluted outside air coming in, are some of the many things to look out for. Coming in contact with these harmful fumes can cause damage to your health.
8. Hotel Fees
Hotels have a way of charging you hidden fees. An extra $3 to use the safe in your room, a $20 a night resort fee and charging you for what looks like “complimentary” water and snacks are just a few ways they get in your pockets. Other fees include cancellation, grounds keeping and internet. Make sure you read your bill closely to avoid paying any hidden hotel fees.
9. Beware of the Remote Control
Think twice before you touch certain items in your hotel room. The cleaning staff has a quick turnaround for rooms and rarely do they disinfect the random items such as your remote control. Your remote may have the same amount of bacteria as your toilet seat. Tip: Bring disinfectant wipes with you and wipe down items and surfaces in your room.
10. Fake Wi-Fi
According to research there are dangers that may be lurking in a free wireless connection. Stolen identity and computer viruses call for concern. However, the FBI issued a warning in 2012 about travelers being targeted by criminals installing malware through hotel Internet connections. Never perform any credit card activity while connected to your hotel Wi-Fi.
Article Source: http://www.theactivetimes.com/adventure/survival/10-things-about-hotel-rooms-should-scare-you
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VOCABULARY WORDS:
1. Crevice (n.) ~ a narrow opening or fissure, especially in a rock or wall
2. Precaution (n.) ~ a measure taken in advance to prevent something dangerous, unpleasant, or inconvenient from happening
3. Scope out (phrasal verb) ~ to look carefully to see if something or someone is interesting or attractive
4. Impersonate (v.) ~ pretend to be (another person) as entertainment or in order to deceive someone
5. Stench (n.) ~ a strong and very unpleasant smell
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
1. How do you feel about staying in hotels? Do you think they are generally safe or clean? Discuss your answer.
2. What is the worst experience you have ever had when you stayed in a hotel? Give details.
3. What do you do to be safe when staying in a hotel?
