Hotels may seem like well-oiled machines catering to guests’ every need, but behind the scenes, there’s a lot more happening than meets the eye. From questionable cleaning practices to sneaky ways to score an upgrade, hotel employees have shared shocking details that might make you rethink your next stay.

1. Your Luggage Isn’t Always Handled with Care

If you think hotel staff treat your luggage with respect, think again. According to one former employee, left-behind luggage is often tossed around in the storage room. If it’s big enough, staff might sit on it. If it’s small, it could even become a makeshift football. So, if you have fragile items inside, be extra careful about where you leave your bags.

2. Those Scrambled Eggs Aren’t What You Think
Ever wondered how hotels manage to serve breakfast so quickly? A former night-shift worker revealed that many hotels use ready-to-cook egg mix, which comes in bulk containers and is just heated before serving. So, unless you see a chef cracking fresh eggs, you might be eating something closer to an “egg-flavored” liquid.

3. The Hair Dryer Is a Hidden Germ Magnet
While housekeeping does a decent job of cleaning bathrooms, the hair dryer is one of the most neglected items in a hotel room. A microbiologist warns that hotel hair dryers are rarely disinfected and can harbor bacteria from multiple guests. It’s best to bring your own or wipe it down thoroughly before using it.

4. The Cancellation Loophole They Don’t Want You to Know
If you’ve missed the cancellation deadline for your reservation, here’s a trick: call and reschedule your stay for a later date, wait a few minutes, then call back and cancel it within the new window. This loophole often allows you to cancel without a penalty.

5. That “Luxury” Seafood Dish? It Might Be a Lie
A former worker at a five-star hotel admitted that not all ingredients are as premium as they seem. Fancy-sounding dishes like “pan-fried sea bass” might just be generic frozen white fish. Even “saffron sauce” may be nothing more than food coloring. The lesson? Take that high-priced hotel buffet with a grain of salt.

6. Housekeeping Doesn’t Always Change All the Linens
You might assume that every part of your bedding gets washed after a guest checks out—but that’s not always the case. Housekeepers only change the sheets unless the comforter or blanket has an obvious stain. That means you could be snuggling up in the same covers as dozens of previous guests.

7. Want a Bigger Bathroom? Ask for a Handicap Room
If you prefer a spacious bathroom, here’s an insider tip: request a handicap-accessible room with a roll-in shower. These rooms often have double the space compared to standard ones, making your stay much more comfortable.

8. The Magic Word That Can Get You a Free Upgrade
Unhappy with your room? Politely mention to the manager that you felt an itching sensation at night and that you might have seen a small bug. Whisper the word “bedbug” discreetly so other guests don’t hear. Hotels take this issue seriously, and you’re likely to be upgraded without a fuss—sometimes even to a suite.

9. Those Tiny Shampoo Bottles? Think Twice Before Using Them
One hotel employee confessed that those complimentary shampoo and lotion bottles are often refilled instead of being replaced. Housekeeping collects half-used bottles, refills them from large bulk containers (often past their expiration date), and then reseals them. If you want fresh products, bring your own or ask for new bottles at the front desk.

10. Negotiating Your Room Rate Can Work
Believe it or not, hotel front desks often have the power to lower your room rate—if you ask nicely. Depending on the time of night and occupancy level, they can knock off $50 or more if they feel like it. Even at full-price, most front desks can at least give a 10% discount for various reasons.

11. Housekeeping Shortcuts: The Towel Trick
Before placing your toiletries on the bathroom counter, lay down a clean towel first. Some housekeepers use the same rag to wipe the toilet, shower, and sink, meaning your counter may not be as clean as it looks.

12. Hotel Pillows Might Not Be as Fresh as You Think
The pillowcases are washed between guests, but the pillows themselves? Not so much. Many pillows go months (or even years) without being properly cleaned, only getting replaced if there’s a noticeable stain or odor. A good rule of thumb? Bring your own pillowcase to put over theirs.

13. Noise Complaints Are Often Ignored
Unless there’s a major disturbance, hotel staff rarely do much about noise complaints. One worker revealed that many guests mistakenly report the wrong room, which makes enforcing quiet hours difficult. If you’re dealing with loud neighbors, you might have to just put in some earplugs and hope for the best.

14. Hidden Fees? Ask to Have Them Removed
Hotels often tack on extra charges for things like Wi-Fi, gym access, or newspapers. The good news? Many of these fees can be removed if you ask. At check-out, politely request a breakdown of the charges and inquire about removing any unnecessary add-ons.

The Truth About Hotel Stays
While hotels strive to provide a comfortable experience, there’s always more happening behind the scenes. From questionable cleanliness practices to sneaky hacks for scoring discounts, knowing these insider tips can help you make smarter choices during your next hotel stay.

Would you still feel comfortable staying in a hotel after reading this? Let us know in the comments!