10 Essential Things All Travelers Should Do When Checking Into a Lodging

1.  Safety Comes First

When you arrive at your lodging and start checking in hotels, one of the first things you should do is ensure that your room door locks securely. It’s a simple yet vital step for your safety and peace of mind. Locks vary from place to place, so don’t assume they all function similarly.

Here’s what you should do:

Test the Lock for Security

When you arrive at your lodging in Lake Placid, NY , you should first ensure that the door locks securely. If applicable, insert your key card or use the traditional key, and test the lock to ensure it firmly engages, preventing unauthorized access. This simple step ensures your safety during your stay.

Utilize the Deadbolt for Added Security

In addition to checking the main lock, be sure to use the deadbolt if your room is equipped with one. Deadbolts provide an extra layer of security, offering peace of mind when staying at a hotel. This precaution significantly reduces the chances of unauthorized entry.

Report Any Lock Issues Promptly

If you encounter any issues with the lock when checking into lodging in Lake Placid, NY, such as malfunctioning mechanisms or locks that seem insecure, don’t hesitate to report it immediately to the front desk. The hotel staff should promptly fix the problem or offer a different room with a properly functioning lock. Your safety is their top priority, so never ignore a potential security concern.

2.  Before Unpacking Your Bags, Check for Bed Bugs

No one wants to encounter bed bugs when checking in hotels. Bed bugs can quickly turn a dreamy hotel stay into a nightmare. These tiny pests are notorious for hiding in cracks and crevices, making it crucial to inspect your sleeping area before unpacking. Here’s how to check for bed bugs:

Examine the Bed

When you’re checking into lodging and before settling in, take a moment to inspect the bed carefully. Lift the sheets and thoroughly examine the mattress seams, headboard, and bed frame. Look for any small, reddish-brown bugs or tiny eggs, which could indicate a bed bug infestation. This simple precaution can prevent you from experiencing the discomfort and inconvenience of dealing with bed bugs during your stay.

Check Furniture for Signs of Bed Bugs

In addition to the bed, be sure to inspect other pieces of furniture in the room. This includes chairs, couches, and any upholstered furniture. Bed bugs are known to hide in various crevices, so a meticulous examination of these items can help you spot any potential issues and ensure a bed bug-free environment.

Don’t Overlook the Luggage Rack

One commonly overlooked area when checking for bed bugs is the luggage rack. As you unpack or prepare to check out, take a moment to examine the luggage rack for any signs of bed bugs. These pests can easily hitch a ride on your luggage, so ensuring the rack is free from infestation is essential to prevent bringing bed bugs back home.

3.  Know The Escape Route

While we all hope for a safe and uneventful stay, it’s essential to be prepared for emergencies when staying at a hotel or any other lodging. Knowing the escape routes can be life-saving if a fire or another emergency occurs. Here’s how to prepare:

Locate Exits for Emergency Preparedness

Upon checking into lodging in Lake Placid, NY, it’s crucial to prioritize your safety. Take a few moments to locate the nearest exits from your room, including the stairwells. Knowing these exit routes in advance can be invaluable in an emergency, such as a fire or evacuation. This simple step can distinguish between a safe exit and potential hazards.

Study the Fire Escape Plan

Ensure your safety by reading the fire escape plan posted on the back of your room door. This informative plan provides essential guidance on what to do in case of a fire or other emergencies. Familiarizing yourself with this plan is a proactive measure that ensures you are well-prepared to respond effectively to any unexpected situation.

Practice Mental Evacuation Drills

To enhance your readiness in an emergency, mentally visualize your path to the nearest exit and practice using the stairs. This mental rehearsal can help you react swiftly and confidently should the need to evacuate arise. Being well-prepared and aware of your surroundings, you can prioritize your safety when staying at a hotel or any other lodging.

4.  Wash Hotel Room Glasses

You’ve just checked in and may be eager to quench your thirst, but before you use those hotel room glasses, it’s essential to wash them. While hotels aim to provide a clean environment, glasses can sometimes be overlooked in the cleaning process. Here’s what to do:

Wash Thoroughly for Hygienic Enjoyment

Upon arriving at your lodging in Lake Placid, NY, ensure a hygienic experience by thoroughly washing the hotel room glasses. Use hot, soapy water to clean the glasses, and rinse them thoroughly. If you have any doubts about cleanliness, you can use the hotel’s disposable cups. This simple step guarantees you can confidently savor your beverages during your stay.

Check for Cracks or Chips to Avoid Contamination

While cleanliness is essential, inspecting the glasses for any cracks or chips that could harbor germs is equally crucial. Examine the glassware carefully, both inside and out. If you discover any imperfections, such as cracks or chips, do not hesitate to contact housekeeping to request replacements. Your health and comfort are a top priority, and promptly addressing any issues ensures a pleasant stay at a hotel or any other lodging.

5.  Check the Sheets and Towels

When checking into lodging, one of the first things you’ll want to do is settle into a comfortable bed. But before you do, it’s a good idea to inspect the sheets, pillowcases, and towels for cleanliness. Here’s a checklist for your inspection:

Freshness for a Restful Stay

To guarantee a comfortable and restful stay when checking into lodging in Lake Placid, NY, it’s essential to ensure the freshness of your linens. Take a moment to inspect the sheets and pillowcases, ensuring they look clean and smell freshly laundered. This attention to detail ensures a pleasant night’s sleep during your stay at a lodging.

Stains or Marks

While examining your bedding and towels, be vigilant in checking for any stains or marks. Thoroughly inspect both the bedding and towels for any imperfections. If you encounter any stains or marks, don’t hesitate to contact the hotel’s housekeeping. They will promptly provide you with replacements, ensuring your stay remains comfortable and hassle-free.

Hygiene and Neatness of Bathroom Towels

In addition to the bedroom linens, pay close attention to the bathroom towels. Examine them for cleanliness and ensure they are neatly folded. Clean and neatly presented towels not only contribute to your overall comfort but also indicate a high standard of hygiene. These small details significantly impact your lodging experience.

6.  Clean the Hotel TV Remote

The TV remote control in your hotel room may seem harmless, but it’s often overlooked in terms of cleanliness. Multiple hands touch it, making it a potential breeding ground for germs. Here’s how to ensure a clean remote control:

Disinfect the Remote Control

Maintaining a clean and germ-free environment is essential when staying in a hotel. To ensure the cleanliness of your hotel room, use disinfectant wipes or a cloth with a disinfecting solution to thoroughly clean the remote control.

Pay particular attention to the buttons and crevices where germs may hide. This precautionary step minimizes the risk of coming into contact with harmful bacteria or viruses, ensuring a healthier stay at a hotel or any other lodging.

Use a Plastic Bag for Added Protection

For extra protection against germs, consider placing the remote control in a plastic bag during your stay. This simple measure prevents direct contact with the remote and reduces the risk of cross-contamination.

By taking these steps, you can confidently relax and enjoy your in-room entertainment, knowing that you’ve prioritized your well-being when staying at a hotel or any other type of lodging.

7.  Clean the Hotel Ice Bucket

While you might not think twice about using the ice bucket in your hotel room, cleaning it before filling it with ice is wise. Ice buckets can often be overlooked during the cleaning process. Here’s what you can do:

Rinse Thoroughly for Clean Ice

When it’s time to enjoy some refreshments in your hotel room, take a moment to ensure the cleanliness of the ice bucket. Before using it, rinse the ice bucket thoroughly with warm water and mild soap. This step eliminates any potential contaminants, ensuring that the ice you’re about to add remains clean and safe for consumption during your stay at a hotel or any other lodging.

Sanitize for Added Hygiene

For an extra layer of hygiene, consider using a disinfectant wipe to sanitize the interior of the ice bucket. This precautionary measure helps eliminate lingering germs, offering peace of mind when using the bucket to chill your beverages or snacks. Prioritizing cleanliness and sanitation ensures a worry-free stay.

Use a Plastic Bag for Ultimate Cleanliness

To take cleanliness a step further, consider lining the ice bucket with a plastic bag before adding ice. This added layer of protection prevents direct contact between your items and the bucket’s interior. By adopting these practices, you can confidently enjoy your refreshments, knowing that you’ve taken the necessary steps to maintain a clean and hygienic environment when staying at a lodging in Lake Placid, NY.

8.  ALWAYS Check For Hidden Cameras

Privacy is paramount when staying at a hotel or any lodging. Unfortunately, hidden cameras can sometimes compromise that privacy. While it may seem unlikely, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Here’s how to check for hidden cameras:

Use a Flashlight to Expose Hidden Cameras

To ensure your privacy when staying in a hotel, take proactive steps to detect hidden cameras. After turning off the lights and closing the curtains, use a flashlight to scan the room for any unusual or reflective objects. Hidden cameras often have reflective surfaces, and this method can help you spot them, ensuring your peace of mind during your stay, whether at a hotel or any other type of lodging.

Be Cautious of Out-of-Place Items

During your inspection, pay close attention to items that appear to be oddly positioned. Hidden cameras are typically discreetly placed but may disrupt the room’s natural layout. This keen observation can help you identify hidden cameras and maintain privacy.

Utilize a Camera Detector App for Advanced Detection

Consider using a camera detector app on your smartphone for a more advanced approach to detecting hidden cameras. These apps can pick up on signals emitted by hidden cameras, alerting you to their presence. Adding this technology to your privacy toolkit further enhances your ability to protect your personal space when staying at a hotel or any other lodging.

9.  Keep Your Valuables Locked Up in a Hotel Room Safe

When you’re staying at a hotel or any other lodging like Snowshoe Lodge , taking precautions to secure your valuables is essential. While most hotels are safe environments, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Here’s what you can do:

Utilize the In-Room Safe

When you’re staying at a hotel or any other lodging, make full use of the provided in-room safe to ensure the security of your valuable items. Safes are typically provided for convenience, allowing you to store important possessions such as passports, jewelry, and electronics. This feature allows you to confidently enjoy your stay, knowing that your valuables are well-protected.

Set a Secure Code

Choose a secure code to enhance your items’ security in the in-room safe. Avoid using easily guessable combinations like birthdates or sequential numbers. Opt for a unique and memorable code that only you would know. This extra layer of protection ensures that your belongings remain inaccessible to unauthorized individuals.

Check Safe Functionality

Before storing your valuables in the safe, take a moment to test its functionality. Ensure that it opens and locks properly without any issues. This quick check gives you peace of mind, knowing that your valuable items will be safely stored and easily accessible whenever you need them during your stay at a hotel or any other type of lodging.

10. Relax and Enjoy Your Stay

After taking all the necessary precautions when staying in a hotel, it’s time to kick back, relax, and savor your travel experience. Traveling is about creating memories and embracing new experiences, so don’t let minor inconveniences overshadow your journey. Here are some tips to help you relax and enjoy your stay:

Embrace Flexibility

When you’re on the road, whether staying at a hotel or exploring various forms of lodging, it’s crucial to embrace flexibility. Travel frequently presents unexpected twists, from flight delays to itinerary changes. Embracing these surprises as part of the adventure allows you to adapt and make the most of your journey, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Practice Mindfulness

Amidst the excitement of traveling and checking into new lodgings, take a moment to practice mindfulness. Pause to appreciate your surroundings and soak in your trip’s unique experiences. Mindfulness allows you to savor the beauty and culture of your destination, creating lasting memories that enrich your travel experience.

Connect with Locals

To truly immerse yourself in the local culture and enhance your travel experience, make an effort to connect with locals. Engaging with the people and traditions of your destination can lead to profound encounters and a deeper appreciation of the place you’re visiting. Whether striking up a conversation with a local vendor or participating in a cultural activity, these interactions can create lasting memories and enrich your experience.