Renting a room at a motel or hotel for travel or business trips is common, but safety should always be a priority.

Why throw a water bottle under the bed upon check-in?
This simple action, suggested by flight attendant Esther, helps identify potential safety risks. Throwing a bottle under the bed can reveal hidden people or objects. If the bottle doesn’t roll through, there may be an obstruction, prompting further checks or contacting hotel staff. If it rolls freely, the area is likely clear.

This method is safer than bending down to check directly, giving you time to react if something is amiss. It’s also useful for assessing room hygiene, as neglected under-bed areas can harbor dirt, trash, or pests.

If anything seems suspicious, leave immediately and report it to hotel security to ensure a safe and clean stay.