When checking into a hotel or motel, ensuring your safety is a top priority, especially in unfamiliar places. One simple but effective precautionary measure is to throw a bottle of water under the bed. This tip, recommended by an experienced flight attendant, helps detect if anyone or anything suspicious is hiding beneath the bed. If the bottle doesn’t roll out, it could indicate an obstruction or person, allowing you to act quickly without putting yourself in a vulnerable position.

This method is both discreet and practical. Instead of bending down to check under the bed, which could put you in a dangerous situation if someone is there, the water bottle test gives you a safer, more controlled way to ensure there’s no hidden threat. If the bottle rolls freely to the other side, you can feel more confident about the room’s safety. If not, it’s best to leave the room immediately and contact hotel staff.

Beyond safety, this practice also offers a quick way to assess the room’s cleanliness. Under the bed is an area that hotel cleaning staff may neglect, allowing dust and trash to accumulate. Throwing a bottle of water not only reveals any hidden dangers but also shows if the room meets hygiene standards, ensuring a more comfortable stay.

Taking this extra step when you check in can make a significant difference in your peace of mind and overall experience. Whether traveling for business or leisure, it’s worth adopting small habits like this to keep yourself safe and ensure your hotel stay is as pleasant as possible.