This Is the First Thing You Should Do When You Enter a Hotel Room, According to Housekeeping

""When you first enter your hotel room, start with safety," says Afi Anifrani, executive housekeeper at Thompson Savannah. "Make sure the door closes and locks securely, and if you plan to use the safe, check that it's functioning properly." Mary D'Argenis-Fernandez, founder and CEO of MDA Hospitality, also recommends verifying if any adjoining doors are locked. "If the peephole has a cover, ensure it is fully closed," she says."

"Anifrani recommends seeing if "the essentials are in working order-outlets, thermostat, TV, bathroom fixtures, and coffee maker-so there are no surprises later." Other things to take a look at include light switches and clocks, says Denise Perry, executive housekeeper at the Brenton Hotel in Newport, Rhode Island. "Also, open any curtains or shades to get as much light into the room as possible and take a good look around the room," she adds."

Begin by checking room security: confirm the door closes and locks, test the in-room safe, verify adjoining doors are locked, close any peephole cover, and note emergency exits and stairwell locations. Test essential functions including outlets, thermostat, TV, bathroom fixtures, coffee maker, light switches, and clocks to avoid surprises later. Open curtains or shades to inspect the room in daylight. Wipe or disinfect high-touch hotspots such as remote controls, thermostats, and coffee makers even though housekeeping disinfects these items daily. These steps improve safety, functionality, and cleanliness during a hotel stay.

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