August 8, 2025, 8:55 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Forget about a vacation vibe: A hotel room harbors numerous potential health hazards. Microbiologist Prof. Primrose Freestone explains the health risks lurking in hotel rooms.
On vacation, the hotel room is supposed to be a place of relaxation. Unfortunately, they are often not clean enough for that. It’s a minefield of germs, bacteria, viruses, and biting critters. Even luxury hotels are not immune. British microbiologist Prof. Primrose Freestone writes in a guest article for the science magazine “The Conversation”: “Whoever stayed in your room before you left bacteria, fungi, and viruses all over the furniture, carpets, curtains, and surfaces.”1 What remains of these germ deposits depends on how efficiently your room is cleaned by hotel staff, says the clinical microbiology lecturer at the University of Leicester. However, we judge a hotel room’s cleanliness based on what we see or smell. Germs and the like are invisible and odorless.
Health Risks Start on the Way to the Hotel Room
Before entering the room, remember that many different people constantly touch elevator buttons and door handles. Everyone leaves their own microorganisms, which layer over each other. Once you arrive, the first action should be thorough handwashing. According to the expert, the most common infections people contract during a hotel stay are norovirus, stomach upsets, colds, diarrhea, vomiting, pneumonia, and COVID-19. Sounds anything but relaxing.
Toilet Usually the Cleanest Place – Toothbrush Holder a Gross Factor
According to Freestone, the place with the least health risks in a hotel room is the bathroom, including the toilet. “They are generally cleaned more thoroughly than the rest and are often the least bacteriologically populated environments.” The only source of danger: the toothbrush holder. It is often forgotten during cleaning. If you want to use it or even drink from it, you should rinse it thoroughly with plenty of soap.
Beware of the Remote Control
Nightstand, phone, kettle, remote control—these surfaces are often overlooked between guest stays. “The typical time interval between guests is often less than twelve hours, so it has to be quick.” However, viruses like norovirus and COVID-19 can survive in infectious form on hard surfaces for days. Again, it’s best to go over them with disinfectant yourself. Your health will thank you.
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Germ and Creep Trap Bed
Now it gets even more uncomfortable: The bed, sheets, and pillows can also be home to some unwanted visitors. A 2020 study found that after a presymptomatic COVID-19 patient occupied a hotel room, many surfaces were significantly contaminated with viruses, with levels particularly high in sheets, pillowcases, and bed covers.2 This is especially true for bedspreads and decorative pillows, which are rarely washed, let alone changed. To be safe, microbiologist Freestone advises bringing your own bedding.
By the way: Bedbugs are a real nuisance. These blood-sucking insects are experts at hiding (even in suitcases) and can survive for months without food. Bedbugs are widespread in Asia, Europe, and the U.S. Fortunately, bedbug bites do not lead to transmissible diseases but can become severely inflamed.
Unmasking Uninvited Guests
Another tip: Carefully inspect the mattress, the back of the headboard, and the drawers and wardrobe. “Brown spots could be fecal remnants, bedbug shells look brownish-silvery, and live bedbugs are brown and typically one to seven millimeters long.” It’s important to always inform the hotel if bedbugs are found. Additionally, luggage and clothing should be thoroughly cleaned before returning them to the closets at home.
To minimize the health risks of a hotel room, there’s only one thing to do: “So, wherever you stay, bring a pack of antiseptic wipes.” This also applies to luxury suites. Every additional room cleaning reduces the profit margin, and even 5-star hotels don’t miss out on that.
More Tips to Feel Comfortable
Bring a pair of shower sandals to avoid worrying about athlete’s foot on vacation. When you first enter your room, you can remove decorative pillows and blankets right away—at most, place your suitcase on the blanket to unpack in peace. This way, no bacteria from the suitcase get into the bed. It’s best to hang clothes on hangers instead of placing them on the sofa or similar. Or, if you want to take it easy on vacation, just live out of the suitcase.